Trek Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Highest Altitude
18307 ft
Base Camp
Kaza
Best Time
June to Sept
Parang La Trek
Parang La Trek is located in the Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, Tibet & Changthang in the Ladakh region. This trek is difficult, and the trekker requires prior experience and expertise to complete it. They would be walking past some local villages, passing through old monasteries and beautiful landscapes of mountains. The picturesque view they would see is deep gorges, vast meadows, lakes, wildlife like snow leopards, and a high-altitude village. In this trek, they would encounter long glaciers, cross rivers, negotiate crevasses, and enjoy beautiful mountain meadows. This trek is along a wide glaciated pass which connects southeastern Ladakh to Spiti. Parang Leh Trek is famous for its cultural treasures, monasteries, palaces, and temples. There are some high settlements that they will pass on this trek, like Komic, Kibber, Langza, and Hikkim.
Trek Cost
- Stay will be on a twin-sharing basis in tents
Fix Diparture Dates
Parang La Trek Videos
Videos by experts watch these videos to prepare well for a Successful Trek
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Parang La
Day 1: Manali to Kaza by Road
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guesthouse/hotel.
- Meal – Dinner
- Distance – 202 km
- Time Taken – approx. 5 hrs
- Altitude – Manali (6730 ft / 2050 mtr), Kaza (11,980 ft / 3650 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 5250 ft / 1600 mtr
- Trek Grade – By road
On the first day of their journey, they would begin their travel by road, and along the way, they would pass Rohtang Pass & Kunzum La. The trekkers would rest the day to get their bodies acclimatized to the high altitude. At Kunzum La, the trekkers could also visit the famous Kunzum Mata Mandir. As the trekkers drive from Kunzum La to Kaza, they will be enthralled by the beautiful Spiti River. When they reach Kaza, they would be welcomed by the key monasteries, and the trekkers could also explore the local market. Upon reaching Manali, they would be dropped off at the hotel by the Trekup India Representative, where they would be sleeping for the night.
Day 2: Kaza to Chicham by Road
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guesthouse/hotel.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 18 km
- Time Taken – approx. 50 min.
- Altitude – Kaza (11,980 ft / 3650 mtr), Chicham (13,615 ft / 4150 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1635 ft / 500 mtr
- Trek Grade – By road
The trekkers would begin their day with a warm breakfast and prepare for the day ahead. The trekker would use this day to rest and get acclimatized by walking and exploring Kaza, like walking along the Spiti River and visiting Monasteries & Gompa. After they had explored Kaza, the trekker would begin the drive towards Chicham, a short drive.
Day 3: Rest Day at Chicham
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guesthouse/hotel.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude – 13,615 ft / 4150 mtr
The trekkers would begin their day with hot tea and the picture-perfect scenic views in front of their eyes. Chicham is famous for its suspension bridge, the highest in Asia. The trekkers would use this day to get their bodies acclimatized for the trek ahead. After the day’s excursion, the trekkers would return to the guest house or hotel and get ample sleep at night.
Day 4: Chicham to Thaltak by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 8 km
- Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs
- Altitude – Chicham (13,615 ft / 4150 mtr), Thaltak (15,387 ft / 4690 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1772 ft / 540 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual
This day marks the first day of their trek, and the trekker would begin the day with hot tea. The trek from Chicahm would begin walking on the straight-led trail; the trekkers would soon start seeing the campsite at Dumla. Here, they would catch the water stream flowing in the middle of agriculture fields; from Dumla, the trail would begin ascending uphill with the view of Spiti mountains and zig-zag dirt trail, with locally grown vegetation of Tampa. As the trekkers reach Thalak, they would be enthralled by Kanamo Peak as it comes into view. Thaltak campsite has a fantastic idea with Kanmao peak in front and lush green meadows known as Thama bush. Rest for the night at the camp after the tiring day trek.
Day 5: Thaltak to Borochin by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 12 km
- Time Taken – approx. 8 hrs
- Altitude – Thaltak (15,387 ft / 4690 mtr), Borochin (16,732 ft / 5100 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1345 ft / 410 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
The trekkers would begin their morning with a delicious breakfast and prepare for the day’s trek. As the trekker starts walking from Thaltak meadows, the trail leads through a rough trail with deep gorges, loose gravel & rocks. The trekkers would then begin a downhill walk till they reach the riverbed of gushing river locally called Rong Nala. From there on, the trekkers would climb uphill till they reach Jukhta campsite, after which they will soon pass through the barren valley of Borochin. When they reach the Borochin campsite, they will see a small following stream. At this campsite, the trekker would get to sleep under the picturesque landscape of mountains studded with stars.
