Parang La Trek With Chandertal and Manali To Spiti To Ladakh
Trip Overview
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 between Spiti and Tibet.
Parang La is perched at an altitude of 5,600mts and connects the Spiti valley to Ladakh, a high-altitude mountain desert. On the Spitian side of Parang La, the Parilungbli river meanders and the trekking trail runs parallel to it and ascends up to the pass and opening into Ladakh.
The trip starts from Manali. We drive to Chandertaal, where we will camp and hike around for acclimatization. The next day, we will drive to Kibber over Kunzum La, where we will acclimatize for two days and hike around Ki, Kaza and Langzta to prepare ourselves for 8 days of high altitude trekking.
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 filled with exotic wildlife 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.
We will also trek on to the Rupshu plains of the Changthang Plateau, which also happens to be the eastern-most tip of the Tibetan Plateau. Keep your eyes open for sightings of rare Himalayan wildlife.
From here, the trail meanders through Datang Yongma, Racholemo, Norbu Sumdo and then crosses over to Chumik Shilde. From here we will reach the southern bank of Tso Moriri, a lake of unparalleled beauty. The lake runs almost 27 km in length and 8 km in width. During the mating season, the lake is a playground for Brahmini ducks, black-necked crane and bar-headed geese to name a few. The trail runs alongside the shore of the lake and will finally end at Karzok. Set in a spectacular setting Karzok is one of the highest villages in the world at 4595 meters. Karzok is connected by road to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. There is another road leading to Manali via the famed picturesque Leh-Manali highway. you can choose if want to continue to Leh or get back to Manali. In Leh we'll stay for two nights in a nice homestay and with ample of time to explore the town of Leh and it's famous monasteries.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manali - Explore Manali
Team Mountaineerz will be happy to welcome you at Manali and receive you at the bus terminal. We will settle you in at dA Base for the rest of the day. Unwind and take in the environs. Explore the ancient town of Kullu and the young town of Manali. Walk around and initiate the process of acclimatization in the Himalayas. Go through your checklist and finish off last minute essential shopping for the trek.
In the evening, gather for “around the bonfire” 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.
STAY: 'dA Base - Mountaineerz' in comfortable rooms
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Acclimatization hike - Village culture and cuisine
today after an early breakfast we will go on an acclimatization hike to 'Soil'. Soil is said to be the oldest village of the valley. we''l interact with the local villagers and maybe try some local cuisine.
STAY: 'dA Base - Mountaineerz' in comfortable rooms
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Manali - Rohtang La (3978m) - Chandertaal (4300m)
The beautiful and charming town of Manali will greet us in the morning and after a rich, high energy breakfast we will depart for The Moon Lake – Chandertaal. The drive to Chandertaal will take us over the treacherous wildly beautiful pass, Rohtang La (3,980 m).
It takes about 8 hours of a roller-coaster drive and finally we will arrive at the camping site, 5 km short of Chandertaal. Chandertaal gets its name from the crescent shape that it rests in. The reflection of the moon over the lake at night is a sight which cannot be put into words. After a nice, warm vegetarian dinner, we will retire for the day. We will camp in tents overnight after spending time at the banks of Chandertaal.
STAY: Luxury Swiss Tents
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chandertaal - Kunzum La(4590m) - Kibber(4270m) - 60 km
If a night by the shores of Chandertaal cannot be described in words, then the sun rise is only too good to be real. Enjoy some yummy and high-nutrition breakfast to welcome the day. We will leave Chandertaal and drive up to Kibber.
Once we arrive in Kibber, we will pitch our tents to camp here for the night. Imagine being perched at the highest village in the world and sipping yummy masala chai. Now, that is something I can brag to my grandchildren about.
Another great day to get acclimatized to the high altitude Indian Himalayas!
Once we arrive in Kibber, we will pitch our tents to camp here for the night.
STAY: Homestay
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Permits and acclimatization walk to Kaza
First thing in the morning, after early breakfast, walk to Kaza. Trekkers need to to be physically present with all documents to obtain the Inner Line Permit, which is mandatory for all.
Adventures of this day include exploring the Kaza and Kibber (4,205 m) – the highest inhabitable village in the world. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and embark on your exploration of the ancient and famous Ki Monastery, Gungri monastery and Kibber Village.
Mingle around with the natives of Kibber and live a life that only a handful live, if only for a day.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Kibber – Dumla – Thaltak (4693 m) - 8 km
The trail from the highest inhabited village in the world – Kibber, arrow-heads north and steeply drops into 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 Thaldak (4693 m) 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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Thaltak – Boroghlen (5100m) - 12 km
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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Boroghlen–Parangla(5578 m)–Kharsa Gongma(4850m) -14 km
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 m). Chill here for the night after dinner.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Kharsa Gongma – Thakote (4700m) 12 km
The trek to Thakote can be slow to negotiate as this stretch of about 12 km 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 m).
