Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Rara National Park

Rara Lake Helicopter Tour

Fly to Nepal's largest lake in the remote far west: deep blue water at 2,990 m, ringed by the pine and juniper forest of Rara National Park. It's a full day out, with an hour on the shore.

2,990 mlanding, Rara Lake

Duration: About 7 hours
Departs: Kathmandu, around 6:30
Landing: Rara Lake, 2,990 m
Time on the ground: About 1 hour
Group size: 1 to 5 per helicopter
Best months: April–June and September–November

Rara is the biggest lake in Nepal, a little over 10 km² of clear water in a bowl of pine, spruce and juniper forest in the Mugu district of the far west. Very few visitors make it here: the road ends days away and flights to the nearby airstrip are irregular. That, of course, is exactly why the shore is so peaceful.

The helicopter flies west from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the plains to refuel, then north over the Mahabharat hills and the Karnali river into Rara National Park. It lands near the lakeshore, leaving you about an hour to wander along the water, watch for birds and look across to the Chuchemara ridge.

It's a long day with two refuelling stops, which is why it costs more than the flights near Kathmandu. Starting from Nepalgunj makes it much cheaper, so do ask us about that option.

Highlights

Land beside Rara Lake (2,990 m), the largest lake in Nepal
Pine and juniper forest of Rara National Park
The remote Karnali hills from the air
One of the quietest places in the country

Price per person by group size

You hire the whole helicopter, and its cost is shared between everyone on board. Travelling solo or as a couple? Ask about a shared seat, which costs the lowest price.

Passengers	Price per person
1 person	US$7,387each
2 people	US$3,694each
3 people	US$2,462each
4 people	US$1,847each
5 people	US$1,478each

Flight plan

1
Kathmandu to Rara and back
- Hotel pickup and fly west to Nepalgunj to refuel.
- Fly north over the Karnali hills to Rara National Park.
- About an hour by the lake: walk the shore, photographs, packed lunch.
- Fly back via Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and drive to your hotel.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off by private car
Your seat on the helicopter, with all landing and route charges
Airport and government taxes
Passenger insurance held by the helicopter operator
Rara National Park entry fee
Packed lunch

Not included

Travel insurance
Meals unless listed
Tips and personal spending

Good to know

Where we meet you: Your hotel in Kathmandu
Cancellation: If the weather grounds your flight, you can move it to the next clear day or have a full refund. If you cancel more than 10 days before the flight, we refund half of what you've paid; within 10 days, the deposit isn't refundable. Booking terms
Notes: Nepalgunj is hot from April to June. The wait at the airport while the helicopter refuels is short, but bring some water.

Questions

Can we stay overnight at Rara?

Yes. There are simple lodges and a park resort, and the helicopter collects you on a later day. Ask us for the price.

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