Parang La Independence Day Trek 2018

This classic Trans-Himalayan trek retraces the historical route between Spiti, Changthang and Tibet

Long ago, this trail with the high mountains, long glaciers and the wind-eroded valleys, above vast eastern plains, connected the people of Ladakh. Retrace the step of those men who dared the fury of Mother Nature and came out on top at the other end of this route. We take you back in time over this age-old trade route, which was once the highway to Ladakh - Parang La from Kibber to Korzok.

For the last two days, we camp by the breathtaking campsites; one of them is located on the southern edge of the Tso Moriri Lake at 15,000ft.m which is 27 km long and nearly 8 km wide. The lake is home to a variety of birds like Brahminy ducks, black-necked cranes and the bar-headed geese.

Highlights:

•    Retracing an ancient trade route with eight days

•    Celebrate Independence day at 18300ft or 5575m on top of Parang La

•    Enjoy the amazing views of Snow Leopard country with Mt. Kanamo (5970m) in the backdrop

•    Camping beside a serene lake

•    Datang Yongma: visit the green meadow amidst the dry landscape

•    Several glacial stream crossings

Important Note: Please arrive a day before in Kaza to obtain Inner Line Permits. We advise you to be in Kaza on the evening of 10th August. We will meet you on 11th morning to obtain Inner Line Permits. The applicants are required to be available in person for approval of Inner Line Permit.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kaza to Kibber - Drive, Kibber to Dumla - 2-hour trek.

• Report at the meeting point in Kaza at 9 am.
• We will pick you up from Kaza and drive to Kibber to start the first day of the trek.
• Today's is an easy trek for 2hrs from Kibber to Dumla. The trails descend down to the Kibber Nala initially and then ascends gradually till we reach the meadows of Dumla. Relax and acclimatize, lazing near the stream for rest of the day.

Day 2: Dumla to Thaltak - 5-hour trek

• Today we gain altitude and ascend to the campsite of Thalthak.
• The trail climbs up from the meadows of Dumla for 4-5 hrs and the descends to a small stream near the meadows.
• Enjoy the amazing views of Snow Leopard country with Mt. Kanamo (5970m) in the backdrop.

Day 3: Thaltak to Bongrogen - 7-hour trek

• This is the toughest day of the trek. The trail descends all the way down to Parilungbi chu and after crossing the river over footbridge it continues along the river for 2 km till you reach Jagtha.
• From here it's a continuous ascent till we reach Bongrogen, the base camp for Parang La. Relax at the base camp and enjoy the deserving meal.

Day 4: Bongrogen to Dak Karzong via Parang La - 7-8 hour trek.

• We rise early, after having breakfast we start towards Parang La by 5 am.
• The trail ascends gradually and then as we reach closer to the ridge the trails zigzags its way up to Parang La, where the prayers flags carry the chants to Gods. On the other side of the river of ice awaits. Click as many photos on top of the pass.
• We walk over the Parang Chu glacier for 3-4 km till we reach its snout. As accomplishment overwhelms you the trail flattens out and continues on the west bank of the Parang Chu river till you reach the campsite of Dak Karzong

Day 5: Dak Karzong to Datang Yongma - 5-hour trek

• The first of many river crossing awaits you after breakfast. The Parang Chu increases its flow as the day gets sunnier. We cross the Parang Chu river and walk along its right bank till we reach a green meadow amidst the dry landscape - Datang Yongma. You will cross several streams along the way.

Day 6: Datang Yongma to Norbu Sumdo - 6-hour trek

• Another day of trek where you walk in the wide valley of Parang Chu. Walking on dry river beds and crossing several glacial streams in this region is one thing you'll remember avidly from this trek. The trek continues till you reach Norbu Sumdo, Sumdo meaning junction of 3 trails - one from Spiti, one from Chumur, one from Ladakh.

Day 7: Norbu Sumdo to Kiangdom - 6-hour trek

• The last and the biggest of the river crossings lies ahead of you. We cross the Parang Chu river for last time during this trek.
• The trail ascends to the left side as you leave the river and continue towards Changthang.
• The trail is flat from here all the way till Tso Moriri, stop for lunch at Chumik Shilde and continue ahead.
• Look for numerous Marmots peeking from their burrows, wild ass galloping on marshes and maybe a wolf. The vast plains of Kiangom lay bare contrasting its colour with the lake in front of you. You will see the campsite and as you keep moving you'll understand the deception that these mountains have for you.

Day 8: Kiangdom to Korzok - 7-hour trek

• A long day of the trek for 24 km is what takes you to Korzok from where we can head to Leh. The trail though is no ordinary, as you walk along the shores of the Tso Moriri throughout the day, you see the lake changing its colours as we move from one step to another.
• We'll camp at Korzok for the night.

Day 9: Trip ending day

• As you continue your journey from Korzok to Leh or Manali