Day 6: Borochin to Kharsa Yongma via Parang La by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 14 km
- Time Taken – approx. 9 hrs
- Altitude – Borochin (16,732 ft / 5100 mtr), Parang La Pass (18,370 ft / 5600 mtr), Kharsa Yongma (15,912 ft / 4850 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – Borochin to Parang La Pass (1638 ft / 500 mtr), Parang La Pass to Kharsa Yongma (2458 ft / 750 mtr)
- Trek Grade – Moderate to Difficult
This day marks the primary day of the summit, where the trekker would be climbing the highest point of the trek. Trekup India Trek Leader will guide them and prepare them for the problematic level day trek, after which they will begin the trek through moraines. The trekkers would walk through the zig-zag trail until they reached Parang La. As the trekker reaches the top, they would be welcomed and spellbound by the view, which includes Spiti and Changthang valleys and Parilungi Peak. Once they have enjoyed the top picture, they begin their return trek, taking them to Parang La Glacier. As the trekkers reach Parang La glacier, they would walk past the glacier with the river flowing beneath. As they walk past the glacier, they must be extra careful as they pass through a few crevasses. The trekker would soon reach Lakku campsite; from there, it is just a few hours to the campsite, Kharsa Yongma. The trekkers would be sleeping at the camp, where they would hear the soothing sound of the river flowing and the fresh air of the mountains.
Day 7: Kharsa Yongma to Kapapuche by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 20 km
- Time Taken – approx. 10 hrs
- Altitude – Kharsa Yongma (15,912 ft / 4850 mtr), Kapapuche (15,420 ft / 4700 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 492 ft / 150 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual
This day marks the descent and the return journey; the trekker will begin their trek after breakfast. The trail today will be leading through the riverbed, and they will be crossing numerous streams. The route would also be passing through Datang Yongma & Datang Kongma, which are also the campsites. Catch a sight of Tsoma Nala flowing on the side of the Datang Yongma; on the way, they will also see Lasoma or Takli La Nala merging into Datang Nala after the Yongma campsite. After walking for some time, they would finally reach the camp at Kapapuche, where they would rest for the night.
Day 8: Kapapuche to Kitpodansa by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Distance – 20 km
- Time Taken – approx. 10 hrs
- Altitude – Kapapuche (15,420 ft / 4700 mtr), Kitpodansa (14,930 ft / 4550 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 490 ft / 150 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
On this day, the trekker would walk on the trail like the previous day, but the altitude would be reduced. The trekker would be walking along the Pare River riverbed, catching sight of multiple streams or Nala, merging into the Pare Chu River and another merging into Falangbado Nala. After walking for a while, the trekker soon reached Phalum Phada campsite, where they saw huge rock structures. Also, some small caves act as a reminder of the traders who used to find shelter in earlier times. The next place the trekker would be passing by Racholamo campsite, a merging point of 2 valleys; then the trekker crosses past Lakuk Nala, a major tributary river flowing near Racholamo campsite. After the day’s excursion, the trekker can rest at the camp and enjoy the scenic mountains. The next day, the trekker will ascend towards the mountain’s peak and take in the breathtaking views. After that, they will make their way back down and end the trek at the same campsite.
Day 9: Kitpodansa to Chumik Shilde by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 18 km
- Time Taken – approx. 9 hrs
- Altitude – Kitpodansa (14,930 ft / 4550 mtr), Chumik Shilde (15,420 ft / 4700 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 490 ft / 150 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
Beginning the day, the trekker would wake up with a healthy breakfast and hot tea, and the trail would be downstream of the Parechu River. The trekker will then pass Norbu Sumdo, and the route changes the landscape from riverbed to lush green meadows. Yellow flowers await on this trail; they would see wildlife such as Kiang (wild ass), a black wolf & Marmot. At the Chumik Shilde campsite, they would be enthralled by the green meadows and spring water. Have a good night’s sleep and take ample rest at night.
Day 10: Chumik Shilde to Kiangdom by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 14 km
- Time Taken – approx. 8 hrs
- Altitude – Chumik Shilde (15,420 ft / 4700 mtr), Kingdom (15,060 ft / 4590 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 360 ft / 110 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual
The trek would start on flat land and, through the dense green meadows, catch sight of the snow-covered peaks of the Mentok series. As they walk ahead on the trail, they start seeing Tso Moriri Lake, which is a very pristine lake. As they reach the Kiangdom campsite, they might get to see wild asses, as the place is named after wild Tibetan asses, locally known as Kiangs. The lake is the nesting ground for many beautiful birds migrating to this region. After the trekker has trekked for the day, they would automatically sleep early.
Day 11: Kiangdom to Karzok by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guest house.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 21 km
- Time Taken – approx. 9 hrs
- Altitude – Kingdom (15,060 ft / 4590 mtr), Karzok (15,130 ft / 4610 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 70 ft / 20 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual
This day marks the last day of the trek, and the trekker will enjoy the scenic views of the mountains one last time. The trekkers would begin the trek along the Tsomorir Lake on the side; they would get a beautiful view of Chamsher Kangri Peak and Lungser Kangri Peak. The trekkers would experience the changing colour of the lake depending on the time of day. The trail towards Karzok village will be uphill, and it will take a few hours to reach the campsite. Kazok village is a perfect example of solitude, with few houses and homestays.
