Plan to go on a Parang La trek to make the most of a long vacation in the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. Parang La is an approximately 18290-feet high mountain pass in the northeastern part of the state, and it acts as a gateway to Ladakh. The venture allows you to spend a leisurely time and at the same time stay continuously active. A trek, such as this, is a gruelling affair owing to the tough terrain and high elevation of the Lahaul and Spiti, and the Ladakh regions. The views that the beaten mountainous paths offer will compel you to capture them in your cameras and imprint them in your memory.

The Parang La trekking venture begins from the village of Kaza, located in the valley of the Spiti River. Drive first to the village of Ki via that of Kibber, and upon reaching the former, avail an optional tour of Ki Monastery. Start the hike from Ki, travelling through gorges to the first campsite of Dumla. After spending the night in a tent, resume the journey by moving towards Thaltak Meadow – a stunning camping ground. The next morning, commence an around 7-hour long stretch of the trek to Parang La and hike to Bongrojen. It is a rocky and slightly sloping patch of ground, situated at the foot of two mountains.

From here, move on to the summit of Parang La and then descend on the way to the relatively flatter camping ground of Dak Karzong. Restart the Parang La pass trek from Dak Karzong, hiking downhill to reach Datang Yongma. The ensuing morning, cross the valley of Racholamo en route Chumik Shilde and after an overnight stay here, travel to Tso Moriri – a spellbinding glacial lake. The following dawn, tread along its shores to reach the village of Korzok, which houses a Buddhist monastery. Bring a full circle to this wonderful expedition by driving from Korzok to the town of Leh. Either explore the town on your own, visiting its famous places of interest, or choose to head to Manali or Srinagar to begin your onward journey to New Delhi.

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Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Kaza to Ki | Ki to Dumla (18 km approx./ 4 hours)
reach Kaza on your own preferably a day before .Spend some time acclimatising to high-altitude weather in the town of Kaza, which serves as the administrative centre of the Spiti Valley. After getting used to the conditions, begin the experience by first driving from Kaza to the small village of Kibber.
Kibber has an elevation of about 14000 feet above sea level, and it is among the highest human settlements in the world. Near the village is the famous Ki Monastery – a 11th century Buddhist site – famous for its architecture, wall paintings and images of Lord Buddha.

Later, commence the preliminary phase of the Parang La trek and move towards Dumla. Though the hike is short, it has to be done cautiously due to the slightly rough terrain of the Lahaul and Spiti region. Cross several deep and narrow river gorges on the way to Dumla, and on reaching your destination travel to the campsite for an overnight stay.

Day 02: Dumla to Thaltak Meadow (14990 feet approx./ 3-4 hours)
Come down the mountain slopes while completing this stretch of the Parang La trekking expedition, and arrive at the base of a narrow gorge. After completing the descent, start climbing the mountains towards the meadow of Thaltak. Upon arriving at the meadow, set up camps to stay overnight.

Day 03: Thaltak Meadow to Jagtha | Jagtha to Bongrojen (16780 feet approx./ 7 hours)
In the morning, begin the long and demanding phase of the trek to Parang La by walking for around 8 km towards Jagtha and then further towards Bongrojen. On the way, come down the slopes towards the floor of a river and then follow it upstream. En route Bongrojen, walk through hordes of small and big rocks, scattered on the track. On arrival in Bongrojen, transfer to the campsite for a night stay.

Day 04: Bongrojen to Parang La (18290 feet) | Parang La to Dak Karzong (16200 feet approx./ 5 hours)
The ensuing leg of the Parang La pass trek will take you to the summit of the mountain pass itself. Relish a cup of hot tea and a nourishing breakfast before you start walking. Gain elevation gradually while ascending to the top of the pass.

On reaching the pass summit, look at the bewitching views of the Spiti Valley, and then start descending towards the Pare Chu River. Post negotiating the downhill journey successfully; tread on flat plains on the way to Dak Karzong. It is a small, flat and barren valley surrounded by high mountains on all sides. Upon reaching the site, travel to the camp and rest.

Day 05: Dak Karzong to Datang Yongma (15500 feet approx./ 5 hours)
Head upstream along the Pare Chu River, and walk through numerous minor mountain rivers. On reaching Datang Yongma, set up camps and retire for the day.

Day 06: Datang Yongma to Chumik Shilde (14869 feet approx./ 5-6 hours)
Onwards on this Parang La trek, enjoy hiking early morning on an easy and almost-flat path up to the Racholamo Valley. From here, the track comes downhill considerably, passing by the grounds of Norbu Sumdo, which used to be the meeting place of Ladakhi monarchs. Cross a river beyond Norbu Sumdo on the way to Chumik Shilde. On reaching the destination, travel to the camps for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Chumik Shilde to Tso Moriri (15075 feet approx./ 5 hours)
This section of the Parang La trekking itinerary will prove to be one of the most scenic ever. Tread on flat and vast plains to reach Tso Moriri – a mesmerising glacial lake at an altitude of approximately 15075 feet. On the way, you may be able to see some Tibetan wild asses and around the lake, hordes of migratory birds may be visible.

Upon arriving at this heavenly place, take a look around and plunge into the cold water if you dare! Click loads of photographs and walk around the lake to explore the area more. Later, transfer the camps for an overnight stay.

Day 08: Tso Moriri to Korzok (14850 feet/ 6-7 hours)
Begin the ensuing stretch of the trek to Parang La by walking along the shores of Tso Moriri. Keep your cameras ready to capture the captivating views of snow-clad peaks of the Ladakh Mountain Range. On arrival in the Korzok Village, avail an optional visit to Korzok Monastery, which houses statues and intricate wall paintings of numerous Buddhist deities. Post visit, transfer to your lodging to rest at night.

Day 09: Korzok to Leh (211 km approx./ 5 hours)
The Parang La pass trek has ended and the following section of the expedition involves travelling from Korzok to Leh by road at your own cost. Choose to explore the town or travel further to Srinagar or Manali to board a flight to Delhi.