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6

Difficulty Level : Hard

15 Days

6-10 PAX

5575m

July to September

Fixed Departures :


Manali to Leh

97500/-

Add ons:

Parang La


Connecting Spiti to Ladakh, the eternal Parang La trail has stood the test of time and is now the most iconic trek in Spiti. On this trek, not only will you be crossing the Parang Glacier but you’ll also be camping at some of the world’s best high-altitude wetlands and experiencing thrilling river crossings as the trek culminates with breathtaking views of the Tsomoriri. Don’t be surprised if you sight blue sheep, Himalayan red fox, Marmots or even the Himalayan Ibex! The region we’ll be crossing is also a known habitat for snow leopards. Though this Elusive Cat is rarely seen, you might even spot one if you’re in luck! To make sure that you’re acclimatised before you begin your journey and for you to have a more well-rounded Himalayan experience, we’ve added local sightseeing and experiential stays for you before and after the trek. Sign onto the trek not just for the adventure but also to experience the Spiti and Ladakh regions for a wholesome Trans- Himalayan experience!



Tour Highlights


  • Trek to an altitude of 5575 meters above sea level

  • Camp at some of the best High-altitude wetlands

  • Experience a glacier traverse on the Parang La glacier

  • Camp and absorb the breathtaking views of Tsomoriri

  • Thrilling stream crossings

  • Explore both Spiti and Ladakh in one epic trip

  • Extra days to acclimatise, explore and sightsee

  • Qualified team to ensure safety



Day Wise Tour Plan and Itinenary


Total distance: 0 km
Starting altitude: 1700 m; highest altitude: 1700 m; resting altitude: 1700 m, above sea level

It all starts with your arrival at our very own Homestead in Sonaugi, 30 km short of Manali. Take in the green and quaint surroundings this day, meet our representative and get introduced to what the following days are going to have in store for you. Rest up and get ready for an early start tomorrow.

Highlights: Welcome to the Himalayas A day to rest

National Highways

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 0 hrs

Total distance: 220 km
Starting altitude: 1700 m; highest altitude: 4580 m; resting altitude: 3670 m, above sea level

Today is the day when we finally hit the road to Spiti. The road to Spiti is considered by many as one of the toughest and by others as adventurous. The stretch of road between Gramphu and Losar is definitely exciting enough for everyone. Numerous stream crossings, mud & rocks to go over, glacial views and the 4580-metre-high Kunzum La, this 8 hour long drive will have it all. At the day’s end we’ll be at Kaza, the biggest town and the commercial epicentre of Spiti. Spend the evening exploring the lanes and few cafes we have around.

Highlights: Road to Spiti, Kunzum La, Glacier and valley views.

Mountain Roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 8 hrs

Total distance: 40 km
Starting altitude: 3200 m; highest altitude: 4580 m; resting altitude: 3670 m, above sea level

First things first, we’ll need to get our trekking permits from the SDM office in Kaza. It might be a formality but it still is necessary paperwork that needs to be completed for us to be able to embark on this trek. Once that is done, we’ll do some sightseeing and eventually head back to Kaza for the night.

Highlights: Sightseeing around Kaza.

Mountain Roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 3 hrs

Total distance: 24 km
Starting altitude: 3700 m; highest altitude: 4270 m; resting altitude: 4270 m, above sea level

We make our way to our final destination before the trek, Chicham. But not before making the mandatory stops at Ki monastery and Chicham bridge. Like Kaza, Chicham will be our home for two nights to help you acclimatise to the constant gain in altitude. We use this day to let you relax and allow your bodies to adapt more.

Highlights: Sightseeing around Kaza

Mountain Roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 3 hrs

Resting Altitude: 4270m above sea level

Today you can just relax or opt for a trek to the Chicham cave. A moderate level hike from Chicham village, this is a good hike to get in the groove for the next leg of the trip. The hike takes you to a hidden cave on top of a mountain from where you get a panoramic view of the valley. We stumbled upon this cave during one of our winter expeditions and were amazed to find some ancient artwork on the walls!
As you return from the hike, charge your batteries, pack up and prepare for the trek before we set out to conquer Parang La on our way to Tsomoriri in Ladakh.

Highlights: Chicham village and the ancient cave with petroglyphs above it.

