Parang La Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Parang La Trek is one of the most exhilarating high-altitude treks in the Indian mountains. It links the cold Spiti in Himachal Pradesh to the lovely Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. At approximately 5,600 meters high, Parang La is a significant mountain pass that was once used for trade between the Spiti people and the Changthang nomads in Ladakh. This trek takes you on a wild trip over big ice fields, empty valleys, tall mountain paths, and river walks. It provides a true and unforgettable mountain thrill. The walk begins in Kibber, a high village in Spiti, and ends at Korzok by the Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh. This trek stands out for its amazing change in view from the rocky cuts and deep cuts of Spiti to the wide green fields and blue high lakes of Ladakh. The way goes through deep cuts of the Parilungbi River, ice parts of the Parang Glacier, and ends at the beautiful Tso Moriri Lake with its snowy tops and grazing fields.

The Parang La Trek is really hard and tests your body. It covers over 100 kilometres and takes about 10-12 days to finish. The path has no homes or tea places, so you must bring your camp and stuff. You have to get used to the height, alone, feel, and hard weather. You need to have done high walks before and be very strong in your head. For walkers and photo takers, this trek offers unmatched views of the wide mountain sights, the big wild, and a deep, alone feel. You might see wild blue sheep, big ground squirrels, and even snow big cats, which makes the trip even more exciting. The trek also has deep old meaning, as it follows old trade and travel ways used by traders, monks, and herders for many, many years. In short, Parang La is more than a trek; it's a dive into the deep mountains, far from the usual tourist paths. It is a trip for your body and soul through some of the wildest and untouched places in India, making it a must-do for serious walkers and adventure lovers.

History of Parang La Trek

The Parang La Trek has a long story and a big old cultural meaning. Set high in the mountains, Parang La was once a path for trade and pilgrim walks, connecting Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh to the Changthang land of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. For a long time, it was more than just a mountain path it was a main way for the trade of goods, culture, and holy know-how across lands split by tough land and hard weather. In history, Parang La was key in the mountain trade used by the Spiti and Ladakh people, mainly traders and wandering herders. Groups carrying salt, wool, barley, and dry meat would go from the big Changthang plains of Ladakh to the rich valleys of Spiti and beyond. In turn, needfuls like grains, spices, and hand-crafts would be brought back. This trade not only kept up the local money but also made strong cultural links between the people of Ladakh and Spiti. The trek path also served as a holy way for Buddhist monks and travellers. Monks would take long trips across Parang La to go to linked holy places, take part in holy learning, or share teachings. These exchanges were key in keeping and spreading Tibetan Buddhism in the mountain area. With new ways to move and border changes after freedom, mainly due to being close to Tibet (China), this way of trade went down a lot. However, the story of the Parang La path stayed in the minds of the local people. Moves by the Changpa wanderers of Ladakh, who keep animals in these tough lands, kept parts of this old path alive. Even today, you can see old piles of stones and worn paths that show the long past of traders and monks.

In recent years, the way has become popular among strong walkers and searchers who want to walk the same paths as the old travellers. Unlike more common treks, Parang La keeps its wild, untouched nature, showing the hard times faced by those who once needed it for living and connection. The area's being away has also let it stay in good shape, on both natural and cultural sides. Ice streams, lands rich in old animals, old stone carvings, and local stories keep adding deep history to the walk across Parang La. New interest in the trek has also brought focus to keeping the old ways of knowing, path signs, and old ways used by earlier people. The story of Parang La is not just about the past; it's a living story that shows how people last, change, and live with nature at high altitudes. In the end, the story of the Parang La Trek is deep in the ways of trade, pilgrim walks, and living. It is a tale of lasting human spirit, cut into the hard land of the high mountains. Each step along this trek echoes the steps of many people who crossed mountains not just for a living or faith, but to link two far yet culturally and money-linked worlds.

