Trip highlights
- Stunning birds-eye view of the Rara National Park.
- 360 panorama of the Himalayas.
- Naturally color-changing Rara Lake.
- Trip to the biggest and deepest lake in Nepal.
- Remotely located and free from pollution.
- Romantic atmosphere, fresh air, and tranquility.
- Exploration of Thakur settlements.
Rara Lake Tour Route
Rara Lake is reasonably distant from Kathmandu valley. The helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Rara Lake via Nepalgunj takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes at the most. The flight is mesmerizing filled with thrill and joy. The Rara National Park contains some of the famous rivers such as Karnali which rumbles downwards and finally to Rara Lake. You will find yourself eyeing out every detail of the park from atop. Our first stop will be the small yet beautiful Nepalgunj airport. The overall heli tour to Rara Lake takes about 4 hours depending upon the weather, season, and availability.
Note: Alternatively, you can also choose to fly to and from Pokhara. You can either fly to Pokhara or book a private vehicle from Kathmandu. To learn more about Rara flights from Pokhara, reach us at [email protected] or call us at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340]
Our trip to Rara starts once we take off from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The helicopter ride from Kathmandu airport to Nepalgunj takes approximately 40 minutes. During the flight, you will be presented with the vast majority of landscapes almost instantly. The Kathmandu valley is beautifully surrounded by the pristine green hills. As we head west, you will find amusing yet scattered settlements that are unique and fascinating. The flight to Nepalgunj takes us one step closer to Rara.
The helicopter flight from Nepalgunj is shorter yet exciting. This is where we start heading north to the Himalayas. Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is longer. However, Nepalgunj is located in the lower lands of Terai. Therefore, the flight from Nepalgunj to Rara is where you will start the giant snow-capped mountains standing tall in the distance. The temperature lowers as we gain altitude. After 30 minutes of a helicopter ride, we finally landed at Rara Lake.
For the return, we take the same route. After spending some quality time at the Rara Lake, we hop on the helicopter and make our way back. Since the distance from Rara Lake to Kathmandu is long, we stop at Nepalgunj for refueling purposes. The journey from Rara to Nepalgunj is all about descending to a lower altitude. You will start to feel the temperature rise and change in landscapes.
Once we reach Nepalgunj, we spend no longer than 15 minutes at the airport. The flight crew will signal when it’s time to leave. Finally, we fly back to Kathmandu. That concludes our Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepa
Major attractions of Rara Lake Helicopter Tour
Despite the incredible lake, Rara Helicopter Tour has more to offer than you might expect. The trip to Rara is not just a tour of the lake, it’s an all-around tour of nature and a chance to get acquainted with the local people. Here are some of the major attractions of Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepal:
The Rara National Park is the smallest national park in Nepal, yet it contains some of the most beautiful attractions. The park is filled with diverse species of wildlife. The Rara National Park includes some of the extremely rare and endangered animals like red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, and Yellow-throated martin. The park has alpine coniferous vegetation. There are more than 20 species of mammals, 214 species of birds, and 500 types of flowers. All this contributes to a heaven-like experience of nature on your Rara Lake Heli Tour.
Surrounded by green hills with a solid backdrop of snow-capped white mountains, the Rara Lake is our final destination of the helicopter trip. The Rara is the biggest lake in Nepal and goes as deep as 167m in some places. The cheerful environment and soothing sound of the lake provide a calming nostalgia. The lake is known for snow trout fishes among the locals.
The people here are charming and easy to talk to. You can walk around the huge lake, embracing beautiful scenery and wildflowers along the way. You can also go boating in the freshwater or camp on the banks of the lakes. Most travelers love camping. “It’s more relaxing to sleep on the ground, makes me more connected to nature!”, stated one of our clients who decided to camp at Rara.
For the adrenaline seekers, boating or horse riding at Rara could be a suitable option to further explore the location. The Rara lake is huge. It is quite hard and time-consuming to trek around the lake. Therefore, activities like boating, horse riding, or even cycling around the track could be a better option to explore the Rara and it’s wildlife around.