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Moderate

Walking Time – 6 hrs (approx)

Walking time: 5 hours
Starting altitude: 4200 m; highest altitude: 4500 m; resting altitude: 4500 m, above sea level

We leave the comforts of solid human settlements behind us today as we load up our pack animals and start our trek heading towards our first campsite. From Chicham, we will first be walking to the fields of Dumla from where a clearly etched out trail will start to climb up over leading us to the meadows of Thalthak and camp next to the stream for the night.

Highlights: Start of the trek. Views of the Kanamo and first night at camp.

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Moderate

Walking Time – 5 hrs (approx)

Walking time: 6-7 hours
Starting altitude: 4500 m; highest altitude: 4900 m; resting altitude: 4900 m, above sea level

Today will be a longer walking day. The day starts with descending all the way down to Rong Nallah. This is where we will cross the small foot bridge over the river and walk for 2 kms along the river to Jagtha from where the climb to Borochin will begin. Puff up your chest and breathe in deep as we begin the ascent that takes you to Borochin which will act as the base camp before making our final ascent to get to the top of Parang La. You must pat yourselves on the back for a day well done and for accomplishing what will probably be your longest walking day. An early morning dash to Parang La awaits you, so turn in early and rest well.

Highlights: Our highest camp, base camp for Parang La.

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – High

Walking Time – 7 hrs (approx)

Walking time: 8 hours
Starting alt: 4900 m; highest alt: 5575 m; resting alt: 4600 m, above sea level

The day to reach the highest point of your journey has come. To safely reach the top and cross the Parang glacier we have to start really early today. We finish breakfast, pack up and get on our way by 0300. It’s a 3-4 km ascent to the top of Parang La, the trail is initially gradual and then gets steep as you criss-cross your way up, as we reach closer to the top. At the top of the pass a cluster of prayer flags greet you, add some of your own to the already waving flags and capture this moment in your cameras, hearts and minds. The walk on the Parang glacier awaits us, follow our guide as we take you over this glacier for 3-4 km till we reach its snout on the other side. You might even be able to hear the water flowing under the glacier as you walk. As we descend from the top down to the west bank of the Parang chu, the trail will flatten out. You have done it! The tough days are over, from here the trail is mostly flat till it reaches Tsmoriri with almost no altitude related risks. We do however have some exciting river crossings, amazing high-altitude wetlands and the mesmerising Tsomoriri that await us.

Highlights: Parang La, walk on the glacier, highest point of the trip at 5575 m above sea level

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – High

Walking Time – 8 hrs (approx)

Walking time: 5-6 hours/day
Average altitude: 4500-4600 m

The days of steep ascents and descents are over as the trail remains mostly flat varying from 4500-4650 m till we reach Tsomoriri. crossing various campsites in the way. We will basically be walking on the river bed and sometimes on the banks. Places like Datang Yongma, Datang Gongma and Rocholamo which are all possible campsites. We will be crossing a few small streams on the way as a few more streams come and merge into the Pare Chu. Our campsites on both these nights will be on grassy sections on the banks of Pare Chu. Just before Norbu Sumdo we’ll finally make our biggest river crossing over the Pare Chu river to enter the Changthang plains.

Highlights: Pare Chu river valley and river bed, open river valley views

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Moderate

Walking Time – 6 hrs (approx)

Walking time: 5 hours
Average altitude: 4500-4600 m

It’s a flat and easy walk all day but don’t forget to fill drinking water at camp because once we leave the grassy flatlands at Chumik Shilde we enter the dry and barren landscape of Chanthang where you’ll soon start to see the first shade of blues of the Tsomoriri lake. We stop at the southern end of the Tsomoriri for the day. Known as Kiangdom, here you’ll find numerous fresh water channels feeding into the Tsomoriri as our walk on dry and arid plains comes to an end. You will also get to see how the Changpa people, the real Nomadic tribes of the Himalayas, lead their lives in harsh climate. Enjoy this amazing land on our last evening of camping out on what we hope would have been an amazing journey for you.

Highlights: A close look at the lives of the Changpa people, camping near the banks of the Tsomoriri

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Easy

Walking Time – 5-6 hrs (approx)

We factor in a buffer day, just in case of any unforeseen delays on the trek. When we don’t need it, we make the most of it another way.

