Parang La Trek 2018 (trip)
Parang La Trek 2018
- India
- Active & Adventure
| from $380* per person | 10 Days | August |
| Basic accommodations | Exertion level: 6 | |
| Operator: Mountaineerz Leisure and Adventure Private Limited | 15 people max | |
“A long distance hiker, a breed set apart,
From the likes of the usual pack.
He’ll shoulder his gear, be hittin’ the trail;
Long gone, long ‘fore he’ll be back.”
-M.J. Eberhart
The long and winding trek from Spiti valley to Changthang (Ladakh) and then onto Tibet, is a Trans-Himalayan trek which retraces the ancient and renowned trade route.
Parang La is perched at an altitude of 5,600mts and connects the Spiti valley to Ladakh (High-Altitude Mountain Desert). On the Spitian side of Parang La, River Parilungbi meanders and the trail runs parallel to it and ascends up to the pass and opening in to Ladakh.
The trek through the High-Altitude Mountain Desert originates in Kibber in Spiti Valley – the highest inhabited village in the world and culminates at the village Karzok by the banks of the beautiful Tso Moriri, Ladakh. The meadows of Kibber are galore with sightings of some exotic wild life such as the Himalayan Snow leopard and the magnificent horses of Spiti. The trail cuts across a gorge that leads to Dulma. From Dulma, there is another steep route to the meadows of Thaltak.
And, to quote Terri Guillemets: “You need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well.”
It could not hold more water than now! The texture of the trail now turns challenging as it arrow-heads on to Jagtha, which is at an altitude of 4,785 mts and finally, to Boroghlen, which is at an altitude of 5,182 mts. Then, from Boroghlen a steep ascent leads to Parang La. Once on top of the pass, the majestic and cosmic Valley of Changthang lies ahead in its full glory.
Parang La is also the point of origin of River Pare Chu. What is unique about this river is that it is the only river that originates in India, flows onto Tibet and then re-enters India via Spiti and finally reaches Tso Moriri (a high-altitude lake at 15,000 ft).Tso Moriri is a lake whose beauty is unparalleled and best witnessed in all its glory. The lake runs almost 27 kms in length and 8 kms in width. During the mating season, the lake is a play ground for Brahmini ducks, black-necked crane and bar-headed geese to name a few.
Yoo Hoo! Time to celebrate! The Mountain Gods tend to get a bit more generous after the top of the pass. It feels like they are having a good laugh at the madness that is “Himalayan Keeda” and almost endorsing it.
We start our descent from the top of Parang La, heading on to the origin of River Pare Chu and are greeted with a radical change in topography. Across Parang La, we will trek on to the Rupshu plains of the Changthang Plateau, which also happens to be the eastern-most tip of the Tibetan Plateau. This region also enjoys a fairly large population of Kiangs or what are more commonly referred as, The Tibetan Wild Ass. The trek across the Changthang Plateau and Valley is unique and unparalleled in the sure-shot sightings of some rare Himalayan wildlife. (Pun intended)
The trail opens in to the Valley of Dak Karzok and is now, fairly easy. The trail meanders through Datang Yongma, Racholemo, Norbu Sumdo and then crosses over to Chumik Shilde. From here, following the trail, we will reach the southern bank of Tso Moriri. The trail runs alongside the shore of the lake and will finally end at Karzok.
• Accommodation: Tents
• Nearest Airport: Kullu – Manali airport
• Nearest Rail Head: Pathankot
Highlights: Ki, Kibber, Parang La, snow trekking, surreal views of the mountains, deep gorges and arid environment of Spiti valley, vast landscapes of Ladakh, Tso Moriri Lake, photography, cultural discovery, cuisine.
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Locations visited/nearby
India, Kaza, Parang La, Kibber, Himalaya, Himalayas, Ladakh
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Mountaineerz Leisure and Adventure Private Limited:
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Reviewer: Maaria Kulsum Tanveer
located in
Chennai,
Tamilnadu
india
Very nice arrangements and absolutely loved our holiday in the wilderness. If u r looking for a nature centric, off beat holiday in Himachal. Look no further. Thnk u Vicky and Nidhi!
