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Parang La

 

Parang La Trek is located in Ladakh, begins in the high altitude fields of Kibber. It is the ground of the famous Spiti horses. This trek goes down to the Kibber Gorge and then climbs over the Parang La Pass (5600 m). As we walk towards the Rupshu plains of Changthang, we will cross the pass, which brings an incredible change of scenery. This scenery is known for the abundance of Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass).

Parang La is 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 mtrs), the source of the Pare Chu River, the only one of its kind to have its source in India, flow into Tibet and enter the country again in Spiti.

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). For the last two days, we will camp by spectacular campsites, one being on the southern edge of the Tso Moriri (15,000ft), a high altitude lake 27 kms long and nearly 8 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 trade items to over these high passes. This trek is the source of the Pare Chu River, the only river to have its source in India, flow into Tibet and enter the country again in Spiti. The extravagant scenery from the Parang La is a site to behold with the bleak Spiti landscape on one side and the snow clad reaches of Ladakh on the other. All in all, on this trekking holiday we will experience an amazing diversity of landscape and customs.
Day 1: Arrive at Delhi - Overnight train to Kiratpur Sahib

Our first day, we will be starting from Delhi to Kiratpur by an overnight train.

Day 2: Kiratpur Sahib to Manali (2050 m): 9 hrs

On the second day we will drive for 9 hrs which will bring us to Manali. On the first phase we will drive through the Shivalik Mountain ranges and then through the Middle Himalayan ranges as we approach Manali. The latter half of the drive will take us through the lush Kullu valley which is famous for apples, peaches and plums. Stay overnight in a hotel at Manali.

Day 3: Manali to Chhatru (3558 m) 2/3 hrs

Early morning after having breakfast, we start 2-3 hrs drive to gain altitude; the first half of the day is an uphill drive to reach the Rohtang Pass (4000 m). After crossing the pass we will go down to the Chandru River. We will follow the river for the rest of the day until we reach Chattru, a spectacular drive. In the evening we will ourselves or go for a short walk. Stay overnight at a camp and relish our dinner at the camp side.

Day 4: Chhatru to Kibber (4120 m): 6/7 hrs

From Chhatru to Kibber, a drive of 6-7 hrs, will take us through the mountains, gaining more height along the way. This drive is a bumpy but beautiful, with plenty of opportunities to click photographs. We will take a halt at the famous Kye Gompa enroute and get the opportunity to drink chai with the monks that live there. Stay overnight in camp or in guest house; enjoy our meal at night.

Day 5: Kibber to Dumla (4500 m): 2-3 hrs

On fifth day a 2-3 hour drive will bring us to Dumla. This will be our first day trekking and our first experience of exercising at high altitude. We will walk down to a small river and up through the steep gorge bed to reach our camp at the village of Dumla. It is a short day's trek, arriving in time for lunch. Get our self acclimatized to the high altitudes. Stay overnight at camp side and have our dinner.

Day 6: Dumla to Thaltak (4900 m): 3-4 hrs

This will be our short day trek, which will take only 2-3 hrs. Get ourself acclimatized with around 400mts height gain. It is a sheer ascent gaining altitude in a fairly short span of time. Enjoy the great views of the surrounding mountains at a camp Thaltak. In the afternoon, we will go for another short hike to get acclimatized. Stay overnight at camp side.

Day 7: Thaltak to Borochen (5020 m): 7 hrs

After taking light food, we will start for a 7 hrs drive that will take us to Borochen. This is a long day’s walk. We gain about 400m in altitude and it allows us to further acclimatize. Then after, we will reach Borochen by mid afternoon and relax. Enjoy the surroundings and views in the evening. Stay overnight at camp side Relish our dinner at night, share our experiences.