Driving distance: 255 km hours
Starting altitude: 4550 m; highest altitude: 5328 m; resting altitude: 3500 m, above sea level

There is no need to rush today as we get ready for the final section of our journey. We make the rough drive to Kazrzok along the 20 odd km track on the banks of the Tsomoriri. Get trigger happy with your camera and click away to capture this mesmerizing landscape. From Karzok we hit the road to Leh but not before visiting the Tso Kar and crossing over to Tanglang La on the way.

Highlights: Tsomoriri, Tso Kar, More plains, Tanglang La.

Highways/mountain roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 8 hrs

Leh Altitude: 3500 m, above sea level

We have a day to explore this bustling high-altitude town and get together one last time for a fun-filled evening before we all go our own ways. Make the most of this evening with new and old friends before we finally say our goodbyes.

Adios! Till we meet again.

Following breakfast, we make our way to the airport depending on the flight departure timings. Most flights out of Leh leave in the morning.



What's Included


Inclusions

  • Accommodation 15 nights, Manali to Leh.

  • Transportation Manali to Leh.

  • All meals from lunch on day 1 till breakfast on day 15.

  • Qualified tour leader / guide.

  • Offloading of personal luggage / backpack.

  • Comprehensive First-aid including oxygen cylinder.

  • Permits and fee as needed.

  • Porters/Mules to carry common supplies and gear.

  • Courteous support staff.

  • Safety communication devices like walkie talkies.

  • Drinking water during the trek.

  • Group camping gear.

Exclusions

  • Taxes. 5% GST.

  • Travel and accident insurance

  • Tips.

  • Any extra snacks and beverages.

  • Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.

  • Packaged drinking water.

  • Anything not part of the inclusions.



Is This For Me


Are you looking for the next challenge in your trekking game with a trek that is iconic, ancient, challenging and rewarding, all at the same time? If yes, Parang La is the trek for you.

With a max altitude of 5575 metres above sea level, a glacier traverse, long walks, high average altitude and extreme remoteness, Parang La is not a trek for the first time trekker or for someone looking to get their first taste of the outdoors. However, if you have some prior experience at altitude and trekking then this is the perfect reward as you walk from one ancient Buddhist kingdom of Spiti to another as you reach Ladakh over a centuries old trade route. It brings with it the magnificence of Tsomoriri and some high-altitude bio diversity hotspots that you can’t get enough of.



Gallery




FAQs



Once you have decided on a tour, all you need to do is shoot us an email or call us and a member of our team will guide you through the booking process. You can either choose to make a full payment upfront or in instalments as per our BOOKING CONFIRMATION RULES.
Domestic clients
Indian nationals or people residing in India having an Indian bank account can transfer money to our account and share the proof of that transaction to confirm their booking.
International clients
If you reside outside India, then you need to write to us and we’ll follow up with an e-mail with a link to make the payment online. Once the payment is confirmed you’ll be ready to embark on your Nomadic Himalayan experience with us.
The refund for your booking depends on when you cancel your booking. Please look at the refund rules for details.
In case you are unable to join a fixed departure trek that you have booked but do not want to cancel then don’t worry. We understand that sometimes circumstances force us to change our plans and in such a scenario we can try to adjust you in the next batch for the same trek at no extra cost. However, this would be subject to availability and us reaching the minimum required number to run a tour.
If you want to change your booking and join a different trek route/plan it can be done if spots are still open. Also, if the new trek is cheaper than the one that you had initially booked, there’ll be no refund; however, you will have to pay the difference if it is priced higher than your original booking.
We can make adjustments of up to a few days before or after scheduled departure depending on the availability of the team, support staff and our trekking calendar. Contact us to know more.
Yes you can. We always do our best to accommodate any demands and customisations. While small personal needs can always be accommodated, we also need to take into consideration if the customisation affects the other people on the tour. If it’s a single group that makes up the whole tour then normally we can amend and customise as needed but if multiple groups or solo trekkers make the group then the entire group will be considered before we can agree to make any customisations affecting others.
Last minute changes to departure dates is not something that can be usually accommodated as the wheels for running a group are set in motion much before the actual departure. Also, some of our treks are planned in sync with our cycling groups in the case of combo tours so last minute changes are tough. However, we can always arrange for things like different/separate arrival and transport for you to start the trek if needed. You will need to inform us in advance and there will most likely be an additional cost involved.
  • Accommodations and meals as per the tour-specific itinerary.

  • Refreshments and packed meals during cycling and trekking.

