Parang La Trek
Quick Facts
The Parang La trail follows the traditional trade route between the people of Spiti, Changthang and Tibet. It begins after the high-altitude meadows of Kibber, breeding ground of the famous Spiti horses and also known to be snow leopard country. A challenging trek for the enthusiastic walker in one of the more spectacular areas of Ladakh,the trail descends the Kibber gorge and then climbs over the Parang la (5600 m).Parang La is the source of the Pare Chu river, the only river that has its source in India, flows into Tibet and enters the country again in Spiti. Trekking across the pass, brings one to an almost incredible change of scenery as we walk towards the Rupshu plains of Changthang, known for the abundance of Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass).
On the last two days, we camp on spectacular campsites, one being on the southern edge of the Tso Moriri(4522m), a high-altitude lake 26 Km long and nearly 5 Km wide. This lake is also the breeding ground for the bar-headed geese, black-necked crane and the Brahminy ducks. We also visit one of the Changpa settlements in a bowl, high above Karzog, where they breed pashmina, one of the major trade items in these high passes.
DAYS 1-3
- Day 1: Delhi – Manali (2050 M)
Arrive at ISBT Kashmiri Gate by 8 pm to board the bus to Manali. The Volvo Semi –Sleeper bus takes 13 hours to reach our destination. Board waiting vehicles to drive to our lodge away from the bustle of the city at Haripur – 15km away.
- Day 2: Manali – Oakwood Chalet, Haripur (2050 M)
Meet with your guide and staff for the trip. Acclimatisation and last-minute shopping. Take a few short walks around the village to keep yourself active.
- Day 3: Manali – Kaza (Hotel) (3700 M)
We start the drive by 7am, drive over Rohtang Pass (4000m) and Kunzum La (4590m) and continue on a rough road to Kaza. We follow the Chandra River upstream until Kunzum La and then follow the Spiti river to Kaza.
DAYS 4-7
- Day 4: Acclimatisation Day In Kaza (3700 M)
After breakfast, we drive to Dhankar Monastery. Visit the monastery and then trek 1.5hrs to reach the Dhankar Lake (4136m). Spend some time at the lake and return to Kaza in the late afternoon.
- Day 5: Acclimatisation Day In Kaza (3700 M)
After breakfast, we drive to Langza village. Visit the village and walk and take in great views of Chau Cau Kang Nilda. Spend some time at the village with a short hike and return to Kaza in the late afternoon.
- Day 6: Kaza – Kibber – Dumla (4200 M)
We drive for about 45 minutes to reach the Kye Monastery. View the morning prayers and drive onward to the road head for our trek. Today is a short walk through gradual slopes. We camp next to a small stream in the Chicham fields.
- Day 7: Dumla – Thaltak (4600 M)
A gradual ascent of approx. 400m brings us to a vast plateau above the Thaltak Meadows. Harsh, stark beauty all around today with great views of Kanamo Peak en route. We descend from the plateau to camp in the bowl-shaped meadows.
DAYS 8-11
- Day 8: Thaltak – Bongrojen (5100 M)
A relatively long day today. We start with a steep descent into the Paralungbi Gorge, follow it upstream to Jagtha, and start climbing up on the scree laden path to the base of Parang La.
- Day 9: Bongrojen – Dak Karzong (Pass Day) (4900 M)
After an early breakfast, start the climb to the top of the pass. The walk is gradual at first and then turns steep in the last 2 hours. From the top (5580M), view the peaks of Ladakh, the Changthang valley, the Parilungi peak and the source of the Pare Chu River. Cross over to the wide, undulating plains of Ladakh. We descend onto the glacier and carefully make our way across a few river crossings before we reach camp.
- Day 10: Dak Karzong – Datang Yongma (4775 M)
We continue on the wide plains of the Changthang on a wide trail. We camp on the left bank of the Pare Chu river bed. The days get easier as we lose altitude.
- Day 11: Datang Yongma – Racholamo (4600 M)
Another day of walking on similar terrain reaching Racholamo in the mid-afternoon. Lots of time to take in the surroundings and take some wide sweeping pictures of the majestic plains.
DAYS 12-16
- Day 12: Racholamo – Chumik Shilde (4540 M)
We start the day early to ford the Norbu Sumdo River and across to Chumik Shilde. Norbu Sumdo was the meeting ground of kings from both sides- Ladakh and Spiti. The river goes onward to flow in Tibet. We cross the river and trek on till we reach one of the most beautiful campsites on this trail – spring water and meadows with plenty of grass and wild flowers all around. We get our first views of the TsoMoriri from Chumik Shilde.
- Day 13: Chumik Shilde – Kiangdom (4500 M)
Walk across mostly flat land to reach the edges of the lake. The camp is named after the Kiangs (wild Tibetan asses) that roam uninhibitedly here. The lake is a nesting ground for many rare migratory birds.
- Day 14: Kiangdom Exploration / Contingency Day (4600 M)
Relaxed day to read, sleep, walk by the lake. Lots of birding opportunities near the shores of the lake. With the twin peaks of Chamsher (6622m) and Lungser Kangri (6666 m) acting as a backdrop to the lake, it makes an amazing sight.
- Day 15: Kiangdom – Karzog – Leh
A long day to drive out by dirt track to Karzog and then onwards to Leh to reach by late evening.
- Day 16: Leh Hotel – Leh Airport
After an early breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight. An incredible one-hour flight over the greater Himalayas with spectacular views of K2 (8611 m) among others. Arrive Delhi. Trip ends!
Inclusions:
- All travel from Delhi and back to Leh (by road) (Non-AC SUV/ AC coach)
- All arrangements for staying and camping while on trip
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in Tents / Hotel
- All meals as mentioned in itinerary & safe drinking water
- All group climbing gear (ropes, anchors, slings, etc.)
- All trekking arrangements with India’s most experienced guiding team, camp staff and cooks
- Porterage upto 15kg/ person
- Peak fee/sanctuary fee/royalty/permits where applicable
Exclusions:
- Sleeping bag
- Any transfers or meals outside of itinerary
- Bottled water
- Items of personal clothing
- Expenses of any personal nature (laundry / phone calls / alcohol / cigarettes / insurance / camera fee / etc.)
- Any expense incurred due to force of nature such as landslides, bad weather or reasons beyond our control
- Tips & gratuities (we recommend 5-10% of your trip cost- to be distributed among the team) – personal choice
- Travel & cancellation insurance
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS
Take a look at photos & videos from previous journeys. Read testimonials from our new & regular clients.
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WHAT TRAVELLERS SAY ABOUT US
Manny
from USA
This was a great experience. A real adventure, with glacial traverses, fast-flowing river crossings, heart-thumping hikes to high passes. The Aquaterra team was very professional; much better than some of our earlier treks (we’ve been on 3 others) in the area. Read More
Rajat Rilach
Businessman
Well what a wonderful trip it was, we were 14 climbers with about 60 helpers including guide and porters. It could not have been better, right from our stay at Kuflon to Pooja at Gangotri to climb to the Auden’s to stay at the glaciers and finally a walk through the forest which can beat the amazon.
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Mr. Sareen
Avid Trekker
A difficult trek made so much easier by the professional, ever-ready-to-help, alert trek leaders of Aquaterra. The support staff was wonderful and made the hard days lighter by their cheerful attitude. All along it felt not like client and staff but friends out for a trek.
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Mr. T.S Sareen
Business Owner
Everything right from the beginning till the end – the pre-trip updates, travel planning, itinerary, equipment, camping sites, medical help and preparedness, food, etc. were all well thought, planned and great.
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