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Reviewer: Pervinder Khangura
located in
Abbotsford,
BC
Canada
we had an amazing time during our winter holiday in Manali. All arrangements were world class and we were pampered with choices... absolutely loved the experience... thanks for everything
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Reviewer: Roshan Mohandas Palat
located in
delhi,
delhi
india
i went on Hampta Pass trek with mountaineerz and had a wonderful time. the guides were exceptional esp. akash... the food was awesome and all the camping arrangements were excellent
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kibber - Acclimatize
Team Mountaineerz will be happy to greet you in Kibber. We will settle you in at our camp for the rest of the day. Unwind and take in the environs. Walk around and initiate the process of acclimatization in the Himalayas. Go through your check list and finish off last minute essential shopping (from Kaza) for the trek. Though, it is advisable to trek light with special import on the clothing and gear.
In the evening we'll get together for “round the bon fire” conference with the other climbers and the team members of Mountaineerz who would be your guides on the expedition. Break the ice with some great dinner and chill with your fellow climbers.
Make sure you drill your guides and instructors with any questions or doubts you may have pertaining to the trek. They will be happy to answer your questions and share with you a few tricks of the trade and tips to make your adventure a happy and successful one.
Mountaineerz only has a few asks of you…
Please ensure, for your own trekking pleasure you pack a big heart and only the absolute essentials.
We humbly ask of you, never ever argue with your guides and instructors while on the trek. Remember, they only have your best interest in mind and any decision they take is taken keeping your safety and the success of the expedition in mind. Any and all decisions taken by the guides and instructors will be deemed as final.
Be patient and respectful towards your fellow climbers. Remember, up there, you only have your wits and your fellow climbers.
Remember to get your camera along.
Day 02 - Monday 6th August 2018: Arrive in Kibber - Acclimatization day - Obtain Inner Line Permit
Please arrive in Kibber a day earlier. We will meet you in front of SDM office in Kaza on Monday morning 10:00 AM and our guide will take you to obtain Inner Line Permits. The applicants have to be physically present for approval of permits.
Adventures of this day could include exploring the Kibber (4,205 mts) – the highest inhabitable village in the world. Explore the ancient and famous Ki Monastery, Gungri monastery and Kibber Village. Imagine being perched at the highest village in the world and sipping yummy masala chai with Parle G. Now, that is something I can brag to my grand children about. Mingle around with the natives of Kibber and live a life that only a handful live, if only for a day.
Day 03: Kaza- Kibber - Dumla - Thaltak (7 hrs. trek)
The trip begins today. Get set to start the trek from Kibber to Dumla after early breakfast. The trail from the highest inhabited village in the world – Kibber, arrow-heads north and steeply drops in to the gorge of River Parilungbi. It moves on to a bridge and climbs through cultivated fields on to a carved rocky area. This path then leads to Thalda (4,875 mts) camping site. This is where we will pitch our tents for the day. Have some much deserved tasty dinner before snuggling into your sleeping bags.
Day 04: Thaltak – Boroghlen (7 hrs. trek)
Wake up and see. Just see the beauty that surrounds you while you munch on your breakfast. Pack up your bags and buckle up for another day of some amazing sights. The trail from Thalda is sandy in parts and descends on while crossing a moraine to the river gorge. Meandering on through to the gorge, the trail leads on to Jagtha. After this, the trail ascends and climbs steeply to a point where two glaciated valleys meet. We will take the opening facing north. After trekking for about a kilo meter, we will cross the moraine and will begin our descent to the camping site at Boroghlen (5180 m). Pitch your tents and turn in after dinner.
Day 05: Boroghlen - Parangla (5578 m) - Kharsa Gongma (8 hrs. trek)
After breakfast and some high energy morning exercise, we start ascending the scree and snowy landscape. The trek here entails steep sections before we reach Parang La and so necessary care needs to be taken will negotiating the crevasses. From here, there is a clear view of Parilungbi (6160 m), Shilla (6111 m) and Gya peaks (6794 m). To the north, is a descent of 4 kms along the glacier, which leads to the origin of the River Pare Chu.
We will keep moving on to the right face of it and navigate our steps through boulders and scree and finally, on to the Pare Chu belt. This will lead on to the camping site at Karsha Gongam (5,150 mts). Chill here for the night after dinner.
