Parang La is a high mountain pass located between Spiti and Ladakh. Parang la trekking route follows an ancient, historical and traditional trade route once was between Spiti, Changthang & Tibet. it’s 8 days trekking from Dumla near Kibber to Korzok. The route crosses the upper reaches of the Pare Chu and continues to Lake Tsomoriri in Ladakh. The Parang La at an altitude of 5560 m. To the south of the pass, there are fewer snowfields. To the north is a long glacier crossing. To the Northwest there is Takling La, which is nowadays used less by trekkers, mostly takes the Parang La route. Parang La opened to tourists in 1994, we took the first commercial trek in 1996, Kibber – Kiangdam – Pang trek. Since then we have organized numerous treks in this region, some of which included also the climb of Chamser – Lungser Kangri. To add more adventure to this trip, a Mentok Kangri climb is an option.
Overview
Setting off from Dumla near Kibber (4250m), Kibber meadows is a breeding ground for famous Spiti horses and also the home of elegant Snow Leopard. The route goes to Parilungbi gorge. Stepping over the Thaltak meadows, moraine stretches, crevasses, and glaciers, climb to the high mountain pass of Parang La (5560m). The source of Pare Chu River. Following the Pare Chu, which flows towards South into the Tibet frontier near Chumar village and again enters in Spiti valley,
There are no people on the whole route unless you meet a few Changpa nomads near the Lake at Kiangdom. Today most nomadic herdsmen live between the valley near Thelakong la, Lanyar area. A vast valley that goes from near Kiangdom. It is a high-altitude trek, the route remains above 4400m most of the time. Thus proper acclimatization at Kaza or Kibber is essential for doing this trek. The other challenging and significant problem can be the crossing of multiple mountain streams, which can be very cold during bad weather. It is therefore essential to have good sandals. The last two campsites location are the best in the entire trek. The rewarding point is at the end of the trek when you reach deep blue turquoise Tsomoriri at the Kiangdom, southern shore of Tso-Moriri. Kiangdom is named after Kiang (Tibetan wild ass) which roams in this area. Tsomoriri is also a breeding ground for the black-necked crane, bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks. Arriving at Korzok we visit the large changpa settlement at Korzok Phu. Finally drive to Leh or Manali via Sumdo, Puga (hot spring) – Tsokar and join the Manali – Leh highway.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Rohtang la (3978m) – Kunzom la (4551m) – Kaza (3600m)
Day 3: At Kaza: Acclimatize
Day 4: Kaza – Langza (4435m): Acclimatize
Day 5: Langza to Kee – Kibber (4,205m) – Dumla (4080m) drive, Trek to Thaltak (4650m)
Day 6: Trek to Jugtak (4850m) – Bongrojen (5100m)
Day 7: Trek to Dak Karzong – Kharsa gongma (4900m) cross Parang la (5560 m)
Day 8: Trek to Dakpo Takling Chu (4800m) – Datang Yongma (4650m)
Day 9: Trek to Umlung (4650 m) – Racholhamo (4600m)
Day 10: Trek to Norbu sumdo (4520 m) – Chumik Shilde (4540m)
Day 11: Trek to Kiangdom (4540 m)
Day 12: Kiangdom to Korzok (4600m)
Day 13: Korzok to Leh via Taglang La (5328m)
Day 14: Leh – Delhi flight.
Kiangdom to Pang trek extension on Manali – Leh highway
Day 12: Kiangdom – Thargang over Manechan La (4765m) 6 hrs.
Day 13: Thargang – Lanyar La – Lanyar, 7 hrs.
Day 14: Lanyar – Thelakong La – Khalad, 6 hrs.
Day 15: Khalad – Pang, 5 hrs.
Day 16: Pang – Manali drive or Pang 9 hrs – Leh drive 5 hrs.