Detail Itinerary of Rara Lake Helicopter Tour
The Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepal takes about 4 hours to complete. However, we are committed to make it the best 4 hours of your time in Nepal. Below is the detailed itinerary which can be adjusted according to your preferences. This is to give you an overall idea of the trip and places that we will visit. So, if you are ready to embark on your adventure to the pristine Gosaikunda Lake, then we encourage you to book with us.
To book the Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour in Nepal, email us at [email protected] or call us at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340]. You can either customize the travel package or book it as it is. There is also an option to add more than one travel location on a single flight.
Important: The flight usually takes place early in the morning between 6:30 am to 7 am. Flight timing may vary or delay depending upon the weather condition. However, prior notice will be sent to you if it may happen. Therefore, unless you are notified beforehand, you can be assured of the flight time.
One of the representatives from Simrik Air will receive you at the airport. S/he will guide you through the procedures to get on-board. The contact details of the representative will be provided to you while booking.
Before boarding, our captains will run you through some important guidelines. Plus the things to avoid during the helicopter flight. You will get a chance to know the flight crew and to clear up any queries regarding the flight. The instructions provided by the pilots are to be followed strictly at all times.
The helicopter takes off from Kathmandu with an interesting aerial view of the Kathmandu valley. Then we head to the west. Nepalgunj lies in the lowlands of Terai in Nepal. So, you will observe some mesmerizing sceneries of a variety of landscapes. However, we will not gain much altitude just yet.
After approximately 40 minutes, we will reach Nepalgunj. Upon landing at Nepalgunj, we will take a short break of 15 minutes of ground time. During this time, the crew will refuel the aircraft and check off some flight procedures.
After some time at Nepalgunj, we finally take off to Rara. On this ride, we will start gaining some noticeable altitude. As you go higher, you will find yourself surrounded by the snow-capped giants from almost all sides. The Himalayas welcome you with mind-blowing scenery. The birds-eye view of tiny scattered settlements and verdant green hills fills your heart and body with bliss. The flight from Nepalgunj to Rara Lake takes approximately 30 minutes.
Swirling above the lake for a few minutes, the helicopter finally lands at Rara Lake. The chill and thin breeze introduce you to an extreme sense of adventure and altitude. The surroundings of the Rara is serene and beautiful. The lake expands as far as your eyes can see.
There are options to explore Rara. You can either go boating, horse riding or cycling around the lake. Engaging with the locals will even help you understand the historical values of the lake. After some quality time, we prepare our flight back to Kathmandu.
The end of the Rara Tour comes near as we fly back to Kathmandu. Flying around the lake for one last time, we bid our goodbyes to the Rara. Then we trace our way back to Kathmandu, officially ending the trip to Rara Lake in Nepal.
Note: Here you can add destinations to visit instead of returning to Kathmandu. To learn about available locations to pair with Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepal, please contact our representatives at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340] or email us at [email protected]
During the departure at the airport, we will take some time to fill up a review form regarding the trip. Simrik Air is always looking for ways to enhance the flight experience at all times. Your review and feedback will help us improve our services.
Finally, the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour is now over and after a long tiring day, you can now finally rest and scroll through some of the wonderful pictures and memories that you collected on this journey with Simrik Air.
Rara Lake Helicopter Tour from Pokhara (An Alternative)
The Rara Lake Helicopter Tour from Pokhara is an alternative route, especially for those who prefer to drive or fly to Pokhara on their own. Everything else is the same. However, you will have limited options on certain services such as flight-sharing and charters. The cost of the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour from Pokhara is slightly lower than the cost of the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu.
A chartered helicopter tour to the Rara lake gives you the luxury of flying alone without any hassle of flight-sharing. Plus, it is also possible for you to add a private guide who will keep you well-informed throughout the tour. Although, we recommend flight-sharing since it is cheaper and the most preferred option.
Note: To request a quotation for Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepal, feel free to reach us at [email protected] or call us directly at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340] during office hours.
- Charter for up to 5 pax depending on the weight.
- Helicopter fare as per flight sector.
- Company service charges including government TAXes.
- Emergency oxygen and a comprehensive first aid kit.
- Passenger Insurance.
- All government and local taxes.