  • Potable/drinking water throughout. We care for the environment and discourage the usage of packaged drinking water.

  • Camping Equipment. (Group and personal).

  • Porters/mules to carry camping gear.

  • Porters/mules to carry your luggage on treks

  • English-speaking guide

  • Cook(s) for camps

  • First aid

  • All Transfers as specified in the itinerary.

  • Taxes.

  • Travel & accident insurancec.

  • Tips.

  • Alcoholic beverages.

  • Any snacks and beverages outside of what’s included.

  • Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.

  • Bottled/Packaged water.

That depends on the nature of the request. Let us know what you need and we’ll do the best possible and give you a quote for the same.
A regular day in the outdoors and on a trail starts early. The day normally begins at 0600 with a cup of tea as we get ready and packed to leave by 0730 after a hearty breakfast. There will be some days that might need for an earlier departure like an early morning ascent to the top of a pass to cross a glacier. You will be informed of such things in the tour details and briefing.
Other than your day pack that you will carry on your own, Nomadic Trails – India will arrange for 12-15 kg of your luggage to be carried by our team depending on whether we have a porter or mule accompanying you on the trek.
Most treks involve you reaching altitudes in excess of 5,000 metres and you need to be prepared to handle that. You have to be prepared for bright sun during the day and plummeting temperatures at night (close to freezing at times). Normally, on a sunny day you will not need to worry as much about the cold as you would about be getting sun burnt.
Please note that Himalayan treks vary in terrain altitude and vegetation almost every day. From thick wooded forests, to alpine steppes to glacial moraine with rocks and scree the terrain varies as we gain altitude. Our packing list should be able to guide you with it.
Please refer our packing list
Slip, trip and falls
As with any other trek, there are the usual slip, trip and fall hazards that are present with walking on uneven trails, the best defense for that are your own personal standards and attention when on the trail. In some slippery or risky sections our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.

Cold
The weather at higher altitudes can get really cold, really fast. Be prepared to layer up and protect yourself in case of weather changes. The cold dry air can take a lot out of exposed skin and make it burn and peel rather easily. Extreme cases like frost bites etc are not a real risk during the summer treks that we conduct.

Altitude
This is the most real hazard with risks involved with it. On our part as operators we will take precautions to make sure that this risk is kept at a minimum. These precautions include but are not limited to, frequent oxygen level monitoring, oxygen cylinders on tour, acclimatisation days etc. However, every client needs to responsible enough to have gone through our to be aware of this hazard, follow the precautions and be able to recognise symptoms and inform us in time. In some cases we might ask a client to end his or her journey if we feel that is the best choice based on their inability to cope with high altitudes.
Sun – Make sure you cover your body as much as possible – full sleeve shirts, neck gaiters and sun cap are a must to avoid sun burns. Applying sun screen lotion of at least SPF50 is a great way to protect your exposed skin.

Wind – A windbreaker will protect you from the chilly winds. Cover your ears in the evenings. During walking breaks when on a trek ensure your body remains warm by wearing an additional jacket or windbreaker to prevent rapid cooling of your body.

Cold – Layering up is the best solution for cold. When the temperature starts dipping, start wearing layers of clothes. Base layer is a must at all times. T shirt, Sweater, Jacket and wind cheater is the way to go. Keep your feet, hands, ears warm during cold weather by wearing warm woollen socks, gloves, balaclava or a skull cap.
We provide high altitude camping equipment – Tents, Sleeping bags, mattresses, toilet tents, plates, spoons, coffee mugs, lanterns and anything else that might be needed for running the campsites.
Cardio fitness is key as trekking involves long walking days at high altitude. We strongly recommend a running fitness of 5Km in 30min. If running is not your thing we advise you to carry loads on your back and brisk walk for an 1 hour for several weeks leading up to the trek.

Strength training: you don’t need to be a professional athlete but some amount of strength and endurance building will definitely come in handy on a trek or any other outdoor activity. Core strengthening will be very useful to endure rigours long treks. Lower body workouts and exercises are also useful in ensuring that your ankles and knees are ready to take continued impact of variable intensity.

You can come for the trek without preparation, but you’ll ending struggling rather than enjoying what nature has to offer. Bear in mind that, we are there to guide you and provide all the facilities but the walking has to be done by you yourself. So little preparation will help make your trek more enjoyable.
We will cater to different dietary requirements with vegetarian options available for those who don’t consume meat. If you any other specific dietary requirement then we need to be informed in advance.