Korzok to Pang trek extension on Manali – Leh highway
Day 12: Trek to Karzok, 6-7 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Tharang la/Tarang La base camp, 5-6 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Tharang la – Lanyar, 7-8 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Thelakong la -camp by the river, 6 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to pang.
Day 17: Pang – Manali drive 9 hrs. or Pang to Leh drive 5 hrs.
Korzok to Manali
Day 14: Korzok to Manali via Baralacha la (4890m) – Atal Tunnel, 11-12 hrs.
Day 15: Manali – Delhi.
Mentok Kangri 6262m Extension
Day 12: Kiangdom to Korzok (4600m)
Day 13: Trek to Base camp (5300m)
Day 14: A day for preparation
Day 15: Ascend Mentok Kangri (6250m) – Base camp
Day 16: Reserve day / Contingency day
Day 17: Descent to Korzok
Day 18: Korzok to Leh via Taglang La (5328m)
Day 19: At Leh
Day 20: Leh – Delhi flight.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Manali.
Arrive at Delhi or Chandigarh airport. Pick up and drive to Manali by private car. Arrive at Manali, check into the hotel. It’s a 14-15 hrs drive from Delhi airport and it’s a 7-8 hrs drive from Chandigarh airport to Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Rohtang la (3978m) – Kunzom la (4551m) – Kaza (3600m), 9-10 hrs
Today an early departure from Manali, Overland journey by jeep over Rohtang pass 3978 meters. Rohtang pass, which is the gateway to Lahoul –Spiti, Pangi, and Zanskar. Along the Chandra River valley for 3-4 hrs until reaching Batal. Magnificent view of the snow-capped mountain of C.B. Ranges and Bara Shigri Glacier. These ranges are part of the Great Himalayan range. Passing through Kunzum la (4551m) we arrive at the first village of Spiti called Losar (4’000m). By the evening arrival at Kaza. Kaza is a sub-headquarter of the Spiti region. Check into the hotel, rest, and relax.
Day 3: At Kaza: Acclimatize
Today explore the local Bazar at Kaza town. or visit Dankhar, Lalung, and Pin valley.
Day 4: Kaza – Langza (4435m): Acclimatize
Langza is situated at an altitude of 4435m/14500ft and below the beautiful Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak (6303m). You will stay overnight at the homestay. Explore the village and acclimatize hike in around.
Day 5: Langza to Kee – Kibber (4,205m) – Dumla (4080m) drive, Trek to Thaltak (4650m)
Today leaving Kaza short drive to Kee 6 -7 km. Visit the monastery and continue to drive to Kibber and further to Chichim – Dumla. Dumla is short after Pari Lungbi gorge. Setting off from here first short descent to Dumla through fields of Barley than gradual ascent arrival on a ridge, from where a splendid and spectacular view of Shilla Peak 6303m. to southeast half an hour down to the campsite of Thaltak.
Day 6: Trek to Jugtak (4850m) – Bongrojen (5100m), 7-8 hrs
Now, the trail descends 400 meters. Down to Parilungla Chu. Cross the river, Climb to saghthag over moraine stretch. Further gradual and exhausting climb to reach the glaciated valley, one to the north and one to the south. Follow the moraine stretch towards the north and then arrive at the campsite of Jugthag at an altitude of 4850m
Day 7: Trek to Dak Karzong – Kharsa gongma (4900m) cross Parang la (5560 m), 8-9 hrs
An eventful day for those who have never climbed this height Before. From camp climb up gradually to Parangla on patches of snow panoramic views of Peaks of Ladakh, Lahoul and Spiti for below in the NW you can see the Pare chu which original from this pass. 4 km. Descend through crevasses and glaciers then cross the Pare chu. Following the left side of the river arrive at the campsite of Kharsa Gongma. The Dak Karzong is a short distance from Kharsa gongma.