- Personal expenses (extra meals and clothing).
- Rara National Park entry fees.
- Airport Tax (USD2).
- Breakfast/Meals.
- Everything else apart from “The Tour Includes” section.
Entering the Rara National park requires a permit which is called the Rara National Park Entry Permit. Along with the permit, a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card is required as well. A TIMS card is to keep track of tourists and their locations during certain times. However, you need not worry about acquiring these permits as these are included in the tour package. To acquire the permits, our marketing officers will ask you for your valid passport and two passport-sized photographs to apply for the permits. The rest will be taken care of.
Note: To track and collect information of visitors entering the Rara National Park, TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card is required for non-trekkers (us) as well.
Simrik Air Fleets
Simrik Air operates two different types of aircraft, the Airbus AS350B3e, and Bell 407 GXP. The Rara Lake Heli Tour will be carried out in an Airbus B3e helicopter. Simrik Aircraft are regularly maintained and go through numerous servicing before taking off. The helicopters are flown by top-notch flight crew with over a decade of experience in flying. The helicopters come with some of the remarkable features such as easy take-off and landing at marginal weather conditions. The exceptionally empowered engines come with pre-installed safety features, significant for high altitude mountain tours.
Manufactured by Airbus, the B3e holds the record for the highest-altitude landing and taking off. The B3e is one of the most compatible helicopters for high-altitude mountain flights. The helicopter outdoes most of the single-engine helicopters in terms of performance and versatility. Over the years, the Airbus B3e has been proven to be one of the safest helicopters for high altitude flights like Rara Lake Helicopter Tour.
The Bell 407GXP is one of the newly introduced helicopters at Simrik Air. Since the aircraft is a high powered multipurpose helicopter, it is mostly used for rescue missions and to carry heavy loads up and down the mountains. The 407GXP is a single-engine four-blade high-performance helicopter with adequate space. Due to its impressive ability to adapt to extreme weather conditions, it is also known as a civil utility helicopter. The Bell GXP is a monster when it comes to high altitude mountain flights and provides a smooth ride in virtually all weather conditions. However, it is also the least utilized as the helicopter is not operated for short tours.
Best time for Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepal
The Rara Lake lies at an altitude of 2,990m from the sea level. The weather change is not as frequent. However, it is windy most of the time. There are certain times during a year when the Rara comes to life with blooming flowers all around. It is important to pick the right time which is favorable for a helicopter flight. Rain does not really go well with flights. So, while picking time, we are looking to avoid foggy and rainy weather which could potentially ruin the views and experience at the same time.
The best time for the Rara Lake helicopter tour in Nepal is Summer, followed by the Spring season. As per our experience, most travelers prefer Autumn. The days during this season are warm and dry. It is much easier to tour around the lake. The views are at their best and uninterrupted accompanied by the crisp backdrop of the Himalayas. Below we take a detailed look into each season to help you understand the weather at Rara before you pick one.
During Spring, the lake carries charming nostalgia. Beautiful flowers surround the Rara along with the refreshing scenery of the jungle. The temperature is cold yet it has its advantages. The mountains are covered in soft snow further enhancing the experience. The rumbling water from Karnali continues to settle at the lake. The trails around the lake are wonderful during Spring. Truly a heaven-like experience.
While Spring might be the most beautiful looking season at Rara, the Summer is perfect for a helicopter tour. The climate is stable with minimal change in the weather. The temperature is mild and the views are uninterrupted. Rhododendrons bloom all over the mountain paths. The skies are clear and the lake is crystal blue. Summer is probably the best season to visit Rara Lake in a helicopter.
Autumn is not recommended for the Rara Lake helicopter tour. The monsoon rain makes it almost impossible to fly. However, travelers still prefer trekking since it’s more of an adventure. But for a helicopter trip, Autumn could very well be a bad choice. However, if you are still interested in this time of the year, please be sure to consult with our travel experts before you book.
The Autumn just ended bringing one of the best ties to visit Rara Lake. The early months of winter are highly recommended. Nothing can compete with the stunning views of the mountains during the winter. The sky is mostly clear and the views are uninterrupted. However, the temperature is on the lower side but with a bit of careful packing, you are well on your way to experience the best of Rara.