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Thakote – Umdung (4750 m) - 20 km
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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Umdung – Chuntung – besides Tsomoriri Lake(4704m)-18 km
Leave Umdung and head on to Tso Moriri. The trail leads to the ferocious River Pare Chu and on to Narbu Sumdo (4,663 m). Singe Namgyal built a fort here in the 17th century 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 here, the trail moves on to Phirtse Phu and passes through an expansive valley to reach Chuntung village (4,542 m). 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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Chungtung – Chakardung(4588m) - 14 km
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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Chakaradung – Karzok (4615m) - 21 km
Guess what! Another day in paradise. Trek alongside the river and reach the village of Karzok (4,540 m). 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 . tonight we camp in Karzok.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Drive from Karzok to Leh (240 m)
The trek is over. Now, get ready for one scenic ride to Leh.
Reach Leh in the evening and check into hotel that we have arranged for you.
Relax and unwind after the long trek. in the evening you are free to explore the town of Leh.
STAY: 3 star hotel
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15: Leh Sightseeing
Explore the little town of Leh, Shop for souveniers, try local cuisine. Visit Thiksey Monastery and Shanti stupa.
STAY: 3 star hotel
MEALS - Breakfast & Dinner
Day 16: Drop to Airport - Departure
Today we'll have a leisurely breakfast. then, arrangements shall be made to drop guests to the airport. We par here to meet again for our next adventure.
MEALS: Breakfast
Included
- All accommodation, including 3 nights at our base "da base", 2 night in homestay in Kibber and 3 star hotel in Leh and the remainder of the nights in comfortable tents while trekking (triple sharing)
- All three meals while trekking: breakfast & dinner will be hot and lunches would be packed
- Cost of inner line permit from Kaza, granted to tourists present in person
- Mountaineering-certified guide, trained in emergency procedures & first aid
- Services of Mountaineerz' QRT (Quick Response Team)
- Cook & helper during the trek
- Porters/ ponies to carry all equipment like kitchen tent, dinning tent, cook, kitchen equipment & ration etc. (Guests have to carry their own day bags or hire poter, choose from add on)
- Transport from Manali to Chandertaal to Kibber in high clearance SUV/Gypsy's
- Transport from Karzok to Leh in shared cabs
- Pick up from bus stand in Manali
- Drop to bus airport in Leh
Excluded
- Meals during road travel in restaurants/dhabas
- Any kind of insurance, medical evacuation charges
- Travel to and from Manali from Delhi
- Expenses of personal nature like telephone calls, laundry, snacks/drinks etc
- Sightseeing in Leh
Good to Know
This trip requires physical fitness. Trekkers must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without stress. Guests should be able to carry a 10 to 15 kg expedition backpack.Please ensure, for your own trekking pleasure you pack light and only the absolute essentials.This tour is not recommended for those with heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, or epilepsy.The tour cost is Manali to Manali. if you wish to continue to Leh please choose from add-ons.If you wish to stay in a 3 star cottage before and after the trek please choose from add-onsNo 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 and immediately inform your guides. When in doubt- always descend immediately to lower elevation!Remember to bring your camera!Be patient and respectful towards your fellow climbers. Remember, up there, you only have your wits and your fellow climbers.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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manali - Explore Manali
Team Mountaineerz will be happy to welcome you at Manali and receive you at the bus terminal. We will settle you in at dA Base for the rest of the day. Unwind and take in the environs. Explore the ancient town of Kullu and the young town of Manali. Walk around and initiate the process of acclimatization in the Himalayas. Go through your checklist and finish off last minute essential shopping for the trek.
In the evening, gather for “around the bonfire” 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.
STAY: 'dA Base - Mountaineerz' in comfortable rooms
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Acclimatization hike - Village culture and cuisine
today after an early breakfast we will go on an acclimatization hike to 'Soil'. Soil is said to be the oldest village of the valley. we''l interact with the local villagers and maybe try some local cuisine.
STAY: 'dA Base - Mountaineerz' in comfortable rooms
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Manali - Rohtang La (3978m) - Chandertaal (4300m)
The beautiful and charming town of Manali will greet us in the morning and after a rich, high energy breakfast we will depart for The Moon Lake – Chandertaal. The drive to Chandertaal will take us over the treacherous wildly beautiful pass, Rohtang La (3,980 m).
It takes about 8 hours of a roller-coaster drive and finally we will arrive at the camping site, 5 km short of Chandertaal. Chandertaal gets its name from the crescent shape that it rests in. The reflection of the moon over the lake at night is a sight which cannot be put into words. After a nice, warm vegetarian dinner, we will retire for the day. We will camp in tents overnight after spending time at the banks of Chandertaal.
