Brief Description
Raktisar Trek takes you to the source of the Sainj River in the heart of the Great Himalayan National Park of Himachal Pradesh. One of the most stunning and untouched trails in the Himalayas, the trek takes you through some of the most beautiful wildlife. GNHP is famous for being a host of numerous rare species of birds and animals as well as some of the most distinctive species of plants and flowers. The trek takes you through dense forests of pine and oak, luxuriant grasslands, mountain pastures and glaciers to reach the campsite of Raktisar at 3900 meters which is the point where two glaciers converge and is the source of the Sainj River which is a tributary of the Beas River. Lying between the valleys of Sainj and Tirthan, this trek attracts serious travelers and nature lovers who wish to explore the unexplored regions of the Himalayas. Steeped in mythology and beliefs, this trek gives you a glimpse into the incredible myths that bind the lives of the villagers. The campsite of Raktisar is straight out of a fairy tale with stunning views of crevices and glaciers as well as some loft peaks of the surrounding mountain ranges. At night, on a clear sky, the reflection of stars on the glacier is simply awe-inspiring. The best time to do the Raktisar Trek is between April to June and September to November. Stay on this page for more information on the Raktisar Trek.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Mandi to Niharni - 70 km Drive. Niharni (1770 m) to Shakti (2260 m) - 4 hrs Trek
We will meet at Mandi ISBT by 7am and take a 70 km drive to the village of Niharni in Sainj Valley. It takes about 4 hours to reach the campsite of Shakti which has a few trekker huts. We will be walking alongside the beautiful Sainj River through forests and amazing biodiversity. Overnight in tents.
Shakti to Maraur (2560 m) - 5 hrs
We continue alongside the Sainj River to reach the campsite of Maraur. Overnight in tents.
Maraur to Parkachi Thatch (3040 m) - 5 hrs
Today we trek to the campsite of Parkachi Thatch which is a beautiful clearance full of grasses and flowers. As we trek the treeline seems to fade away due to the increase in altitude. Overnight in tents.
Parkachi Thatch to Raktisar (3900 m) - 6 hrs
The trail gradually becomes rocky and the trail becomes steep with patched of snow depending on the season. Now you are in the heart of GNHP and if lucky you get to spot some muck deer, blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, etc. We will reach the campsite of Raktisar by noon which is absolutely fabulous. It is the source of Sainj River and a meeting point of two glaciers. Spend the rest of the day exploring the campsite. Overnight in tents.
Raktisar to Parkachi Thatch
Retrace our steps to Parkachi Thatch and spend the night in tents.
Parkachi Thatch to Shakti
We descend down to Shakti and spend the night here.
Shakti to Niharni. Niharni to Mandi - Drive
Today we will trek down to Niharni where our vehicles will pick you up and drive to Mandi. We bid you goodbye here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
No mandatory documents are required for the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
We pick you up from Mandi ISBT Bus Stand. The dropping point remains the same.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Mandi late in the evening. Make sure your bus bookings are late in the night or preferably next day.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
There are hardly any stores in Mandi selling trekking equipment and other trekking necessities. It is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
In the months of May and June, the temperature will range from 13-16 degrees Celsius during the day and from 3-6 degrees Celsius in the night. In the months of September-November, the temperature will range from 10-15 degrees Celsius during the day and from 3-8 degrees Celsius in the night.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
You might encounter some snow on the higher reaches of the trek in early April to May and late October.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
You have to arrive at Mandii Bus Stand by 6AM. The stay in Mandii on the day prior to the trek (recommended) is not included in the itinerary. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Manali located about 100km from Mandi is a famous hill station. Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple which has an interesting mythological tale associated with it. Walkthrough the charming lanes of Old manali. Visit the bazaar to buy some souvenirs. Jogini Fall and Vashisht Temple are other famous attractions in Manali. You can also visit Rohtang pass while you are in Manali.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base of Raktisar Trek is Niharni located 70 km from Mandi. Mandi is well connected to Delhi with all kinds of transport (except direct train) and can easily be reached through road or air.
By Road : The road distance from Delhi to Mandi is 430 km. There are overnight HRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi for Mandi. It is a 8-10 hour journey by bus. You can book your bus tickets online through hrtchp.com or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi.
By Rail : To reach by train, take a direct train from Delhi to Pathankot. Some of the trains that run on this route are Delhi-Pathankot Express, Jammu Tawi Express, Delhi-Dhauladhar Express. You can then take a bus from Pathankot to Mandi. Or you can take a connecting train to Joginder Nagar from Pathankot which is the nearest station to Mandi. There are buses running frequently between Joginder Nagar and Mandi.
By Air : The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport which is located 60 km from Mandi. There are taxis available at the airport which will take you to Mandi. You can also take local buses that keep running from Bhuntar to Mandi at a very regular frequency. Buses are decent and very cheap compared to a taxi that can cost you around INR 2000-5000 depending upon the season.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
No network beyond Niharni.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
April to June and September to November are the best months to do the trek.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Raktisar Trek
The Raktisar Trek takes you to the source of Sainj river a tributary of the Beas River in the heart of Himachal's Great Himalayan National Park thus separating the Sainj and the Tirthan Valley. At 3900 meters, Raktisar is a meeting point of two large glaciers. The trek takes you through lovely forests and mountain pastures and glaciers to reach what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful campsites at the snout of two retreating glaciers.Eligibility: Experience required
The Raktisar Trek is perfectly suited for beginners. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. Basic knowledge about how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
- Hold your breath for 20 seconds
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
- How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
- How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Veg food as per menu on trekking days
- Accommodation on trekking days in tents on twin sharing basis
- Camping tents, Temp rated sleeping bags, mattress
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- First Aid Certified Local guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
Whats Not Included?
- Portage of personal backpacks
- Meals during hotel stay and road journey
- Any kind of Insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
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MOUNTAIN FEATURES THAT MUST BE A PART OF ANY TREKKER’S VOCAB!
While the terminology used in mountaineering is decently complex but the features that I am going to talk about are mostly the common ones. When we go t
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