Parang La: A High Altitude Trek in Spiti Valley

Parang La, the trade route of Spiti and Tibet, starts from Kibber village of Spiti and ends at Karzok Village of Leh Ladakh. After days of trekking and wandering over the mountains, the journey ends at the Breathtaking Tsomoriri Lake – truly a photographer’s paradise. The meadows, the desert land, and the wildlife of the area are truly a treat to watch and experience the beauty of the Valley and Nature.

Tsomoriri’s fantastic vistas, vivid colors, and abundant birds and wildlife will leave you with the impression of reaching Shangri-la, as the lake is truly comparable to something from the land of the gods.

 

Where is Parang La?

Bus Station:   Kaza

Railway Station:   Joginder Nagar (145km)

Airport:     Bhuntar (KULLU) (50km)

City:     Kaza

District:  Lahaul & Spiti

State:    Himachal Pradesh

Country:   India

Continent:  Asia

Currency:   Rupees

Languages:   Tibetan, Hindi, Punjabi, English

Ambulance:  108

Police:   100

 

How to Reach Parang La Trek? 

By Air:  Once you reach the International Airport of India, especially Delhi, follow up by booking a flight to Bhuntar(Kullu). Thereafter, you can take local transport, mostly cabs/taxis and autorickshaws, to reach Kullu.  After reaching Kullu, you have many options to reach Kibber. You can look for government buses to reach Kibber. On the other hand, shared taxis and rental bikes/Bullet are also available and best for the summer journey.

By Train: From Delhi International Airport, head towards Delhi Metro Station to reach Delhi Railway Station, then buy a ticket to Mandi Jogindernagar Railway Station, and from there, book a cab/taxi towards Kullu or directly to Kibber Village in Spiti.

By Road: After reaching Delhi International Airport, book an overnight Volvo Journey to Manali. Early morning, you will be in Manali.

OR

Chandigarh to Manali

From Chandigarh airport, book an overnight Volvo Journey to Manali. Early morning, you will be in Manali. Distance Covered – 280km via NH 03 Volvo Ticket – 900/- INR per person

 Manali to Kibber

From Manali, you can take Ordinary buses or Cabs/taxis to Kaza. Now head towards Kibber Village. After reaching Kibber Village, book your Homestay.

Now, acclimate yourself and explore the culture and the Village. In the evening, attend the monk’s prayers and get some blessings for the trek. Overnight Stay in Kibber Homestay.

Distance Covered – 170km via NH505

How to cover the Parang La Trek?

Once you reach Kibber Village by transport or any Vehicle, secondly, look for a better guide or trekker easily available in the Village who will guide you throughout your Parang La Pass trek, and your journey towards the Parang La starts from the Kibber Village.

Kibber to Dumla (07 km) 

Now you have to prepare your equipment, luggage, and all the essential items, and start your hike. Kibber to Dumla is a short hike
through the rough terrain of the Spiti region, crossing several gorgeous rivers before
reaching the campsite. After reaching Dulma, prepare your camping. Overnight
stay at Dumla in the Camps.

Dumla to Thaltak Meadow (07 km) 

Now, from Dumla, you have to descend to the gorge bed, and thereafter you have to start the climb toward the pass. There is a steep walk toward Thaltak Meadow where you can prepare camp for the night. Overnight stay at Thaltak camp.

Thaltak – Jagtha – Bongrojen (Base Camp 14 km)

Now you have a long walk of about 8kms towards Jagtha. You can relax a bit, then head towards Bongrojen, where you have to set up your night stay camping.

Bongrojen to Dak Karzong (10 kms)

Now you have the Parang La Pass Summit, so trek early in the morning to make the most of the day and get a good experience.

The final 4 km of the Pass is a steep 2-hour climb to Parang La
at 18,880 ft. There are some great views of the Spiti and the Changthang valleys from
the past.

After reaching the top, you can see the Ladkahi Peak Parilungi visible from
Spiti. From the pass, we descend to the source of the Parchu River, and you can observe the dramatic changes in the steep trail to the broad plains. Once you reach Dak Karzong, you can set up your camps for an overnight stay.

Dak Karzong to Datang Yongma (12kms)

Now, as you enter the Ladakh Valley, the route for the next 3 days is in a fairly open valley with a well-marked
trail on the left bank of the Pare Chu. After reaching   Datang, Yongma set up your Campsite for an overnight stay.

Datang Yongma to Chumik Shilde (16 km)

Now you have to start early, as the winds and sun can be strong in the afternoon, so follow the trails towards Racholemo, then Norbu Sumdo, and reach your next Camping site, Chumik Shilde. Look for a better location and prepare for Camping in Chumik Shilde.

Chumik Shilde to Tso Moriri (14kms)

Now, from Chumik Shilde, you will walk across the plains to the southern edge of the high-altitude lake Tso Moriri at Kiangdom. Now, after preparing a campsite for an overnight stay.

Tso Moriri to Korzok  (15 kms)

Now, on the last day of your trek, you have to pass along the shore of Tso Moriri. You can take some pictures and enjoy your long walk and the view of the
lake. The walk is longer than it looks, and the afternoon sun will be
harsh on you.

After reaching Korzok, the last point of your trek, you can set up your camp or book a homestay for a relaxing and better experience, and interact with the local host. Overnight stay in Korzok Village.

Karzog to Leh (213 kms)

Now book your cabs/taxis to Leh and head towards Ladakh via Mahe Bridge. Overnight in Leh.

Leh to Chandigarh

Book your direct Flight Tickets from Leh Airport to Chandigarh Airport.

Flight Tickets – 7000/- INR per Adult

What to Pack/Carry?

1. Backpack with rain cover
2. Sleeping bag with inner lining
3. High-ankle waterproof trekking shoes
4. Slippers/floaters.
5. Wind and Water-resistant Jacket.
6. Raincover/poncho
7. 2 track pants
8. 1 lower
9. 2 t-shirts
10. Water bottle
11. 2 Cotton socks
12. 1 woolen socks
13. Torch
14. Walking stick
15. Toilet paper/wipes
16. suncream
17. Sunglasses
18. Suncap
19. Dry fruits/ Energy bars
20. Woolen cap
21. Personal Medical Kit