Nearby Places Around Parang La Trek

• Kibber Village: Kibber, where the Parang La Trek starts, is one of the top high towns you can reach by car in the world. It sits about 4,270 meters up. In the Spiti Valley, this little town is surrounded by dry hills and deep cuts. Kibber is not just known for its dream-like look but also for being close to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. There, you can find snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan ibex. It's good to get used to the high air before the trek and to see how the Spiti people build and live.

• Key Monastery: A bit before Kibber, Key Monastery stands as one of the old and famous Buddhist spots in the Spiti Valley. Set up high, it looks down on the Spiti River. This place started in the 11th century and is key for learning Tibetan Buddhism. Walkers often stop here for blessings before they start out. Its halls, wall art, old writings, and monks' sounds make a calm and deep feel.

• Tso Moriri Lake: Tso Moriri, where the Parang La Trek ends, is one of the top high lakes in India, at about 4,522 meters in Ladakh. With snow-topped tops and big green lands around, the lake brings birds from far, like the black-necked crane and bar-headed geese. It is a quiet spot for deep thought and rest after the hard trek. The nearby Korzok village offers a look at the Changpa people’s moving life.

• Korzok Village: On the north edge of Tso Moriri Lake, Korzok is one of the highest homes in India. The Changpa nomads live here, known for moving with their livestock and pashmina goat. Korzok Monastery, by the lake, brings a deep feel to the town. Walkers coming to Korzok after the Parang La Trek find it a nice, rich place to rest, talk with people, and learn about Ladakh ways.

• Chicham Bridge: Near Kibber, the Chicham Bridge is one of the top high bridges in Asia and a main stop for those going on the trek. Going over a deep cut, the bridge links Kibber and Chicham towns and gives a great, wide look of the Spiti world. It’s a wow in building and a top spot for photos before starting the journey to Parang La.

• Spiti Valley: Before or after the Parang La Trek, seeing more of Spiti Valley is a must. Spots like Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Pin Valley, and Langza offer cool things from old Buddhist ways to looking for fossils. The valley’s plain pretty look, with its high dry charm, makes it a must-see in the Indian Himalayas.

Best Times to Visit Parang La Trek

• July to September: The best time for the Parang La Trek is from mid-July to mid-September. In these months, high spots in Spiti and Ladakh are mostly free of snow, making it easy and safe to walk. The sky is clear, showing great views of the high hills. Ice and rivers are okay, and while it’s still cold, it's not too bad. This time also keeps the path free from new snow, which happens before July or after September.

• October to May: From October to May, the Parang La area is mostly hard to reach due to a lot of snow, bad weather, and very low temperatures. The passes and places around are full of snow, and most towns on the route, like Kibber and Korzok, get ready for a long, lonely winter. Walking is almost not doable and very risky during this time. Even local travel cuts down, and no help or saved work can be done.

• Post-Monsoon (August): August, right after the rains, is a super time for the Parang La Trek as the skies clear and the land shows more colours. Green lands in Ladakh bloom, the streams and ice rivers are full, and Tso Moriri Lake shines even more in its blue look. Yet, walkers must still watch out for fast weather shifts and some landslides on the way to Kibber.

How to Reach Parang La Trek

• Reach Kibber (Starting Point) via Manali: The trek starts at Kibber Village in Spiti, and you get there by going through Manali. Travel through the Atal Tunnel and move on to Kaza, the main town of Spiti. It takes about 10-12 hours to drive on rough roads. Kibber is just 18 km from Kaza, and you can get there by taxi. Most trekkers take this route to start their hike in Spiti.

• By Road from Shimla (Alternative Route): You can also get to Kibber through Shimla. This way goes on the Hindustan-Tibet Highway and goes by places like Reckong Peo, Nako, and Tabo before reaching Kaza and Kibber. It takes 2-3 days by this road, but it helps to slowly get used to less air as you climb. The views are amazing and show another face of Spiti.

• Reaching Korzok (Endpoint) from Tso Moriri: At the end of the trek, go down to Korzok Village by the Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh. Leh, the closest big town, is about 220 km from there. The drive to Leh takes 7-9 hours. You can find taxis and shared rides from Korzok to Leh, but it is smart to book these in advance as choices are limited.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Parang La Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.