Parang La Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route

Detailed Route

Parang La Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps

An epic 8-9 day traverse from the Spiti Valley, over the towering Parang La pass, down through the barren Pare Chu gorge, and finally arriving at the shores of Tso Moriri.

Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.

Duration

8 Days

Total Distance

95.0 KM

Max Altitude

18,300 FT

Trek Type

linear

Permits Required Before You Go

Permit Cost

1500

Where to Get

Kaza SDM Office / Leh DC Office

Documents

Original Passport/Aadhar, Medical Fitness Certificate, High Altitude Insurance

Foreign Nationals

Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for both Spiti and the Tso Moriri region. This must be arranged through registered travel agents in advance.

Foreigner Process

Foreigners must apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) through a registered agency in Manali/Kaza. Group of minimum 2 foreigners required.

Nearest Embassy Hub

New Delhi

Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1
4 Hrs
24 KM
mixed

Camp Alt

14,000 ft

Day Gain

+1,500 ft

Drive to Kibber & Trek to Dumla

KazaDumla

After acclimatizing in Kaza, take a short drive to Kibber. The trek begins with a steep descent into the Parilungbi gorge and a subsequent ascent to the small, green pastures of Dumla.

Key Landmarks

Key MonasteryKibber VillageParilungbi Gorge

Staying At

Dumla Meadows

Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.

ScreeBroken TrailTrail

Field Notes

Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.

INFOSlower Progress

Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.

Day 2
5 Hrs
7 KM
trek

Camp Alt

15,250 ft

Day Gain

+1,250 ft

Reach Thaltak

DumlaThaltak

A continuous, demanding ascent out of the Dumla bowl up to the expansive Thaltak meadows. The air thins noticeably here, and pacing is critical.

Key Landmarks

Spiti River viewsThaltak Meadows

Staying At

Thaltak Camp

Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.

Broken TrailTrail
Day 3
7 Hrs
12 KM
trek

Camp Alt

16,400 ft

Day Gain

+1,150 ft

Reach Bongrojen Base Camp

ThaltakBongrojen

A long, arduous day navigating through rocky moraines and ascending further into the high mountains. Bongrojen serves as the base camp for Parang La, sitting in a stark, frozen amphitheater.

Key Landmarks

Jagged Moraine RidgesBongrojen Base

Staying At

Bongrojen Base Camp

Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.

ScreeMoraine

Field Notes

Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.

INFOSlower Progress

Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.

Day 4
8 Hrs
10 KM
trek

Camp Alt

16,000 ft

Day Gain

-400 ft

Today's Objective

🏔 Cross Bongrojen To Dak Karzong Via Parang La Pass

BongrojenDak Karzong

The hardest day of the expedition. An alpine start (3:00 AM) is required. The climb is steep and breathless, crossing a heavily crevassed glacier to reach the 18,300 ft pass. The descent into Ladakh is equally harsh, dropping down to the source of the Pare Chu river.

Key Landmarks

Parang La Pass (18,300 ft)Parang GlacierSource of Pare Chu

Staying At

Dak Karzong Camp

The valley transitions into a glacial basin. The route follows the river valley. The path breaches the mountain barrier crossing the watershed.

Crevasse ZoneSteep Snow/IceMoraineDeep Snow

Field Notes

KEY ACTIONRoped Travel

Requires roped glacier travel.

KEY ACTIONStart Early

Start before sunrise to ensure snow bridges remain solid.

KEY ACTIONIce Gear

Crampons and ice axe proficiency required to safely navigate steep, icy inclines.

KEY ACTIONHidden Traps

Hidden rocks under deep snow create severe ankle-twisting traps. Proceed with extreme caution.

Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.

Day 5
6 Hrs
12 KM
trek

Camp Alt

15,500 ft

Day Gain

-500 ft

Reach Datang Yongma

Dak KarzongDatang Yongma

The route flattens out as you enter the vast, barren valleys of the Changthang plateau. The trek follows the meandering Pare Chu river, a bizarre river that flows into Tibet and back into India.

Key Landmarks

Pare Chu Valley

Staying At

Datang Yongma Camp

Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.

ScreeBroken Trail

Field Notes

Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.

INFOSlower Progress

Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.

Day 6
8 Hrs
18 KM
trek

Camp Alt

15,000 ft

Day Gain

-500 ft

Reach Chumik Shilde

Datang YongmaChumik Shilde

A massive, wet day. The trail frequently crisscrosses the wide, freezing Pare Chu river. Trekkers must endure multiple sub-zero stream crossings. The camp at Chumik Shilde marks a return to green pastures.

Key Landmarks

Norbu SumdoMultiple River Crossings

Staying At

Chumik Shilde Camp

Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.

BouldersTrail

Field Notes

Use Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.

INFOSlower Progress

Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.

Day 7
6 Hrs
14 KM
trek

Camp Alt

14,800 ft

Day Gain

-200 ft

Reach Tso Moriri

Chumik ShildeKiangdam

A relatively easy, flat walk across the sweeping plains of Rupshu. Suddenly, the massive, sapphire-blue expanse of Tso Moriri reveals itself. Camp is set on the southern tip of the lake at Kiangdam.

Key Landmarks

First view of Tso MoririChangthang Plains

Staying At

Kiangdam Lakeside Camp

Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.

Trail
Day 8
8 Hrs
22 KM
trek

Camp Alt

15,000 ft

Day Gain

+200 ft

Trek to Korzok

KiangdamKorzok

The final, epic day. You will walk 22 km along the entire western shore of Tso Moriri. The colors of the lake shift throughout the day. The trek concludes upon reaching the ancient village of Korzok.

Key Landmarks

Tso Moriri Lake ShoreKorzok Monastery

Staying At

Korzok Camp / Guesthouse

Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.

Trail

Trek Extensions & Add-ons

Korzok to Leh via Tso Kar

+2 Days

Instead of driving straight to Leh, drive via the stunning, salt-crusted Tso Kar lake to complete the ultimate Changthang road trip.

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