For those who eat Kosher/Halal, we can try and source it but we can’t guarantee the availability of Kosher/Halal meat. If either of these dietary restrictions applies to you, please let us know. We will offer suitable replacements for our Kosher/Halal customers for the duration of the tour.
The distances on our tours vary considerably depending on the trek that you choose. The description and walking times will be provided in the detailed itinerary of the trek that you will receive upon booking a tour with us. Since most of our treks are at altitudes in excess of 4,200 metres above sea level and in remote areas, the distances are mostly approximate. That’s why we mostly mention approximate walking times instead. The more important part is the terrain than the distance.
While the number of sets you will want to bring will depend on how long your tour is, we recommend long sleeves and long pants for best protection.
It depends on your tour. If your trek ends at the same point then we will be happy to keep your belongings while you are away. However, since most of our treks don’t end at the point of origin, we recommend that you carry only what you need for the tour. If you have to leave something behind and your trek ends at a different location then you will have to find a way to get back and pick it up. If you need our assistance to do the same, there will be additional cost involved. Get in touch with us to know more.
Yes. While most of the treks are over dry land, we will cross streams and rivers sometimes. For river crossings on our treks we’d recommend that you keep with you a pair of hiking/ walking sandals that you can quickly slip in and out of and keep your feet dry and warm in your trekking shoes for the remainder of the trek.
As we restrict our group size to a max of 6-10 people, we’d usually have one lead guide for the group. Besides that there will be support and kitchen staff that will accompany the group. The size and number of the support staff will depend on the size of the group and also on the trek. On trails where we can use pack animals we will not have any porters. Whatever the case may be, you can be rest assured of a positive ratio of staff to clients.
Our guide will be multilingual (Hindi/English/Spitian) to meet the requirement of the people comprising the group. However, expect the support staff and porters to speak Hindi.
Besides your daypack comprising of your water, camera and few small things that you’d like to keep on your person during the day, the porters will carry the rest of your main luggage. The porters normally carry about 15kg/porter and we recommend that you pack accordingly. Also, bear in mind that the luggage with the porters/ pack animals will only be available to you at the campsite.
We will have a minimum of 2 toilet tents at each camp. In the case of a bigger group we will have more than 2 toilet tents. For the sake of better waste management, we highly recommend that the guests use them and not defecate elsewhere around the campsite.). You can dispose of any feminine hygiene or sanitary products in the trash located at camp.

At meals and at the toilets in the camps, a hand sanitizer or hand washing gel will be available and you must use it to avoid getting sick.

Note: If you go to a bathroom or to a meal and find that, hand sanitizer or hand washing gel are low or out, please notify your tour guide immediately.
If you cannot hold it until you reach a campsite toilet, you may go to the toilet in an area of the jungle where no one can see you and far away from the river (at least 50 m). Please do not leave behind any toilet paper that you use (we can provide you with sanitary bags at the start of your trek; you can place used toilet paper in that bag). Please place any other feminine hygiene products in these sanitary bags as well. The sanitary bags must be disposed of at the rubbish bins at the campsite.
Only the necessities please. These include toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect spray, and necessary medications. Ladies, please bring any feminine hygiene products that you may need on the tour with you from home. There are VERY limited options in the local market here and almost no option while on tour. Please pack accordingly for emergencies! Some people might prefer to carry their own toilet paper too, personal choices.
We care for your safety and will ensure that you are completely secure be it during the trek or at campsites. When crossing slippery or risky sections during treks, our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.