Packing list for the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour
The Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepal is a one-day tour, which means you will not be spending a night unless requested separately. So, pack light. Stuffing too much into your luggage could backfire. There is a weight limit on the helicopter, so be mindful while packing. However, keep in mind that the UV rays are intense at higher altitudes. Hence, make sure that you pack some protective essentials. Here are a few things we suggest you pack on your trip to Rara:
- UV protection sunglasses.
- A water bottle.
- Weatherproof down jacket.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Silk/ Nylon scarf.
- Toiletries.
- Full-sleeve clothing.
- Warm pair of trousers.
- Camera essentials.
Note: Based on our previous experiences, the items listed above should suffice for the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour. Should you carry more than above-listed items, make sure they are obligatory. You do not want to carry more than what’s needed.
Simrik Air does not compromise when it comes to safety. There are a set of rules that travelers have to follow at any cost. We encourage you to follow the rules to contribute towards a sound flight. The following rules and regulations should be followed with discipline at all costs. Should you have any queries regarding the safety rules, be sure to let us know. Here are some of the important things to be mindful of while traveling:
- The captain will provide a brief explanation of things you need to know before entering and exiting the aircraft. Pay attention to what s/he has to say.
- Always approach the helicopter after the captain has signaled to do so. Never approach the helicopter from behind.
- Secure your personal belongings. Never chase after an item if it’s blown away.
- Smoking within 50 feet range of the aircraft is strictly prohibited.
- Only exit the helicopter once the captain has instructed that it is safe to do so.
Please acknowledge and make sure you understand the safety instructions before boarding the helicopter. Follow along and you should have a safe flight with a lot of excitement and thrill. Act responsibly inside the aircraft and encourage your peers to do the same. Reach us at [email protected] for further inquiries.
Rara Lake Helicopter Tour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it is completely safe. Simrik Air does not operate trips if it’s unsafe or unreachable. Safety is our utmost priority at Simrik and we do not compromise. All of our flights take off after a comprehensive inspection of weather conditions. Therefore, you need not worry about safety concerns.
The regular Rara Lake Helicopter Tour takes about 4 hours to complete from Kathmandu. This includes ground time and refueling. However, if you wish to fly from Pokhara, it will take much less to complete the tour.
Yes, we do. We stop at Nepalgunj airport for refueling. The ground time will be no longer than 15 minutes. During this time, the flight crew will complete some flight procedures.
You can book the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour in Nepal by filling the booking form via Fixed Departure Dates. You can also directly call at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340] to book the trip. If you have any queries before the trip, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Rara Lake lies at an altitude of 2,990m. So, that will be our highest landing and taking off altitude. However, the maximum altitude for the helicopter is uncertain. For this particular trip, the helicopter ascends well over 3,500m.
Travelers are required to arrive at the airport half an hour before the flight. If in case you run late, the helicopter will wait for a certain amount of time. However, you need to let us know if you are about to run late.
Our representative will contact you to confirm that you are on your way. If you still don’t show up then your flight will be considered a ‘No-show’ and will be canceled automatically.
It depends. A helicopter tour and trekking are two of many ways you can reach Rara or any destination in Nepal. However, a helicopter ride to Rara Lake saves you a lot of time and energy. Not everyone has the luxury to trek for hours for days or even weeks. That is why a short helicopter ride could fulfill your cravings and fit right into your tight schedule.
Also, you will save the extra expenditure of camping and trekking equipment. Most of the time, trekking requires a professional guide too. Nevertheless, it depends upon your preferences and what you want out of the tour.
Yes, kids/elderly are also welcome to experience the Rara Lake Helicopter tour in Nepal. It could be hard for kids/elderly to reach Rara Lake otherwise, so a helicopter tour is a decent choice.
Yes, you will. You will get a refund if you cancel your flight. Things don’t always go as planned, and we completely understand that. The refund will occur according to our ‘Booking Terms & Conditions’. So, make sure you go through them thoroughly before you book your trip to Rara Lake in Nepal.
