Event Management/ Domestic Tourism Promotion

Rara Festival
In order to promote tourism in western region and keeping an account on the interest of tourist visiting there, we organized RARA Festival on 12-14/Oct 2001 with Grand Success.

FASCINATION OF RARA NATIONAL PARK

• The Rara National Park covers an area of 106 sq. km
• The Rara Lake (2990m), the largest lake of Nepal is the main fascinating spot of the Park. It covers a total area of 10.8 sq. km (maximum length 5 km and width 3 km) with an approximate depth of 167 m.
• The Rara National Park is home of 20 different species of mammals including musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Jackal, Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda etc.
• It is also nest of 214 species of birds, which includes coots, snow cock, different species of pheasants, grebes, mallard, Nepal kalich etc. During winter the migratory birds really attracts the birders with ample pleasure.
• Schizothorax fish (Ashla) is the only fish species recorded in the Rara Lake.
• The Rara National Park is the home of more than 500 different kinds of flowers and herbs. The area around the Lake is dominated by the pine trees. Rhododendron, black juniper, Oak, west Himalayan spruce, Himalayan cypress, one other associated species.
• The Chuchemara Peak(4039m) which is the highest point of park has stood along with other attractive ridges like Murma top, Ruma Kand (3731m) and Malika Kand (3444m).They combinely appear as an excellent panorama of the Rara Lake and the Mugu Karnali Valley.

Highlights of the Rara Festival Special programs

• The regular show of culture programs which reflects the typical culture of Mugu district, including Deuda dance, Dhami dance, hudke dance, Panche dance, Bhoteselo, Lama dance.
• Typical dishes of local food in food festival.
• Sales and Exhibition of local products including handicrafts, herbs, hand made garments etc.
• Additional recreational activities like horse riding, fishing, boating, trekking and mini marathon around the Lake.

Special Facilities:

• Lodging and fooding at local hotels, Rilok- the triangle hotel, Anfe hotel.
• Availability of tents for camping.
• Special discount on helicopter from Surkhet/Rara lake side/Surkhet
• Besides these, local guide, porters and horses were available for trekking around.

Access to Rara Lake:

• Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Bhairahawa to Surkhet by Night bus & Rara by Helicopter.
• Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by Flight, Nepalgunj/Surkhet by jeep or bus & Rara by helicopter.
• Mahendranagar, Royal Bardiya National Park to Surkhet by jeep and Rara by helicopter.
• Three days trek from Jumla to Rara.
• Three days trek from Kolti, Bajura to Rara .

As the festival has fascinated lots of tourists, we have planned to organize the entire requirement for your visit to Rara Lake (Rara National Park). Once again! We have planned to offer you the opportunity to visit Rara Lake as well as other National Parks such as Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and Royal Bardia National Park.

Our sincere thanks goes to all the participants!!!!!!!!!!

Rara National Park at a glance
Rara National Park is located in the North Western high mountains of Nepal. The Park was gazetted in 1976 to conserve the unique beauty of lake Rara and to protect the representative flora and fauna of the Humla-Jumla region. The Park is Nepal's smallest protected area, comprising an area of 106.km. There were two villages Rara and Chhapru within the Park, when the park was established. The residents of the two villages were resettled in Bardiya District, outside the park.

CLIMATE
In the period of May 15 -October 15, Rara looks most beautiful and attractive with the blossom of many beautiful flowers around the lake. Rara lake specially in sunrise, many mountains, hills, villages and some of the parts of other districts can be seen as it's garland The Rara Lake will be covered with snow during Dec-Feb which could be your best part in your travel life.

This Package and service will be effective from Dec 01 -2004- May 15 2005.
Summer is pleasant. However, winter is quite cold. The best time of year to visit the park is September/October and April to May. December through March, the temperatures drops to below freezing and heavy snowfalls occur up to one meter, closing high passes.

April to June is warm but the season gives way to monsoon season-June to August.

FEATURES
Rara Lake (Mahendra Tal), situated at an elevation of 2990m is the main feature of the Park. The Lake is oval shaped with an east-west axis and has a maximum length of 5 km and a width of 3 km, surrounded by magnificent conifer forests, it is Nepal's biggest lake (10.8 sq.km) with the depth of 167m. Its radiant blue water is home to the snow trout (Schizothorax oreinus sinuatus), the only fish recorded in the Lake.