Day 8: Borochen to Parang La (5600 m) to Dak Karzong (4950 m): 5 hrs

After an early morning breakfast, we will make an early start to reach the pass. This trail is challenging to start and the last 4 km to the pass are quite steep. Parang La is the pass along an old trade route joining Spiti and Ladakh. It offers grand views of the Changthang valleys in Spiti and Parilungi. The Ladakhi peak is the first visible and distinctive peak ahead. After taking in all the views we descend to the source of the Pare Chu River, crossing the glacier on the Ladakhi side of the pass for about an hour. While crossing the pass, we will experience a change of landscape, from the steep gorges of Spiti to the broad plains of Ladakh. Overnight follows at camp.

Day 9: Dak Karzong to Datang Yongma (4830 m): 3 hrs

After having light food, today our trek follows the route of the Pare Chu River as it winds through a wide valley, with high banks left by the river in flood. There is a profusion of flora on this walk. We can get a chance to stay at camp side and enjoy meal at night.

Day 10: Datang Yongma to Racholamo (4600 m): 6/7 hrs

On this day we will start early in the morning after having our breakfast. Take a drive of 6-7 hrs, which will trail with similar surroundings as the day before, reaching Racholamo in mid afternoon. As day passes we will lose a small amount of height during the day. Overnight with dinner follows at camp in Racholamo.

Day 11: Racholamo to Norbu Sumdo to Chumik Shilde (4530 m): 5/6 hrs

Early in the morning, we will continue to Chumik Shilde passing through Norbu Sumdo. We will cross the Pare Chu River and move further in the direction of Tso Moriri Lake. There is a good likelihood of meeting yak trains transporting goods in the area. Check in to our camping spot in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight follows in camp.

Day 12: Chumik Shilde to Kiangdom (4540 m): 4 hrs.

Today we walk across the plains to the southern edge of the oval-shaped high-altitude Tso Moriri Lake at Kiangdom, named after the kiangs (wild Tibetan asses) that roam freely here. The lake is a breeding ground for many rare migratory birds. It is a short day’s walk and gives a great opportunity to photograph what is one of the most beautiful places of the entire trip. Overnight follows at camp in Kiangdom.

Day 13: Kiangdom to Karzog (4570 m): 7 hrs

After having breakfast, we will start early and walk along the shores of the salt lake - Tso Moriri. The spectacular view of the lake will rejuvenate you. Try to arrive in Karzog as early as possible to avoid the strong winds that are common in the afternoon. Once we arrive to Karzog, we can stopover at the ancient monasteries and relax after a hard trek! Overnight follows at camp side.

Day 14: In Karzog: Rest Day

This day will be our rest day. We will visit the Changpas, nomadic herdsmen of the area, with their valuable pashmina goats. Here we can stroll around the town or visit Tso Moriri. Stay overnight at camp side.

Day 15: Drive Karzog to Mahe to Leh (3500 m): 8 hrs

Early in the morning after having light food, we will take the long picturesque drive of 8 hrs to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, along the upper section of the Indus River, from which India takes its name. Overnight follows with dinner in the hotel.

Day 16: In Leh: Sightseeing Day

This day will be a leisure day with loads of opportunities to visit the Tibetan markets and shop for gifts and souvenirs. The surrounding Zanskar mountain range offers a wonderful milieu to the markets and we may be tempted to return in the future to Climb Stok Kangri (6153 m). Overnight follows at hotel in Leh.

Day 17: Fly Leh to Delhi

The last day of our trip consists of a one hour flight over the Greater Himalayan Range with fantastic views of K2, at 8611 meters, the second highest mountain on earth. Get back to Delhi where trip ends.
Travel facts and other details:

Price Includes:

1. Pick up from the Airport / Railway Station
2. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
3. Airport transfers
4. Group medical kit
5. Good quality accommodation
6. Trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fiber filled jacket and insulated mat
7. Private transportation
8. All park entrance fees and trekking permits
9. Porters to carry all personal and group equipment.
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PRICE

Can be customized

DURATION

17Day(s) & 16Night(s) onwards

STYLE

Long Treks

IDEAL FOR

Camping in Himalayas

GREAT FOR

High Altitude Trekking