STAY: Luxury Swiss Tents
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chandertaal - Kunzum La(4590m) - Kibber(4270m) - 60 km
If a night by the shores of Chandertaal cannot be described in words, then the sun rise is only too good to be real. Enjoy some yummy and high-nutrition breakfast to welcome the day. We will leave Chandertaal and drive up to Kibber.
Once we arrive in Kibber, we will pitch our tents to camp here for the night. Imagine being perched at the highest village in the world and sipping yummy masala chai. Now, that is something I can brag to my grandchildren about.
Another great day to get acclimatized to the high altitude Indian Himalayas!
Once we arrive in Kibber, we will pitch our tents to camp here for the night.
STAY: Homestay
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Permits and acclimatization walk to Kaza
First thing in the morning, after early breakfast, walk to Kaza. Trekkers need to to be physically present with all documents to obtain the Inner Line Permit, which is mandatory for all.
Adventures of this day include exploring the Kaza and Kibber (4,205 m) – the highest inhabitable village in the world. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and embark on your exploration of the ancient and famous Ki Monastery, Gungri monastery and Kibber Village.
Mingle around with the natives of Kibber and live a life that only a handful live, if only for a day.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Kibber – Dumla – Thaltak (4693 m) - 8 km
The trail from the highest inhabited village in the world – Kibber, arrow-heads north and steeply drops into 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 Thaldak (4693 m) 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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Thaltak – Boroghlen (5100m) - 12 km
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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Boroghlen–Parangla(5578 m)–Kharsa Gongma(4850m) -14 km
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 m). Chill here for the night after dinner.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Kharsa Gongma – Thakote (4700m) 12 km
The trek to Thakote can be slow to negotiate as this stretch of about 12 km 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 m).
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Thakote – Umdung (4750 m) - 20 km
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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Umdung – Chuntung – besides Tsomoriri Lake(4704m)-18 km
Leave Umdung and head on to Tso Moriri. The trail leads to the ferocious River Pare Chu and on to Narbu Sumdo (4,663 m). Singe Namgyal built a fort here in the 17th century 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 here, the trail moves on to Phirtse Phu and passes through an expansive valley to reach Chuntung village (4,542 m). 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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Chungtung – Chakardung(4588m) - 14 km
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.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Chakaradung – Karzok (4615m) - 21 km
Guess what! Another day in paradise. Trek alongside the river and reach the village of Karzok (4,540 m). 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 . tonight we camp in Karzok.
STAY: Camping
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Drive from Karzok to Leh (240 m)
The trek is over. Now, get ready for one scenic ride to Leh.
Reach Leh in the evening and check into hotel that we have arranged for you.
Relax and unwind after the long trek. in the evening you are free to explore the town of Leh.
STAY: 3 star hotel
MEALS: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15: Leh Sightseeing
Explore the little town of Leh, Shop for souveniers, try local cuisine. Visit Thiksey Monastery and Shanti stupa.
STAY: 3 star hotel
MEALS - Breakfast & Dinner
Day 16: Drop to Airport - Departure
Today we'll have a leisurely breakfast. then, arrangements shall be made to drop guests to the airport. We par here to meet again for our next adventure.
MEALS: Breakfast
Included
- All accommodation, including 3 nights at our base "da base", 2 night in homestay in Kibber and 3 star hotel in Leh and the remainder of the nights in comfortable tents while trekking (triple sharing)
- All three meals while trekking: breakfast & dinner will be hot and lunches would be packed
- Cost of inner line permit from Kaza, granted to tourists present in person
- Mountaineering-certified guide, trained in emergency procedures & first aid
- Services of Mountaineerz' QRT (Quick Response Team)
- Cook & helper during the trek
- Porters/ ponies to carry all equipment like kitchen tent, dinning tent, cook, kitchen equipment & ration etc. (Guests have to carry their own day bags or hire poter, choose from add on)
- Transport from Manali to Chandertaal to Kibber in high clearance SUV/Gypsy's
- Transport from Karzok to Leh in shared cabs
- Pick up from bus stand in Manali
- Drop to bus airport in Leh
Excluded
- Meals during road travel in restaurants/dhabas
- Any kind of insurance, medical evacuation charges
- Travel to and from Manali from Delhi
- Expenses of personal nature like telephone calls, laundry, snacks/drinks etc
- Sightseeing in Leh
Good to Know
This trip requires physical fitness. Trekkers must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without stress. Guests should be able to carry a 10 to 15 kg expedition backpack.Please ensure, for your own trekking pleasure you pack light and only the absolute essentials.This tour is not recommended for those with heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, or epilepsy.The tour cost is Manali to Manali. if you wish to continue to Leh please choose from add-ons.If you wish to stay in a 3 star cottage before and after the trek please choose from add-onsNo 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 and immediately inform your guides. When in doubt- always descend immediately to lower elevation!Remember to bring your camera!Be patient and respectful towards your fellow climbers. Remember, up there, you only have your wits and your fellow climbers.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.