Rara National Park in the far northwestern part of the country offers a representative sample of the region’s flora and fauna. Sprawled over Mugu and Jumla districts the heart of the park is the country’s biggest lake, Rara Lake, from where the park gets its name. The lake is also deep as 167 meter at some places, and drains into the river Mugu Karnali via Nijar Khola (River). The park is mainly covered with coniferous forest while the area around the lake is dominated by blue pine. Rhododendron, juniper, spruce, oak and cypress are found around 3000-meter while at higher altitude pine, spruce and fir more common. The rich vegetation of the park is a home to the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan tahr, wild yellow-throated martin, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and common otter. During the winter park abounds in 272 species of birds’ verities like coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red crested pochard, mallard, common teal, merganserand gulls. Migrant water fowls and gallinaceous birds can also be seen during certain seasons. As for the water life in the lake three species of snow trout is recorded so far.
Rara National Park is one of very beautiful destination for trekking in the lust and pristine jungle. Since is located in rural areas, tented camping treks is popular trekking in this region. Rara National Park can be reached by an hour flight to Talcha Airport from Nepagunj. February to April and October to November is best time to trek in Rara National Park. Rara Lake Trek and Jumla to Rara Lake Trek are some of featured trekking route in this park.
