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Highlights
The Parang La Trek is a traditional trek with stunning views
Spend one night sleeping on the edge of Tso Moriri, a gorgeous backcountry, high altitude lake, spanning 26km in length.
Feel what it’s like to be a local of the Spiti, Changthang, or Tibet residents as you meander their traditional route.
Reach the top of the Parang La pass for tremendous views of the peaks of Ladakh, the Parilungi peak, the Changthang valley, and the source of the Pare Chu River.
Enjoy a rewarding day post-trek to relax by the lake, take gentle meanders, or go birding, all while the peaks of Chamsher (6622m) and Lungser Kangri (6666 m) dominate the backdrop.
The 16-day Parang La Trek follows the traditional trade route between the people of Spiti, Changthang and Tibet. It begins after the high-altitude meadows of Kibber, the breeding ground of the famous Spiti horses—also known as snow leopard country. Trekkers can expect a challenging adventure. However, the spectacular views spanning Ladakh will keep your spirits as high as the altitude—and hopefully, the scenery can deflect any moans and groans regarding the ascent!
You'll get the chance to fully revel in India's outdoor wonderland through camping over the last two nights. One night will have you sleeping on the southern edge of the Tso Moriri (4522m), a high-altitude lake 26km long and nearly 5km wide. This lake is also the breeding ground for the bar-headed geese, black-necked crane and the Brahminy ducks. You will 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.
The trail descends the Kibber Gorge and 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, which flows into Tibet and enters the country again in Spiti. Trekking across the pass will bring you to an almost incredible change of scenery as you walk towards the Rupshu plains of Changthang, known for the abundance of Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass). Overall, this 16-day guided trek will open your eyes to the behind-the-scenes natural spectacle spanning India.
The 16-day Parang La Trek follows the traditional trade route between the people of Spiti, Changthang and Tibet. It begins after the high-altitude meadows of Kibber, the breeding ground of the famous Spiti horses—also known as snow leopard country. Trekkers can expect a challenging adventure. However, the spectacular views spanning Ladakh will keep your spirits as high as the altitude—and hopefully, the scenery can deflect any moans and groans regarding the ascent!
You'll get the chance to fully revel in India's outdoor wonderland through camping over the last two nights. One night will have you sleeping on the southern edge of the Tso Moriri (4522m), a high-altitude lake 26km long and nearly 5km wide. This lake is also the breeding ground for the bar-headed geese, black-necked crane and the Brahminy ducks. You will 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.
The trail descends the Kibber Gorge and 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, which flows into Tibet and enters the country again in Spiti. Trekking across the pass will bring you to an almost incredible change of scenery as you walk towards the Rupshu plains of Changthang, known for the abundance of Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass). Overall, this 16-day guided trek will open your eyes to the behind-the-scenes natural spectacle spanning India.
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Parang La Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Go from Delhi to Manali
You will arrive at ISBT Kashmiri Gate by 8 pm to board the bus to Manali. The Volvo Semi—sleeper bus—takes 13 hours to reach your destination. You will board waiting vehicles to drive to the lodge away from the bustle of the city at Haripur – 15km away.
Overnight Location: Sleeper bus
Distance: Drive 538km
Meals: None
Day 2 Go from Manali to Oakwood Chalet
Meet with your guide and staff for the trip. Acclimatization and last-minute shopping. You can take a few short walks around the village to keep yourself active.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Oakwood Chalet (2,050m / 6,725’)
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 Head to Kaza
Start at 7am for a drive over Rohtang Pass (4000m) and Kunzum La (4590m) and continue on a rough road to Kaza. Follow the Chandra River upstream until Kunzum La, and then follow the Spiti river to Kaza.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kaza (3,700m / 12,139’)
Distance: Drive 202km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Acclimatize in Kaza
After breakfast, you will drive to Dhankar Monastery. Visit the monastery and then trek 1.5hrs to reach the Dhankar Lake (4136m). Spend some time at the lake before returning to Kaza in the late afternoon.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kaza (3,700m / 12,139’)
Distance: Drive 50km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Acclimatize in Kaza
After breakfast, you will drive to Langza village. Visit the village, walk, and take in great views of Chau Cau Kang Nilda. Spend some time at the village with a short hike. Return to Kaza in the late afternoon.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kaza (3,700m / 12,139’)
Distance: Drive 32km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Travel from Kaza – Kibber – Dumla
Drive for about 45 minutes to reach the Kye Monastery. View the morning prayers and drive onward to the road head for your trek. Today is a short walk along gradual slopes. You will camp next to a small stream in the Chicham fields.