Further, our tours are designed to ensure that the clients are suitable acclimatised to the altitude. We will hold frequent oxygen and wellbeing checks and also carry oxygen cylinders in case of an emergency.
We strongly support and promote the spirit of travel and welcome women trekkers in our groups. All our tours are group treks where we maintain friendly and safe environment. Our guides and trek leads are trained and sensitised to handle a diverse set of people. Feel free to reach out to our guides at any point of the tour.
Please declare all medical conditions that you may have, regardless of whether or not you may think it could affect you on the tour, so that our safety experts can advise if it will be safe for you to join our tours. Take note that our tours take place deep in the wilderness, far from medical clinics or hospitals and our team needs to be adequately prepared for your safety. We assure you that we will respect your privacy and keep your disclosures private (only necessary team members such as your tour guide will be intimated).
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all our tours. However, please carry any specific medication that you might need and give us any spare in case yours is lost or damaged. If you carry an Epipen or any serious medication(s), please inform us in advance.
Please bring any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications with you. Ours are just for use in emergency situations or if you run out. If you know that you need an anti-histamine or you regularly take an anti-inflammatory, please bring it with you. You should inform your guide of any medications you are taking/carrying. If you are on any serious medications, please bring a set of spares and give one to a member of the team in the event that you lose or damage your first set during the tour.
We recommend that you carry your own medical/accident insurance. Make sure that it covers the activities that you will be indulging in during your tour. In case you don’t have one, we can help you arrange one.
Anyone who isn’t fit enough to continue, or who poses a safety threat to themselves or others, will be removed from the tour. Nomadic Trails – India maintains the right to turn around any customer who doesn’t follow safety, conservation or trekking rules. There will be no refund for customers that are turned around and we will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by customers (transportation, hotel, etc).
The best option would be to carry spare batteries, power banks or portable solar charging panels as there won’t be much opportunity to charge your devices/gadgets/cameras during the trek.
Please bring a camera as we will be witnessing some breathtaking as we take on the Himalayan trails. You could keep cameras and other gadgets in your daypack preferably within a drybag to prevent them from water/moisture damage.
Since our tours will take you to remote area deep in wilderness on most routes there will be scanty or no mobile network. When you have pristine natural beauty all around you, disconnecting from city life will be cake walk!


Why Choose Us




Personalised Care


To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.

Protect The Environment


To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.

Safety


To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.

No Hidden Costs


To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.

Self Operated


To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.

Qualified Staff


To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.



Reviews





Comments





user faris2

"very nice trek"

Connecting Spiti to Ladakh, the eternal Parang La trail has stood the test of time and is now the most iconic trek in Spiti. On this trek, not only will you be crossing the Parang Glacier but you’ll also be camping at some of the world’s best high-altitude wetlands and experiencing thrilling river crossings as the trek culminates with breathtaking views of the Tsomoriri. Don’t be surprised if you sight blue sheep, Himalayan red fox, Marmots or even the Himalayan Ibex! The region we’ll be crossing is also a known habitat for snow leopards. Though this Elusive Cat is rarely seen, you might even spot one if you’re in luck! To make sure that you’re acclimatised before you begin your journey and for you to have a more well-rounded Himalayan experience, we’ve added local sightseeing and experiential stays for you before and after the trek. Sign onto the trek not just for the adventure but also to experience the Spiti and Ladakh regions for a wholesome Trans- Himalayan experience!

  • Trek to an altitude of 5575 meters above sea level

  • Camp at some of the best High-altitude wetlands

  • Experience a glacier traverse on the Parang La glacier

  • Camp and absorb the breathtaking views of Tsomoriri

  • Thrilling stream crossings

  • Explore both Spiti and Ladakh in one epic trip

  • Extra days to acclimatise, explore and sightsee

  • Qualified team to ensure safety


Day 1

Arrive Sonaugi. Rest, Prepare And Explore Manali


Total distance: 0 km
Starting altitude: 1700 m; highest altitude: 1700 m; resting altitude: 1700 m, above sea level

It all starts with your arrival at our very own Homestead in Sonaugi, 30 km short of Manali. Take in the green and quaint surroundings this day, meet our representative and get introduced to what the following days are going to have in store for you. Rest up and get ready for an early start tomorrow.

Highlights: Welcome to the Himalayas A day to rest

National Highways

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 0 hrs



Day 2

Drive, Sonaugi To Kaza


Total distance: 220 km
Starting altitude: 1700 m; highest altitude: 4580 m; resting altitude: 3670 m, above sea level

Today is the day when we finally hit the road to Spiti. The road to Spiti is considered by many as one of the toughest and by others as adventurous. The stretch of road between Gramphu and Losar is definitely exciting enough for everyone. Numerous stream crossings, mud & rocks to go over, glacial views and the 4580-metre-high Kunzum La, this 8 hour long drive will have it all. At the day’s end we’ll be at Kaza, the biggest town and the commercial epicentre of Spiti. Spend the evening exploring the lanes and few cafes we have around.

Highlights: Road to Spiti, Kunzum La, Glacier and valley views.