It is extremely unlikely to suffer from altitude sickness at Rara. We have yet to encounter a case of altitude sickness at Rara. However, we can never be 100% sure since it depends upon different factors such as one’s health condition, weather, and season.
If in case you suffer from altitude sickness, first-aid treatment will be provided on the spot. If the condition worsens, you will be transferred to a lower altitude of Kathmandu immediately. Further treatment will be provided if necessary.
Note: To avoid loss from any unfortunate situations, make sure you have a comprehensive passenger/travel insurance in place. Talk to our experts at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340].
Yes. All of our helicopters are equipped with an oxygen tank at all times for an emergency. We always carry safety equipment including a first aid kit and an oxygen tank. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is important to be prepared.
Yes, they are. Simrik Air has a top of the line world-class flight crew including trained pilots form the USA and UK. All the professionals hold a license issued by the Nepal Government. Simrik Air has been flying travelers for over 18 years now. Over the years, we have been successful in creating a high performing team allowing us to be one of the best helicopter service providers in Nepal.
The best time for the Rara Lake Helicopter tour is during Spring, Summer, and Autumn. The vegetation comes more to life and the flowers bloom. The mountain views become more prominent during these seasons and the environment is captivating.
Yes, you can. Upon your request, we can opt-in for some extra locations that are available during your Rara Lake tour. To add locations to your helicopter tour, please contact us at [email protected] or talk to one of our travel consultants at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340].
Yes. Flight delay or cancellation mostly occurs during rainy seasons as the rainfall is frequent. It could also be a result of foggy weather conditions as it becomes extremely difficult to see.
Initially, the helicopter flights will be scheduled to avoid any delay or cancellation. In case the flight is canceled, you will get a refund according to our refund policy.
Why choose Simrik Air for the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour?
Simrik Air is the most trusted helicopter operator in Nepal. Thousands of travelers choose Simrik for their trip to Rara Lake. Along with adventure tours, our services include rescue services and good transportation. Simrik Air is run by local experts and professionals with years of experience in helicopter flights and tourism in Nepal.
Safety of the clients being our absolute priority, we are flexible with our services. Over the years, we have developed a solid team that works collectively on the same mission which is ‘To push the standards of tourism in Nepal’.
As a helicopter operator, we excel in services that include helicopter flights to various exotic locations within Nepal and beyond. Simrik Air is committed to providing the best touring experience while always considering the safety and satisfaction of our clients. Since the establishment, our crew has done numerous flights to almost every destination in Nepal which has allowed them to navigate to different locations without any trouble.
Simrik Air tour packages are an absolute bang for your buck. None of our services are overpriced. We are a value-oriented helicopter company, therefore where there is no extra value there is no reason for us to charge extra. Our service has been trusted by thousands of travelers from all over the world. All of the visitors in Nepal who travel through Simrik Air every year are highly satisfied with our service. Our results speak for itself.
We are transparent with every action we take. Our services contain no hidden charge underneath unlike most of the travel companies. Simrik Air is extremely careful with the customer experience if you require any assistance regarding the flight procedures or payment, simply email us at simrikair.com.np or call us at [+977-9851010696, +977-9851010697, +977-9851203493, +977-4155340].
Simrik Air is at your service 24/7, wherever and whenever. Should you have any queries about the tour, feel free to reach us through our social media. Our travel experts have been relentlessly working for years to reach this point of high-quality customer service. On top of that, we are highly adaptable. We understand that different people have different expectations for their tour. So, to align your vision with ours, we are here for you, always.
You can easily customize the tour and add destinations with the EBC Helicopter Tour in Nepal. Consult with our experts to create a tour that fits your needs. There are various travel destinations in Nepal which can be done via helicopter. Pick yours and let us know, we will get back with the quote and a flexible itinerary.
Simrik Air highly emphasizes sustainable tourism. We believe that tourism can be utilized to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy of Nepal. For a small country like Nepal, tourism plays an important role in the nourishment of local development. That is why we encourage all of our clients to be mindful of their activities while in Nepal. There is no reason to exploit nature to fulfill our desires. Therefore, sustainable tourism is always a huge consideration while carrying out any kind of tour by Simrik Air.