In the heart of Great Himalayan National Park lies a point of paradise, where several glaciers meet- Raktisar. Located in Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary area, it is the source of the Sainj River. It is the meeting point of two large glaciers. However, they have retreated due to global warming. Their impressive crevices can be seen in both the converging valleys.

A tributary to Beas, Sainj is one of the four rivers that flows in the Great Himalayan National Park, others being Parbati (Parvati), Tirthan and Jiwanal. Raktisar, the glacier point gives an incredible view of the river as well as other peaks around. Those who have been there, know exactly how enchanting their beauty is. When atop, the lush greenery, sunshine, and lively atmosphere drives away all the stress and fears. A not so difficult trek, this is a must for anyone who loves nature and life.

RAKTISAR literally means,  ‘a head covered with blood’. According to the local myth, centuries ago, a demon named “Raktibeej” used to live here. He was blessed with the power to regenerate from each drop of his blood that fell on ground! Well, this practically made him immortal and, secured in the confidence of his invincibility, he began to rival all the Gods. The Gods, helpless with no trace of defeating him, requested Goddess Mahakali or Shakti to vanquish Raktibeej.
Mahakali caught hold of the demon with two hands, chopped off his head with the third and in the fourth hand held a vessel into which blood from the severed head dropped and was collected. Since no blood dropped on the ground, Raktibeej could not resurrect himself and died. As a proof, locals point to a small stretch of stream which emerges from under a rocky outcrop, red in color!

This epic battle was supposed to have taken place in a rectangular depression, and this is how the little stream gets its name, just one of the incredible myths that this land abounds in, connecting man, nature and God!