Day 06: Kharsa Gongma - Thakote (5 hrs. trek)
The trek to Thakote can be slow to negotiate as this stretch of about 12 Kms runs along slide the river and many side streams need to be navigated. After crossing Parang La, we will come across many small spots such as Dogpo Phirtse, Dotung and Dakarkuru. We will camp for the night at Thakote (4,900 mts).
Day 07: Thakote - Umdung (7 hrs. trek)
We religiously follow the roller coaster trail which runs along parallel on the right side of the River Pare Chu. On the way, are many side inlets and it goes up & down a few times before it reaches Umdung (4,750 mts). This is where we will pitch our tents.
Day 08: Umdung - Chuntung - besides Tsomoriri Lake (8 hrs. trek)
Leave Umdung and head on to Tso Moriri. A trek of few minute from Umdung, will lead the trail to ford the ferocious River Pare Chu and on to Narbu Sumdo (4,663 mts). Singe Namgyal built a fort here in the 17thcentury and its ruins stand even today. This is where one also gets to witness the first signs of human existence - the Drukpas with their yaks and thousands of sheep & Pashmina goats. We will also see the hardcore tribal life style of the Changpa tribe with their rugged, woolen tents.
Welcome to the wilderness that is Rupshu valley. The trail will now suddenly move away from the river. It meanders along a smaller and secondary stream through a grassy meadow and finally arrives at the campsite at Chumiksthal.
From her, the trail moves on to Phirtse Phu and passes through an expansive valley to reach Chuntung village (4,542 mts). This is where we get the first sightings of Tso Moriri. On the southern shores are some old and ruined houses. The lake is surrounded with snow capped mountains and has hues of a brilliant blue. We will camp here by the lake.
Day 09: Chungtung - Chakardung (5 hrs. trek)
Trek around and explore the surreal environs of the lake at your own pace. If you are lucky, you might even see some migratory birds. Trek on to Chakardung (4,542 mts) and pitch tents to camp.
Day 10: Chakardung - Karzok (4 hrs. trek)
Guess what! Another day in paradise. Trek alongside the river and reach the village of Karzok (4,540 mts). It is an extremely remote village and chiefly inhabited by nomads. Spending time here makes your connection with nature raw and pure. Visit the monastery and mingle with the nomads to feel the nomadic way of life. Camp here in the nomadic village and this brings us to the end of the trek but the adventure goes on…
*Shared cabs are available from Karzok to Manali/Leh. Cabs can be organized for participants to go to Leh or Manali at extra cost.
Inclusions
• Accommodation in comfortable tents during trek
• Stay in Kibber 2 nights
• All meals while on trek (veg/non-veg)
• Transportation as mentioned in itinerary
• Specialized High Altitude Camping and Trekking equipment
• First Aid and all safety equipment like static rescue rope, seat harness, carabineers, pulleys, snow stacks etc
• Services of Wilderness First Responder and mountaineering courses qualified guides, local assistant guides, cook, helpers, porters and trip manager
• All Taxes
Exclusions
• Cost of any kind of insurance
• Cost of evacuation or hospitalization
• Cost arising due to change of itinerary due to natural calamities like landslides etc
• Any expense of personal nature
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
• Personal porter charges
• Stay in Leh, Kaza or Manali
• transport from Manali to Kibber
• transport from Karzok to Leh or Manali
Add Ons:
• Personal tent @ INR3200
• Porterage @ INR5600
• Volvo Tickets: Delhi to Manali @INR 1200
• 4x4 vehicle transportation from Manali to Kibber @INR 2000
Some Very Key Things to Keep In Mind:
• No matter how much you train and how fit you are, you still might develop life-threatening altitude illness.
• If you do not feel well at any point on the trip – suspect altitude illness. When in doubt- always descend immediately to lower elevation!
• Transport from Manali to Kibber: It will be either in high clearance 4x4(Bolero/Gypsy). Cost for the transportation is not included in the package. Alternatively, clients can easily catch a bus/shared cab from Manali on their own to reach Kibber. Guests are required to reach Kibber latest by Sunday, 5th August, 2018. Trekkers have to report near Mall Road, Manali for the shared taxis.. It takes nearly 10-12 hours from Manali to reach Kaza.
• Transport from Karzok to Leh/Manali: It would be dependent on the trekkers whether they have flights from Leh or they want to head back to Manali from Karzok. The same needs to be told beforehand to us, so that we can arrange the transportation beforehand.