Overnight Location: Camp in Dumla (4,200m / 13,779’)
Distance: 5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Trek from Dumla to Thaltak
Walk to a vast plateau above the Thaltak Meadows. Revel in the harsh, stark beauty as you hike, with great views of Kanamo Peak en route. Descend from the plateau to camp in the bowl-shaped meadows.
Overnight Location: Camp in Thaltak (4,600m / 15,091’)
Distance: 4.5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Hike to Bongrojen
Get ready for a relatively long day! You will start with a steep descent into the Paralungbi Gorge, follow it upstream to Jagtha. Then, start climbing up on the scree laden path to the base of Parang La.
Overnight Location: Camp in Bongrojen (5,100m / 16,732’)
Distance: 8km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Pass day
After an early breakfast, start the climb to the top of the Parang La 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. Descend onto the glacier and carefully make your way across a few river crossings before reaching camp.
Overnight Location: Camp in Dak Karzong (4,900m / 16,076’)
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 Head to Datang Yongma
Continue on the wide plains of the Changthang on a wide trail. You will camp on the left bank of the Pare Chu riverbed. The days get easier as you lose altitude.
Overnight Location: Camp at Datang Yongma (4,775m / 15,666’)
Distance: 9.8km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11 Trek to Racholamo
Another day of walking on similar terrain before reaching Racholamo in the mid-afternoon. You will have lots of time to bask in the surroundings and take some wide-sweeping pictures of the majestic plains.
Overnight Location: Camp at Racholamo (4,600m / 15,091’)
Distance: 18.5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12 Hike to Chumik Shilde
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 Ladakh and Spiti. The river goes onward to flow in Tibet. Cross the river and trek until you reach one of the most beautiful campsites on this trail, where spring water and meadows boast plenty of grass and wildflowers all around. Get your first views of the TsoMoriri from Chumik Shilde.
Overnight Location: Camp at Chumik Shilde (4,540m / 14,895’)
Distance: 12km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13 Go to Kiangdom
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.
Overnight Location: Camp at Kiangdom (4,500m / 14,763’)
Distance: 8km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14 Enjoy the lake
Revel in your accomplishments via relaxing at the lake, reading, sleeping, or exploring the area. There are also lots of birding opportunities! Admire the twin peaks of Chamsher (6622m) and Lungser Kangri (6666 m) dominating the lake’s backdrop.
Overnight Location: Camp at Kiangdom (4,500m / 14,763’)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15 Head back to Leh
Prepare for a long travel day ahead! Head to Karzog along a dirt track, then onwards to Leh. You will arrive later in the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leh (3,500m / 11,482’)
Distance: Drive 240km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 16 Fly to Delhi
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight—an incredible one-hour flight over the greater Himalayas with spectacular views of K2 (8611 m) among others. You will then arrive back in Delhi, where your trip ends!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Parang La Trek Price and Dates
This guided tour is run as a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group. Private groups are available on request. Prices below are per person:Start
Finish
Duration
Spaces Left
Price
Accommodation on Parang La Trek
This tour is based in tents, chalets and hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Parang La Trek?
Meals
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 15 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the Parang La Trek are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport. Please note that the domestic flight on the last day is not included.
Also included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and permits where applicable
- Camp staff and cooks
- Portage for up to 15kg per person
Not included
- Flights to and from Delhi
- Meals, drinks (such as bottled water), or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Expenses incurred from nature or out-of-control circumstances
- Sleeping bag
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the Parang La Trek?
- Do I need a visa to travel to the Parang La Trek?
- Are meals included on the Parang La Trek?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Leh to start this tour?
- Is the Parang La Trek in English?
- Where does the Parang La Trek end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to India?
- Are there any travel restrictions for India?
We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. This is a challenging trek that travels to high elevations, requiring acclimatization and hiking experience.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
Arrive to Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Someone from the tour will pick you up! This is a domestic airport.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends at Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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