Rara Lake, Alpine lake in Mugu District, Nepal
Rara Lake is a mountain water body in Mugu District that stretches across a high valley, surrounded by forested shores and steep ridges. The water appears deep blue and cold, with no development along its edges, creating an isolated and undisturbed setting.
The lake and its surrounding lands received protected status in 1976, establishing one of Nepal's national parks to safeguard the mountain ecosystems. This protection has kept the region largely unchanged from human development.
The Thakur Baba Temple at the southeastern shore reflects how local people connect their spiritual beliefs to this mountain water. Pilgrims and visitors find the temple woven naturally into the landscape, showing the spiritual role this lake holds for nearby communities.
Reaching the lake requires flights to regional airports followed by hiking through mountain trails over several days. Visitors should be prepared for trekking and bring warm clothing, as temperatures drop significantly at this elevation.
The water holds two fish species found nowhere else on Earth: the Nepalese snowtrout and the Rara snowtrout, both adapted to cold alpine conditions. Their presence reveals how isolated this high mountain ecosystem remains.
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