During winter, bird lovers can enjoy many migratory birds. In summer, Himalayan flowers surrounds the Lake creating a colorful landscape. The elevation of the Park ranges from 2800m to 4039m. Chuchemara peak (4039m) is the highest point in the park. Located on the Southern side of the lake, it provides an excellent backdrop to Lake Rara. The snowcapped summits of Ruma Kand(3731m) and Malika Kand(3444m) located on the northern side of the Lake, provide beautiful Mugu-Karnali River valley to the north. Murma Peak also provides an excellent view of park area. The lake drains to Mugu- Karnali River via Nijar Khola. The majority of the vegetation in the park is dominated by blue pine. Interspersed amongst the pines are found several species of rhododendrons.

Blue pine, herbs, marshlands, and tussock grassland inhabit the area surrounding the Lake. In the Nisa Khola valley pine and spruce give way to mixed woodlands containing walnuts and Himalayan popular. Rhododendron, fir, oak and birch species can be found in the sub alpine region.

The Park is the home to around 20 different species of mammals. They include Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Jackal, Himalayan Tahr, Yellow throated marten, Otter, Wild dog, Common langur, Rhesus macaque and Red panda.

The Park has recorded 214 species of birds. Some of the important species include coots, snow cock, different species of pheasants, grebes, mallard, common teal, red-crested pochard and gulls. During winter many migratory birds join the residential Gallinaceous birds.

FACILITIES
It is advisable to bring a comprehensive first aid kit since there is no health post in the area. Arrangements should be made through a trekking agency. There are no accommodations within the park. Trekkers must be self-sufficient in all means.

HOW TO GET THERE?
Rara National Park is 3 days trek via Jumla.

Wild West Triangle Package (9 nights 10 days).

Day 1. Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Welcome & assistance on arrival at the Airport. Transfer from airport to the Hotel. Check in at the Hotel. P M: Visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine Swyambhunath, situated on the top of the hill west of the city the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the “Monkey Temple”. There are many small buildings and shrines down the hillside behind Swayambhunath. Explore the colorful Kathmandu Durbar Square- The Old Royal Palace of Kathmandu, Temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, 17th century temple known for colorfully painted erotic carvings, Kasthmandap temple a three story temple built from a single tree in 12th century, Nasal Chowk, Ashok Binayak, Shiva Temple, Maru Tole, Maiju Deval, Narayan Temple, Kumari Bahal (House of Living Goddess), Gaddi Baithak, Bhagwati Temple, Great Bell, Stone Vishnu Temple, Saraswati Temple, Krishna Temple, King Pratap Malla’s Column, Seto Bhairab, Jagannath Temple, Kala Bhairab, Indrapur Temple, Stone inscription and Basantapur Tower. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 2. Kathmandu-Nepalgunj
Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath, After lunch drive to Airport to connect flight to the Nepalgunj Airport. Arrive at the most important town in western Nepal, Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a densely crowded city and represents every possible ethnic groups in Nepal. There are Hindu temple and mosques, an interesting places to visit. Explore the Nepalgunj city. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 3 Nepalgunj – Talcha Airport
After breakfast at the Hotel at Nepalgunj. Drive to Nepalgunj Airport to connect flight to Talcha Airport. Arrive at Talcha Airport. We then start with our hike to Rara National Park. Rara National Park, Nepal’s smallest and most scenic national park that spreads over an area of 106 sq km is situated about 370 km north- west of Kathmandu and lies in Mugu a mountainous district of the western region of Nepal. The National Park ascends from 1800m to 4480m forested by conifers. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 4. Explore Rara
After breakfast Boating in Rara Lake for 1 hour. The pivotal of Rara National Park is the pristine Rara Lake, which stands high at the self of 2990m and spreads over 10.8 sq km. The undisturbed largest lake is also renowned as Mahendra Tal is of oval shape. This tortoise blue lake is surrounded by richly forested hills. Chuchemara Dauda at the elevation of 4087m is the best vantage point to get the magnificient views of the deep blue clear lake and highly forested hillside as well as the snow-capped peaks around it. Hike to this Dauda, catch the glimpse of the magnificent views. Dinner and Overnight at Camp.

Day 5. Rara/Mahendranagar
After breakfast, hike to Rara Airport. Fly to Nepalgunj. Arrive Nepalgunj, Drive To Mahendranagar. Hotel Check in. Free Time. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 06 Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
Drive to Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Royal SuklaPhanta Wildlife Reserve (RSWR) located in the far- western Terai on the southwest edge of Nepal was allocated an area of 155 sq km in 1976, which was later extended to 305 sq km. RSWR is worldwide famous for the herd of Swamp deer, which currently stands at about 2000 individuals. It is the abode of about 45 Wild Elephants and 35 Royal Bengal Tigers, both the endangered species. The reserve is recognized for the largest number of tigers found per sq/km in comparison to its small size. This propitious reserve is also the residence of Blue Bull, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Leopard, Jackals, Langur, Rhesus Monkey as well as one lone Rhinoceros in the reserve. Full day safari. Overnight stay at tented Camp.

