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Parang La Trek
offered by supplier M18129 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 16
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 12
people
Destination(s):
India
Specialty Categories:
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
Season: August
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 500 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1500 US Dollar (USD)
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It begins in the high altitude meadows of Kibber, breeding ground of the famous Spiti horses and also known to be home to the elusive snow leopard. The trail descends the Kibber Gorge and then climbs over the Parang La Pass (5600 m), the source of the Pare Chu river, the only river to have its source in India, flow into Tibet and enter the country again in Spiti. Crossing the pass brings an incredible change of scenery as we walk towards the Rupshu plains of Changthang, known for the abundance of Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass).
For the last two days, we camp in spectacular campsites, one being on the southern edge of the Tso Moriri (4510 m), a high altitude lake 27 km long and nearly 8 km wide. This lake is the breeding ground for the bar-headed geese, black-necked crane and the Brahminy ducks. We also visit one of the Changpa settlements in a bowl-style meadow high above Karzog, where they breed pashmina, one of the trade items over these high passes.
This is a high altitude trip (max. height 5600 m). Please contact us to discuss the implications of this and your own personal fitness. On arrival to India you will be met at the airport. Depending on your personal itinerary you will be transferred to the train station or hotel.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi to Manali (2050 m): 12 hrs
Board the train leaving Delhi at 7.40 am to reach Chandigarh at 11.00 am. Then drive uphill into the Himalaya to Manali. Manali is beautiful hill station in the Alpine lower reaches of the Himalaya. The town has great atmosphere and is one of the top skiing destinations in the greater Himalaya. Overnight Hotel.
Day 2: Relax in Manali
Have a relaxing day after yesterdays long day of travel. Visit Manali market, Roerich Art Gallery, Hadimba Temple, and walk around town. Overnight hotel.
Day 3: Drive Manali to Takcha (4050 m): 6/7 hrs
We start early and drive further north into the mountains gaining a lot more height. We stop regularly along the way for chai (sweet milky Indian tea) and plenty of photo opportunities. Overnight hotel in Takcha.
Day 4: Drive Takcha to Kibber (4580 m): 6/7 hrs
Over these three days of driving the landscape changes from flat agricultural land, to alpine meadows, peaks and forests, and the barren high altitude terrain of Spiti, a slow but interesting journey. Again plenty of chai and photo stops. Overnight camp at Kibber.
Day 5: Kibber to Thaltak meadow (4900 m): 6/7 hrs
Our first day trekking and our first experience of exercising at high altitude. We walk up through a steep gorge bed to reach Thaltak meadow. We gain over 400 meters throughout the day. The landscape is amazing as we walk through the cold desert with glaciers, snow capped peaks and grassy meadows.
Day 6: Thaltak to Bongrojen (5120 m): 7 hrs
This is a long days walk: 14 km in total. However we only gain 200 m in altitude and it allows us to further acclimatise. We reach Bongrojen by mid afternoon and relax for the evening enjoying the surrounding views.
Day 7: Bongrojen to Parang La (5600 m) to Dak Karzong (4950 m): 5 hrs
We make an early start to reach the pass. It is relatively easy to begin with but the last four km to the pass are quite steep. The pass is an old trade route joining Spiti and Ladakh. It offers great views of the Changthang valleys in Spiti and Parilungi, a distinctive peak ahead and also the first visible Ladakhi peak. After taking in all the views we descend to the source of the Pare Chu River. On crossing the pass we experience a change of landscape, from the steep gorges of Spiti to the broad plains of Ladakh.
Day 8: Dak Karzong to Datang Yongma (4725 m): 3 hrs
We continue on a well traveled trail through an open valley. We follow the Pare Chu river as it leads us to our camp site at Datang Yongma.
Day 9: Datang Yongma to Racholamo (4260 m): 6/7 hrs
We walk a further day on similar terrain reaching Racholamo in mid afternoon. The days get easier as we lose altitude. Overnight camp at Racholamo.
Day 10: Racholamo to Norbu Sumdo to Chumik Shilde (4390 m): 5/6 hrs
We continue on to Chumik Shilde passing through Norbu Sumdo. We get plenty of opportunities to stop in remote villages and meet yak trains transporting goods in the area. Arrive at our camping spot in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Chumik Shilde to Kiangdom (4510 m): 3 hrs
Today we walk across the plains to the southern edge of the oval-shaped Tso Moriri lake at Kiangdom, named after the kiangs (wild Tibetan asses) that roam freely here. The lake is a breeding ground for many rare migratory birds. Overnight camp at Kiangdom.
Day 12: Kiangdom to Karzog (4570 m): 7 hrs
We start early and pass the shores of Tso Moriri. The view of the lake with Lungser Kangri (6666 m) in the background is spectacular. We try to arrive in Karzog as early as possible to avoid the strong winds that are common in the afternoon. On arrival to Karzog we visit the ancient monasteries and then set up camp for the night.
Day 13: In Karzog: Rest Day
We visit the Changpas, nomadic herdsmen of the area, with their valuable pashmina goats. These men still only use yak skin huts to take shelter from the harsh conditions.
Day 14: Drive Karzog to Mahe to Leh (3500 m): 8 hrs
We take the long picturesque drive to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Overnight hotel.
Day 15: In Leh: Sightseeing Day
Spend the day exploring Leh’s fine markets for gifts. The Tibetan markets are especially interesting. Also visit Shey, Thikse and Hemis Monasteries. Enjoy the great views including Stok Kangri (6153 m) perched on the other side of the valley. Overnight hotel.
Day 16: Fly Leh to Delhi
An incredible one hour flight over the greater Himalayas with spectacular views of K2 (8611 m) among others. Arrive Delhi. Trip ends.
Note: Please contact us for sightseeing in Delhi, or a trip to the Taj Mahal at the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with a rafting expedition or wildlife safari.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes: All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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