Raktisar Trek

Raktisar Trek

The ultimate GHNP experience....

  • Duration
    (7N/8D) or (6N/7D) or (5N/6D)
  • Vacation Type
    Trekking
  • Altitude
    Lowest - 5800ft / Highest - 12,800ft
  • Best Time to Visit
    March - June / September - November
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Overview of Great Himalayan National Park

Tucked away in the upper ranges of the western part of the Indian Himalayas, the Great Himalayan National Park is a bio diversity hotspot, attracting nature lovers from all around the world.

Spread over 755 sq km, it was concurred the status of a National Park in 1999. One of the last remaining undisturbed Himalayan ecosystem, the GHNP is home to some rare and endangered flora & fauna.

The flora includes some rare species of Buckthorn, Leycesteria, Spurge, Balsams, Valerians, Yew, etc. The GHNP boasts of over 375 fauna species, including 31 species of mammals and 181 species of birds. The park is home to some exotic species of animals like Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep, etc.

The presence of some rare and endangered birds make the GHNP a huge attraction for bird lovers. It is the home to the endangered species of Western Tragopan and over 50 species of migratory birds. Some of these include the Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Lammergeyers, Golden Eagles, Raptors, etc.

The GHNP is located at an altitude of 1500m to 6000m. This makes the Park’s vegetation a diverse mix of Moist Deodar Forest, Rhododendron Scrub Forest, Western Mixed Coniferous Forest, Ban Oak Forest, Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest and Himalayan Alpine Pastures. The landscape is characterized by high alpine peaks, alpine meadows and riverine forests.

The above features make the GHNP the perfect place for trekking and camping amidst the bewitching beauty of nature in its fullest bloom. Its remote location and picture perfect setting in the lap of the majestic Himalayas are the ideal ingredients to cut off from the modern mayhem, and spend some 'Me Time' amidst the greens and blues...

Overview of Raktisar Trek

The longest trek in GHNP.

Brief Details:
  • No of Days - (7N/8D) or (6N/7D) or (5N/6D)
  • Trek Grade - Moderate
  • Altitude - Lowest - 5800ft / Highest - 12,800ft
  • Best Time to Visit : March - June / September - November
Trek Mode 1 - (7N/8D)
  1. Day 1 Niharni (5800ft) to Shakti (7400ft)

    The trek commences from Niharni, a small village in the Sainj Valley. From Niharni, the trek traverses alongside the gushing Sainj river into a dense forest teeming with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The trek is a relatively easy one, and thus helps get you into a mould to be prepared for the tougher things to expect in the coming days.

    After a 3-4 hours of walking, you finally reach the village of Shakti, your stop for the day. Shakti is the home to a powerful local God. Such is the importance that the village was not let to be shifted at the time of the creation of the National Park.

    Enjoy your dinner at your beautiful campsite.

  2. Day 2 Shakti (7400ft) to Maraur (8300ft)

    You have two options today. You can either trek to Maraur or directly to Parkachi Thatch.

    If you have any doubts about your stamina level, go for the first option. The trek to Marauar can be completed at a relatively relaxed pace.

    If you choose to trek directly to Parkachi Thatch, make sure you have a good fitness level. It is a full trek, as you start early in the morning after having breakfast. Lunch is at Maraur, before reaching Parkachi in the evening.

  3. Day 3 Maraur (8300ft) to Parkachi Thatch (9840ft)

    As you come in the vicinity of Parkachi Thach, you will see the dense forests being gradually replaced by beautiful grasslands.

    Dinner at the campsite

  4. Day 4 Parkachi Thatch (9840ft) to Rakitsar (12795ft)

    The trek towards Raktisar is much steeper than the previous days. The trail becomes rocky, and you may also find snow during some months of the year.

    Nature lovers are in for a treat, as the area is home to some exotic animal species like the Himalayan Thar, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer and even Snow Leopards.

    You reach Raktisar by afternoon. Its a beautiful are for camping and having lunch in the midst of wilderness will surely be an out of the world experience. Raktisar possesses some great natural attractions, as it happens to be the meeting place of two large glaciers, the crevices of which can be seen in both the respective valleys.

    It is the heart of GHNP, and also the source of the Sainj River.

    Evenings get quite cold at this altitude. On a clear night, enjoy the unforgettable experience of watching the reflection of the glittering stars on the glaciers.

    Have dinner under the stars and retire to the camps.