Day 7 Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve - Royal Bardiya National Park
After breakfast at the tented camp drive towards the Royal Bardiya National Park. Arrive Thakurdwara. After Lunch, discover Tharu Life and Culture. Royal Bardiya National Park has immense amount of accumulated plants, animals and ecosystem. With the first step on the Park one can sense hosts of convivial animals welcoming guests in their own hospitable manner. Royal Bardiya National Park, the largest park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968 sq km is enormously the house of more than 30 different mammals, 230 species, varieties of species of snakes, lizards and fish, endangered animals such as the Bengal Tiger, wild elephants, greater one horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, black buck, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger and gigantic dolphin, threatened birds such as Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican and Sarus Crane. Tharus residing near the Park are the local and original habitants of this virgin land and are mainly of two kinds Deshaura and Dangaura. Amazingly unique tharu culture and their tradition capture and spell a cast on the visitor.

Dinner and Overnight at Lodge.

Day 8. Royal Bardiya National Park
After breakfast, Elephant Safari. After Lunch, Bird Watching and jungle walk in Royal Bardia National park. Jungle Safari on Elephant’s back supplies a prominent view of the Park. The park is marked as bird watcher’s paradise, consisting of beautiful and colorful bird. 70% of this vibrant park is embodied with Sal trees adjusted with a mixture of riverine forest, grassland and Savannah. Dinner and O/N stay at Lodge.

Day 09. Royal Bardiya National Park/Nepalgunj/ Kathmandu
After Breakfast, Drive to Nepalgunj and then transfer to the Airport to connect flight to Kathmandu. Arrive at the beautiful city Kathmandu.

Lunch: 1300hrs- 1400hrs

PM: Patan is often referred to as Lalitpur, which means “city of beauty”. Patan has a long Buddhist History and the four corners of the city are marked by Stupas erected by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE.

Visit Patan City second largest city of valley including Royal Palace, Bhimsen temple, Manga Hiti, King Yogaendra Malla’s Statue, Krishna temple, Taleju temple, 15th century Golden Temple and Mahaboudha Temple known as temple of 10,000 Buddha, Kumbeshwar Temple. Bishwakarma Temple, Uma Maheshwar Temple

Day 10 Departure To Airport
AM: Breakfast at Hotel. Free time till departure to Airport.

Felicitation Program

Raaika tours and travels felicitated the Korean trekking team on August 16, 2003 for their successful trekking to the Saipal Base camp of the far Western region, which has turned out to be an upcoming potential tourist destination.

Western Nepal, the place of significant importance in spite of being blessed with scenic beauty, unique landscape, a diverse culture and abundance wildlife, having plenty of attraction to offer with within a limited boundary is yet to be explored.

Due to lack of publicity, various tourist destinations of the Mid and Far Western Region are still undiscovered by travelers visiting Nepal.

With the objective to promote this rural potential destination, Raaika tour with its sister concern trekking agency organized trekking to Saipal Base Camp for 13 members of Korean trekking team. Saipal Himal is located in Bajhang district with the height of 7025 m.

The trekkers were fascinated on visiting this region. In their perspective, Saipal Base Camp, a unique place, still in its wilderness is full of natural beauty. The distinct culture of this region was able to captivate their mind and heart. They believe that unlike other explored tourist destinations, this region also has the potentiality to bring considerable benefits to tourism sector.

Raaika, with its motto of quality service has always made efforts in its own way to enhance, facilitate and promote tourism sector. Besides providing quality service, Raaika taking initiative in the promotion of far and mid western region have been actively organizing, managing and conducting various kinds of Western Promotional Packages time to time.

Extra Curricular Activity:
In cooperation with Civil Aviation Authority of Nepalgunj Airport, Raaika Tours and Travels has been designing and maintaining a garden at Nepalgunj Airport since last 4 years. We assume a leadership role in the transition of the garden from empty land, which has turned into one of the major attraction for passengers of Nepalgunj airport. With the aim to beautifying the garden, Raaika tours and Travels commit significant resources to help to meet the garden’s horticultural needs. We are pleased to provide such dedicated assistance to the garden of Nepalgunj Airport.

We are thoughtful in terms of providing and continuing such kind of activities in several places.