Day 8: Trek to Dakpo Takling Chu (4800m) – Datang Yongma (4650m), 6-7 hrs
Today we cross the river close to the campsite and follow the right bank of Pare Chu. Now the valley becomes broad. Sometimes on the riverbed or above the river, the trail goes to the campsite of Dokpo Phirtse. 60 km stretch through Kharas, Dokpo phirtse, Dakar, Kuru, and Thaktote, which are places where Changpas stays during summertime. Gentle and easy walking along with the Pare Chu. Small tributaries to be crossed before arriving at the Dokpo Phirtse and continuing to Datang Yongma campsite.
Day 9: Trek to Umlung (4650 m) – Racholhamo (4600m), 6-7 hrs
Today again easy walking along the right bank of Pare-chu. Now the valley becomes wide as you follow the Pare-chu. At different places, you come across Patches of grass at the nomad’s summer place. Overnight camp at Racholhamo.
Day 10: Trek to Norbu sumdo (4520 m) – Chumik Shilde (4540m), 7 hrs
A short stretch along the right bank until arriving at a place where a stream joins with pare-chu. The trail goes further to chumar village in Tibet. Pare- chu river to be cross at this point and trek up to right and valley. Walk towards the right-hand valley. As you trek upwards the landscape changes from dusty plain to green pasture ground. Here you will be welcomed by Changpas. (Tibetan nomads) Overnight camp at Chumik Shilde.
Day 11: Trek to Kiangdom (4540 m), 4-5 hrs
A wonderful and exciting day of trekking tour, here the landscape changes dramatically. Walking through pasture and sandy patches the valley becomes broader and broader. After walking through Chumik Shilde and crossing a small stream finally arrive at Tso-moriri Lake. The lake is 24 km in length and 6 km wide. Changpas can be seen with their flocks of sheep, goats, and yaks near the lake. Kyang, birds like a bar-headed goose, migratory birds black-necked ducks are also found around the lake.
Day 12: Kiangdom to Korzok (4600m), 7-8 hrs.
Today after breakfast leaving Kiangdam behind we trek to Korzog along the banks of Tsomoriri Lake. Yet it provides a pleasant walk on the shore of the lake, as well as Chamser (6622m) and Lungser Kangri (6666m) peaks at the Eastern shore of Tsomoriri, which remain in sight up to Korzok. To the North you will have a view of Yalung Nong peak and to the West Mentok Kangri group of peaks. Karzok is high altitude village, situated on the west banks of Lake Tsomoriri, with inhabitants of Karzok also known as Changpa. Overnight camp at Korzok.
Day 13: Korzok to Leh via Taglang La (5328m), 8-9 hrs
Leaving Korzok the road goes to Kiagar Tso, Sumdo, Puga, and Tsokar. Finally crossing the Taglang la and long descent to Indus valley to Leh. Check into the hotel. Rest and relax.
Day 14: Leh – Delhi flight.
Pickup at hotel and transfer to airport and flight to Delhi.
REVIEW
“Dear Prem Singh and Tenzin – We would like to express our greatest appreciation to all the efforts made by Govinda, Chin and Prem in making all aspects of our treck and climb enjoyable and memorable.
The whole team worked very hard, even when they must have been in tired, to look after us on the treck and they catered for all our needs.
The food was of outstanding quality and was always varied, plentyfull and very tasty. At all time Govinda, Chin and Prem went out of their way to make sure that we were comfortable.
In Perticular we would like to express our appreciation for Govinda, who is an excellent guide – polite, cheerful and enthusiastic at all time. He was great company to be with and we both feel priviledged to have met him.
We would not have wished for a better treck and would thoroughly recommenD Govinda, Chin and Prem to any of your future clients”.
Yours,
Mr. Ray & Mrs. Antje – United Kingdom – July
Trip Highlights
- Trek across Parang La - An ancient trade route between Tibet & India.
- Trekking in the Changthang - Westernmost Tibetan plateau.
- High pass of Parang La.
- Meeting with Changpa Nomads.
- Turquoise Lake of Tsomoriri.
