Parang La Trek - Kibber to Tso Moriri

Your journey will start when you arrive at either Delhi or Chandigarh airport. From there, a driver will take you to Manali, the scenic hill town in the Himalayas, which is a popular starting point for many treks in Himachal Pradesh. The drive takes about 10 to 12 hours from Delhi and around 7 to 8 hours from Chandigarh. On the way, you will pass through small towns, narrow mountain roads, and green valleys that lead into the Himachal Pradesh trekking experience. Once you reach Manali, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. A stroll along the busy Mall Road in the evening can offer you a glimpse of Himachali culture and local food before your high-altitude adventure starts.

The second day is dedicated to rest and light exploration, allowing your body to prepare for the upcoming Himalayan adventure. Spend the day visiting some of Manali's highlights, including the Hadimba Devi Temple set amidst cedar forests, the Manu Temple, the natural hot springs at Vashisht, and the Tibetan Monastery. You can also take a leisurely walk through the Manali bazaar, where you'll find traditional handicrafts, woolens, and local food.

After breakfast, start your journey to the high-altitude desert of Spiti. The drive takes you through the Atal Tunnel, which serves as the gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi, and Zanskar. The road follows the Chandra River valley for several hours. You will enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, the Bara Shigri Glacier, and the impressive CB ranges, part of the Greater Himalayas.

As you continue, you cross Kunzum La (4,551 m), known as one of the most scenic mountain passes for trekking destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The prayer flags fluttering at the top of the pass, along with the panoramic mountain views, create unforgettable memories. After descending from Kunzum, you enter Spiti Valley, with Losar (4,000 m) being the first village along the way. By evening, you reach Kaza, the administrative headquarters of Spiti, and check into your hotel to rest and relax.

Use this day for acclimatization. Spend the morning exploring Kaza town, which has a bustling bazaar. You can also take short trips to nearby attractions, such as Dhankar Monastery, which sits dramatically on a cliff; Lalung Monastery, known for its ancient murals; or the stunning Pin Valley, a paradise for Himalayan wildlife and lush scenery.

This day not only helps your body adjust to the altitude, but it also lets you experience the unique blend of culture and landscapes that make Spiti one of the best trekking destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy the evening at leisure while making your final preparations for the trek ahead.

Today, you will travel to Langza, a village located at 4,435 m, beneath the impressive Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak (6,303 m). This area is known for its beautiful Tibetan-style houses, fossil-rich land, and stunning views of the Himalayas. Langza is a great place to adjust to the altitude before starting your trek through the high passes of the Himalayas.

Spend the day exploring the village, meeting locals, and taking short hikes to help your body adjust. The calm setting, along with breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, makes it a perfect place to get ready for the upcoming trekking expedition in Himachal Pradesh. You will stay overnight in a local homestay, where you can enjoy a comfortable experience and experience Spitian hospitality.

Start your day with a scenic drive from Langza to Kee Monastery (Kee Gompa), one of the oldest monasteries in Spiti. After that, take a short drive to Kibber village. From Kibber, continue to Dumla, which is just past the Parilungbi Gorge. Trekkers officially begin the Parang La Trek from this point.

The trek first descends through golden barley fields. Then it gradually climbs to a ridge that offers spectacular views of Shilla Peak (6,303 m) to the southeast. From this spot, descend slightly to reach the campsite at Thaltak (4,650 m). This part of the trek introduces a mix of moraines, high-altitude meadows, and the expansive Spiti landscapes. You'll get your first glimpse of the challenges and rewards that await you on the Parang La route.

Today is a day for gradual climbing and exploring the high-altitude landscapes of Spiti. From Thaltak, the trail drops about 400 meters to the Parilungla Chu river. After crossing the river, the trek starts a steady climb over moraine sections. This path leads you through glaciated valleys with peaks on both the north and south sides.

As you follow the northern moraine, you reach the Jugtak campsite (4,850 m). This part of the trek serves as a great introduction to the rough terrain, moraines, and glaciers that characterize the best trails and hikes in Himachal Pradesh. The area feels remote, quiet, and mostly untouched, offering trekkers a true sense of solitude in the Himalayas.

A highlight of the Himachal Pradesh trekking tour is crossing the legendary Parang La pass (5,570 m), a real high-altitude challenge. From the Jugtak campsite, start a gradual climb through snow patches. You will gain expansive views of the peaks of Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti below. The Pare Chu River, which starts at this pass, winds through the valleys and is clearly visible from above.

After reaching the pass, descend carefully through glaciers and crevasses, then cross the Pare Chu. Following the left bank of the river, you arrive at the Kharsa Gongma campsite (4,900 m). Trekkers can easily visit the nearby Dak Karzong, just a short distance from the camp, to explore more of this remote, high-altitude area. This day is unforgettable due to its stunning views and the sense of achievement that comes with coming halfway on one of the top treks in Himachal Pradesh.

Today's trek follows the right bank of the Pare Chu River. It moves through a wide valley filled with alpine meadows, small tributaries, and scattered moraines. After crossing the river near the campsite, the trail gently winds along the riverbanks and sometimes goes over the riverbed, passing through places like Kharas, Dokpo Phirtse, Dakar, Kuru, and Thaktote. These are summer grazing grounds for the nomadic Changpa herders.

The day ends at the Datang Yongma campsite, located at 4,650 m, after easy, scenic walking along the Pare Chu. This stretch is excellent for seeing how humans and wildlife interact in the high Himalayas. It also offers trekkers a moment of calm before the next challenging part of the Himalayas adventure.