Day 12: Karzok to Leh by Road
- Meal – Breakfast
- Distance – 240 km
- Time Taken – approx. 6 hrs
- Altitude – Karzok (15,130 ft / 4610 mtr), Leh (11,562 ft / 3524 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 3568 ft / 1086 mtr
- Trek Grade – By Road
On the last day of the trekkers’ journey, they would be driving through the mountains last time and taking in the serenity of the hills. They would be met by a Trekup India representative, who would then move them from Karzok to Leh. At Leh, the team would bid them farewell, and they would be on their own to explore Leh & the nearby area, or they could return home.
Parang La Trek Route Map
We’ve prepared a comprehensive Trek Route Map for your upcoming adventure to Parang La Trek, which outlines the entire journey including all stops and trails. This map provides detailed information on the terrain, distance between points of interest, and estimated travel time to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. We’ve carefully curated the map to ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Please take a moment to review it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Parang La Trek Altitude Chart
The Trek Altitude Chart is a useful tool for Trekkers to monitor their altitude changes during their rides, allowing them to plan their routes more efficiently and track their progress over time. This Parang La Trek chart is beneficial for both casual and experienced Trekkers, helping them make the most out of their Trek experience.
Trek Cost Inclusions
- Stay 8 Nights of tented accommodation at respective campsites of Trekup India on a sharing basis and three days in the guest house.
- Meals: Trekup India provided cooked meals during the trek, starting with Dinner on Day 01 to Breakfast on day 12 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian and non-repeated meals)
- Transport: Manali to Kaza, Kaza to Chicham and Karzok to Leh on sharing jeeps
- Trek Insurance (Optional): Trekup India recommends that all trekkers consider getting trek insurance. This is optional, but highly recommended. Trek insurance covers unexpected events that may occur during your trek. The cost of the insurance starts from INR 210. Please read more about what is included in the coverage and why it is mandatory on treks.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
- Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee
- Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusions
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 365 per day, per bag if paid online (at base camp 2,550). Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.
What should you pack for the Parang La Trek
Parang La Trek is a high-altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus, read this whole segment. There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below, we have provided the details on everything you should take; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.
Head Gears
When trekking it's important to carry headgear to protect your head and face.
Heading out for a trek? Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your beautiful face and head from the sun, wind, and dust! It’s an essential accessory that keeps you safe and comfortable throughout your adventurous journey. So, make sure you pack it before you step out into nature!
- Head Lamps – When trekking at night, headlamps are essential to illuminate your path while keeping your hands free. Headlamps come in different sizes and lumens, so it is essential to choose one that suits your needs.
- Hats or Cap – Caps or hats are also necessary when trekking in different weather conditions. Caps protect your head from the wind and freezing temperatures at night, while hats provide shade and protection from the sun during the day. It’s essential to ensure that your hat has a strap to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
- Sunglasses – Sunglasses are also essential for trekking. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and fit your face perfectly to avoid falling off while climbing, jumping, or crossing obstacles. The glass of your sunglasses should also be designed for different weather conditions to provide optimal visibility.
- Buff / Balaclava – Lastly, a buff or balaclava is a must-have to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep them warm. Buffs and balaclavas come in different materials, thicknesses, and designs, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Depending on the weather conditions and your activities, you can wear them as neck warmers, face masks, or headbands.
Clothes
When trekking in high altitudes, prepare for cold weather by wearing layers. Layering traps heat, keeps you warm, and allows you to easily adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate.
Layering is important for different seasons when trekking. When planning a high-altitude trek, it is important to prepare for the cold weather. Wearing layers is the best approach as it provides both protection and flexibility when the weather changes frequently in the mountains. Layering helps to trap heat and keep your body warm, while at the same time allowing you to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates. By wearing layers, you can enjoy your trek comfortably and stay safe in the unpredictable mountain weather
- For spring, summer, and monsoon treks, consider wearing three layers: a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket.
- For autumn treks, add one more fleece layer to make it four layers.
- For winter treks, you may need five layers with thermals, a woollen sweater, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
- T-shirt/sleeve shirt– Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants, wearing one and carrying the others. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays. We recommend synthetic T-shirts as they get dry quickly when they get wet.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket– down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or two-three-layer jackets.
- Thermals– at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
- Undergarments– you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
- Gloves– 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
- Trek Pants– Bring 2 to 3 comfortable trekking pants. Trekking pants play a significant role, as they are designed for comfort and mobility, making trekking easier. It should be Synthetic so that it gets dry quickly when wet.
- Rain Wear– you can carry a raincoat or Poncho. During long rains and snowfalls, the waterproof jackets start leaking. Still, the Poncho and raincoats keep you dry, so choose accordingly.
Tip: If you choose a raincoat on your trek, carry a small waterproof cover so things inside your backpack can’t get wet. If you carry a Poncho, you don’t need to worry. It protects both you and your backpack.
Foot Gears
When it comes to planning a trek, one of the most important aspects is to ensure that you have the right kind of foot gear.
- Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours when you reach the campsite, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your shoes. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
- Socks– you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
- Microspikes & Gaitorswill be provided by Trekup India when required. You don’t have to carry them.