  5. Day 5 Rakitsar (12795ft) to Parkachi Thatch (9840ft)

    It will be difficult to get out of the camp in the early hours, but you should definitely take the pains to get hold of some magical moments.

    Try and catch one of the most mesmerizing sunrises. You can explore the surreal surroundings and even catch a glimpse of some amazing wildlife in the early hours.

    Have a hearty breakfast, start descending towards Parkachi Thach.

    Overnight stay at Parkachi.

  6. Day 6 Rest day at Parkachi Thatch

    Today's a rest day. So just relax, slow down, and explore the surroundings.

    A great day for the photography enthusiasts.

    Overnight stay at Parkachi.

  7. Day 7 Parkatchi Thatch (9840ft) to Shakti (7400ft)

    After breakfast, you continue the descend and reach Shakti.

    Overnight in Shakti

  8. Day 8 Shakti (7400ft) to Niharni (5800ft)

    You finally reach the place from where it all started.

    Overnight in Niharni.

Trek Mode 2 - (6N/7D)
You need to be in a great physical condition to complete this trek in 7 days.

On the second day, you trek directly to Parkatchi Thatch.

Rest, everything remains the same as the Trek Mode 1.

Trek Mode 3 - (5N/6D)
You need to be in a perfect physical condition to complete this trek in 6 days.

On the first day, you walk directly to Maraur. You reach Parkachi Thach by the end of the second day. On the third day, you will climb to Raktisar, and return the same day. The fourth day is a well deserved break, as you rest for the day at Parkachi Thach. The next two days are taken to return to the first point, Niharni.
Raktisar Trek
Raktisar Trek
Accomodation in Tents
Raktisar Trek


Things to Carry
- Backpack 35-40L
- Small Day Pack upto 20L (To carry camera, water, jacket and similar useful items)
- Trekking Pole
- Ankle length waterproof trekking shoes
- Trekking Pants
- T Shirts (Full sleeves and half sleeves)
- Warm Jacket / 2 Pullover
- Thermals (If you are susceptible to feeling cold
- Cap (1 suncap and 1 woolen)
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Socks
- Raincoat
- Sunscreen Lotion (Above SPF 50)
- 2 Water Bottles (1 litre each)
- Flash Light with extra batteries
- Toiletries (Moisturiser, Light towel, Lip Balm, Toilet Paper, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer)
- Basic Medical Kit (Crocin, Avomine, Combiflam, Disprin, Avil, Norflox, Digene, Crepe Bandage, Band Aid, Cotton, ORS, Moov Spray, Betadine or any antiseptic creme)


Terms & Conditions:

Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek - 50% refund
- Cancellations between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek - 25% refund
- Cancellations less than 20 days to the start of the trek - No refund

If a trek is canceled at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances / govt. restrictions / weather conditions (like landslides, rain, earthquake, strikes, bandhs, etc), 'The Offbeat Soul' will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.

Cancellations requests are entertained only on mail.

Refund Policy
The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days

Safety
Though maximum efforts are made to ensure the safety of the trekkers, 'The Offbeat Soul' will not be responsible for any injuries, both physical or mental, caused directly or indirectly in the trekking activities.

All participants are requested to download the 'Risk Form' and get it along with them on their respective treks.

It is understood that while registering yourself for any trek, you are well aware of the all the risks involved in high altitude trekking. You have taken efforts to understand what AMS (Acute Mountain sickness' is, and you are in a good state to manage your altitude related emergencies.

Fitness
When you register for the trek, it is presumed that you are in a perfect physical and mental condition to undertake the rigours of a high altitude trek with low oxygen levels. We assume that you are able to jog a distance of 5 kms in 30 minutes.

The Offbeat Soul has the right to ask a trekker to discontinue the trek at any point if he/she does not meet our expected fitness requirement. In this case, the trekker will be accompanied by our staff back till the base camp.

Last minute changes / Delays
It may happen under some extreme circumstances, that there may be some last minute changes in the planned itinerary. The trek may start a day later or end a day earlier due to volatile climatic conditions, political restrictions, or any other reason. In such cases, The Offbeat Soul is not liable to refund the trek, either fully or partly. The participant cannot ask for compensation for any injury, loss or damage due to such changes.

- Drinking and Smoking are strictly prohibited during the trek. You will be disqualified from the trek with immediate effect if found flouting the rules.
- The Offbeat Soul is not responsible for any loss or damage of your belongings or equipment on the trek.
- Any damage to the equipments by the participant, other than the normal wear and tear, will be billed to you. Our decision on such matters will be final and binding.