Today's trek is gentle. It follows the right bank of the Pare Chu River through broad valleys and beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you will see patches of grasslands used as summer grazing grounds by the nomadic Changpas. These high-altitude pastures are home to yaks, sheep, and goats, giving you a glimpse into the traditional life of Himalayan nomads.

The trail gradually takes you to Racholhamo (4,600 m), where you will spend the night camping. This stretch offers many chances for photography, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the peace of the Himalayas.

The trail goes along the right bank of Pare Chu, passing through different types of terrain, from dusty plains to lush green fields. Along the way, the Pare Chu River meets a smaller stream, forming beautiful waterways that you cross as you head to the Tibetan border near Chumar village.

As you hike uphill along the right valley, the landscape changes. You will meet Changpa nomads moving their herds across these high-altitude meadows during summer. The day ends at Chumik Shilde (4,540 m), where you will camp in a peaceful setting, enjoying a quiet night under the Himalayan sky.

Today is one of the most rewarding days of your Himachal Pradesh trekking tour. The landscape changes dramatically as you walk through large pastures and sandy areas, with the valley gradually opening up. After crossing a small stream, you arrive at the southern shores of Tso Moriri Lake. This stunning high-altitude lake stretches 24 km long and 6 km wide.

The area around Kiangdam buzzes with activity. You can see Changpas taking care of their flocks of sheep, goats, and yaks. The lake also hosts migratory birds like bar-headed geese and black-necked cranes. This spot is perfect for photography, nature watching, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Himachal Pradesh. Spend the night at Kiangdam.

After breakfast, leave Kiangdam and start a scenic trek along Tso Moriri Lake towards Korzok, a high-altitude village home to the nomadic Changpa people. The trail offers a pleasant walk alongside the turquoise lake, providing views of the towering peaks of Chamser (6,622 m) and Lungser Kangri (6,666 m) on the eastern shore.

To the north, Yalung Nong Peak stands out on the horizon. The Mentok Kangri group of peaks marks the western skyline. Korzok, located on the west bank of Tso Moriri, serves as a center for nomadic life and offers a chance to experience the unique culture. Stay overnight in Korzok.

Trekkers spend this day exploring Korzok village and the surrounding areas. You can walk along the shores of Tso Moriri, meet the Changpa nomads, and observe their traditional way of life, including yak herding and wool processing. Bird watchers can see black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and other migratory species around the lake. A laid-back day in Korzok gives you a chance to acclimatize, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Begin the trek past large nomadic camps and cross the Gyamasharma La to reach Kyama. This part of the trail features stunning high-altitude scenes, with snow-capped peaks all around you. The gradual climb to Yalung Nyau La tests your stamina but rewards you with expansive views of the Himalayas and distant Changpa settlements. As you descend to Kyama, you’ll arrive at a peaceful campsite at 5,170 m. It’s a perfect spot to rest before the next challenging day.

Today's trek includes two high mountain passes, Kortse La (5,380 m) and Kyamayuri La (5,430 m), followed by a descent to Rachungkaru (4,940 m). The route showcases stunning alpine views, moraine stretches, and sights of remote valleys that few trekkers get to see.

Crossing these passes is challenging but rewarding. It gives trekkers an authentic experience of trekking in the Himalayas. The descent to Rachungkaru lets you appreciate the difference between the high passes and the more sheltered valleys below. You will camp overnight in a peaceful setting as you prepare for the next part of your trekking expedition.

The trek today takes you over the low ridge of Horlam Kongka La. This path leads to the small village and Gompa of Nuruchang. From there, the trail ascends a minor pass and then descends to Nuruchan, which sits at 4,650 meters. This area is mainly home to Changpa nomads and their yaks, sheep, and pashmina goats, giving you a view of traditional high-altitude life. Now, you are approaching Tsokar Lake, one of the region's remote, high-altitude lakes. The day offers expansive views of alpine valleys, nomadic settlements, and peaceful mountain scenery. Tonight, you'll camp at Nuruchan.

Today, take a scenic walk along the shores of Tso Kar Lake. This area is known for its unique salt flats and stunning high-altitude views. The trail is moderate, allowing trekkers to appreciate the surrounding peaks, streams, and nomadic settlements. The campsite is at Pongunagu (4,580 m). It's a quiet spot, perfect for relaxing and taking photos of the lake and mountains. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a short visit to Thugje Gompa nearby. This stop offers a glimpse into the local culture and Buddhist traditions of the Changpas.

This day combines trekking with overland travel. The trail takes you through a narrow gorge, where you will cross a river twice, adding a small challenge for trekkers. From Rumtse, a vehicle will meet you to drive along the Leh-Manali Highway. You will pass Taglang La (5,328 m), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The journey descends into the town of Leh (3,600 m). Here, you will check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest, marking the end of your high-altitude trekking adventure across Spiti and Ladakh.

A day to relax and explore Leh town. Visit local attractions such as Leh Bazaar, Leh Palace, and Shanti Stupa. You can also enjoy walking through the town and observing Ladakhi culture. This day is ideal for shopping for souvenirs and taking photos.

After breakfast, you will go to Leh Airport for your morning flight to Delhi. From Delhi, continue to your home destination, carrying unforgettable memories of one of the best treks in North India and the beautiful high-altitude adventure of the Parang La Trek.