Cancellation
We understand life can be unpredictable at times, and that plans can change.
• From confirmation up to 30 days prior to departure - 10% of the total amount payable would be charged
• Between 15 - 29 days – 50% would be refunded
• Less than 15 days prior to departure 100%.
In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases we will try our best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However no refund will be provided for the same. For last minute emergencies we offer future trip credits on a case by case basis.
Refunds:
(a) In case the journey is broken off early upon the client’s own wish or causes, Mountaineerz shall not be liable to any refund of the days not utilized. Clients will have to pay for hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.
(b) The trek information sheets and the dossier give information and conditions relating to the tour and are deemed to be part of the contract and so you should be fully aware of their contents. However, the itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but is not a contractual obligation- changes may be made because of exceptional weather, flight cancellations, sickness or other unforeseen circumstances. No refund will be given for unused services or unrealized dreams.
(c) Mountaineerz shall not be liable to refund of any Bank charges deducted while making the bank transaction.
Note: -
All programs are subject to change due to political reason, natural calamities, serious sickness, and special reasons.
Please note that cancellation charges also apply to reductions in group size, not only for cancellations of entire bookings.
The tour will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseen circumstances, such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us including the deposit (less the unrecoverable costs such as air tickets cancellations). We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).
If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have cancelled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.
Things to Get
Backpack:
-Backpack 40 - 50 Lt. with rain cover.
-Day Pack 15 - 20 Lt. -To carry your personal gear, camera, water bottle, trail clothing, packed food etc. (you will need this, when you offload your larger pack onto a horse/porter)
Footwear:
-Trekking Shoes: Please do not wear sports shoes as on most treks as we go higher it gets harder to use the sports shoes. We recommend shoes with a good hard sole and also ankle support preferable water proof. While we do not subscribe to any particular brand you can try the Quechua Forclaz 600 or like.
Socks:
- 2-3 pairs of cotton socks
- 1-2 pair of woolen socks (best to use when in camp. Not recommended while trekking).
Clothing:
-Pants: 2-3 pairs -Ideal are quick dry light weight synthetic pants. Alternatively track pants are also comfortable to trek in. Avoid jeans/denims.
-T-shirts 2-3 pairs–Preferably full sleeves.
-Synthetic Fleece Jacket -1 pair.
-Wind proof/ Water proof Jacket -1 pair.
-Down filled / Hollow fiber fill insulated Jacket – 1 pair (optional-get this if you want to stay extra warm at camps.)
-Thermal liners-1 pair upper and lower (optional)
Documents:
-Identity Cards with Xerox and Passport Size Photographs (at least 4)
-Medical Certificate: You can download the format from below document and the same needs to be given to Base Camp to Trek Leader while Registration.
-Disclaimers: You can download the format from below document and the same needs to be given to Base Camp to Trek Leader while Registration.
-Leave No Trace Policy Document : You can download the format from below document and the same needs to be given to Base Camp to Trek Leader while Registration.)
Accessories:
-Raincoat/ Poncho-make sure it is something that will cover your daypack and camera too.
-Warm Beanie-make sure it is something that covers your ears. You can also use buffs or scarves in addition to your beanie.
-Gloves -Lightweight synthetic gloves made of Fleece or you can also use woolen gloves.
-Sun Cap-1
-Sun Glasses with good UV protection.
Other necessary things that we recommend you get:
- Toiletries -Sunscreen SPF 40+, Moisturizer, Lip balm, Soap, Toilet paper.
- Repair Kit (needle and thread).
- Headlamp/ Torch.
- Camera.
- Water Bottle- Ideally keep two bottles 1 litre each.
- Trekking Pole -Optional.
- Plastic Packing covers. (Please pack all your gear in waterproof plastic bags so that your clothes etc do not get wet while on horses or porters. Also carry extra plastic bags in case you need to pack wet clothes.)
Personal first aid kit:
- Diamox -10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
- Crocin –6 tablets (fever)
- Avomine –4 tablets (motion sickness)
- Avil 25mg –4 tablets (allergies)
- Combiflam –4 tablets (Pain killer)
- Disprin –6 tablets (headache)
More information from Mountaineerz Leisure and Adventure Private Limited:
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