Bhaktapur & Patan vs Rara Lake
Pick Bhaktapur & Patan for
culture and heritage, tight budgets, family trips, an easier walk, a smaller budget, fewer days
Pick Rara Lake for
peace and quiet, nature, adventure, fewer people
| Bhaktapur & Patan | Rara Lake | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati | Nepal, Mugu, Karnali |
| Highest point | 1,400 m | 2,990 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy–moderate |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 35 km |
| Days on the ground | 2–3 | 6–7 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Snow likely | Rarely | Dec, Jan, Feb |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Quiet |
| Daily spend | about ₹2,500 | about ₹3,500 |
| Gateway | Kathmandu | Nepalgunj / Kathmandu |
| With kids | Great | Not advised |
| With seniors | Great | Not advised |
| Permits | Indian citizens: passport or voter ID. Separate entry fee for each Durbar Square. | Rara National Park permit + TIMS. |
Bhaktapur & Patan: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Rara Lake: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely