The number of visitors to Rara is steadily increasing, supported by improved road and air connectivity that has boosted tourism in the region. Situated at an altitude of 2,990 meters above sea level in Mugu district, Rara is Nepal’s largest lake and a growing attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
Since Mugu was connected to road and air transport 12–15 years ago, tourism promotion efforts have gained momentum. Tourism entrepreneurs say the recent surge in visitors signals a shift in Rara’s tourism landscape.
Fifteen years ago, limited transport and minimal publicity made reaching Rara difficult. Travelers had to fly to Jumla or Bajura and then walk two days to reach the lake. The opening of Rara Airport in 2003 and the Nagma-Gamgadhi road in 2013 have significantly improved accessibility.
According to Rara National Park, around 10,000 domestic and international tourists have visited Rara so far this fiscal year. Over the past five years, more than one million tourists are estimated to have visited the area. Tourism entrepreneur Gopal Bam suggests that with stronger promotion and better infrastructure—such as upgrading the Surkhet-Nagma road, paving the Nagma-Gamgadhi section, and ensuring regular flights—Rara could attract over a million visitors annually.
Although Rara previously lacked well-equipped hotels, several small and medium-sized accommodations have been established along the lakeshore. Approximately a dozen hotels now operate in Salleri, with another dozen in Ghatta Murma Top, contributing to local employment and encouraging business in the region, says hotelier Kal Bahadur Rawal.
Despite rising tourist numbers, many local youths had previously been preparing to go abroad, citing a lack of economic opportunities. However, the popularity of horse safaris among tourists has encouraged some to stay and engage in tourism-related businesses.
Horse breeder Krishna Prasad Bham recalls that horses once sold for Rs 50,000–80,000, but due to transport improvements, demand fell sharply, and horses couldn’t even be sold for Rs 20,000. Now, with the return of demand for horse safaris, horses are again selling for Rs 100,000–150,000.
Horse safari is currently one of the most lucrative businesses in the region. Youths from Murma, Jhayari, Topla, and Sigadi villages are engaged in this sector, earning Rs 50,000–100,000 monthly during peak season. These safaris transport tourists between Upper Mili, Danfe, and various resorts and hotels in the area.
To address the shortage of well-equipped accommodations, construction of a four-star resort has begun at Murma Top, backed by investment from Nepalis living in Australia. The project, led by Abhishek Bikram Shah and his team, was announced during the third investment summit in Kathmandu and is being developed under Rara Holdings Resort in coordination with the Government of Nepal. The resort is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The resort, to be built on 73 ropanis of land with a total investment of Rs 1bn, will offer 36 rooms in the first phase and 98 beds in 19 high-end rooms in the second phase, accommodating around 100 guests daily.
Project Manager Arun Chand stated that the resort aims to promote tourism in Karnali’s religious and natural sites by linking destinations such as Sinja Valley, Rara, Chhayanath, and Khaptad. According to resort representative Aitan Malla, the project will provide direct employment to 120 people and indirect employment to over 1,000.
Additionally, several large hotel companies have begun purchasing land in Murma Top, Salleri, and surrounding areas to develop infrastructure for future tourism ventures.