Mountain Roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 8 hrs



Day 3

Paperwork, Acclimatisation And Sightseeing Day


Total distance: 40 km
Starting altitude: 3200 m; highest altitude: 4580 m; resting altitude: 3670 m, above sea level

First things first, we’ll need to get our trekking permits from the SDM office in Kaza. It might be a formality but it still is necessary paperwork that needs to be completed for us to be able to embark on this trek. Once that is done, we’ll do some sightseeing and eventually head back to Kaza for the night.

Highlights: Sightseeing around Kaza.

Mountain Roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 3 hrs



Day 4

Kaza To Chicham Via Ki Monastery


Total distance: 24 km
Starting altitude: 3700 m; highest altitude: 4270 m; resting altitude: 4270 m, above sea level

We make our way to our final destination before the trek, Chicham. But not before making the mandatory stops at Ki monastery and Chicham bridge. Like Kaza, Chicham will be our home for two nights to help you acclimatise to the constant gain in altitude. We use this day to let you relax and allow your bodies to adapt more.

Highlights: Sightseeing around Kaza

Mountain Roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 3 hrs



Day 5

Chicham, Acclimatization And Sightseeing


Resting Altitude: 4270m above sea level

Today you can just relax or opt for a trek to the Chicham cave. A moderate level hike from Chicham village, this is a good hike to get in the groove for the next leg of the trip. The hike takes you to a hidden cave on top of a mountain from where you get a panoramic view of the valley. We stumbled upon this cave during one of our winter expeditions and were amazed to find some ancient artwork on the walls!
As you return from the hike, charge your batteries, pack up and prepare for the trek before we set out to conquer Parang La on our way to Tsomoriri in Ladakh.

Highlights: Chicham village and the ancient cave with petroglyphs above it.

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Moderate

Walking Time – 6 hrs (approx)



Day 6

Trek Chicham To Thalthak


Walking time: 5 hours
Starting altitude: 4200 m; highest altitude: 4500 m; resting altitude: 4500 m, above sea level

We leave the comforts of solid human settlements behind us today as we load up our pack animals and start our trek heading towards our first campsite. From Chicham, we will first be walking to the fields of Dumla from where a clearly etched out trail will start to climb up over leading us to the meadows of Thalthak and camp next to the stream for the night.

Highlights: Start of the trek. Views of the Kanamo and first night at camp.

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Moderate

Walking Time – 5 hrs (approx)



Day 7

Thalthak To Borochin


Walking time: 6-7 hours
Starting altitude: 4500 m; highest altitude: 4900 m; resting altitude: 4900 m, above sea level

Today will be a longer walking day. The day starts with descending all the way down to Rong Nallah. This is where we will cross the small foot bridge over the river and walk for 2 kms along the river to Jagtha from where the climb to Borochin will begin. Puff up your chest and breathe in deep as we begin the ascent that takes you to Borochin which will act as the base camp before making our final ascent to get to the top of Parang La. You must pat yourselves on the back for a day well done and for accomplishing what will probably be your longest walking day. An early morning dash to Parang La awaits you, so turn in early and rest well.

Highlights: Our highest camp, base camp for Parang La.

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – High

Walking Time – 7 hrs (approx)



Day 8

Trek Borochin To Parang La(5575m) To Kharsa Gongma


Walking time: 8 hours
Starting alt: 4900 m; highest alt: 5575 m; resting alt: 4600 m, above sea level

The day to reach the highest point of your journey has come. To safely reach the top and cross the Parang glacier we have to start really early today. We finish breakfast, pack up and get on our way by 0300. It’s a 3-4 km ascent to the top of Parang La, the trail is initially gradual and then gets steep as you criss-cross your way up, as we reach closer to the top. At the top of the pass a cluster of prayer flags greet you, add some of your own to the already waving flags and capture this moment in your cameras, hearts and minds. The walk on the Parang glacier awaits us, follow our guide as we take you over this glacier for 3-4 km till we reach its snout on the other side. You might even be able to hear the water flowing under the glacier as you walk. As we descend from the top down to the west bank of the Parang chu, the trail will flatten out. You have done it! The tough days are over, from here the trail is mostly flat till it reaches Tsmoriri with almost no altitude related risks. We do however have some exciting river crossings, amazing high-altitude wetlands and the mesmerising Tsomoriri that await us.

Highlights: Parang La, walk on the glacier, highest point of the trip at 5575 m above sea level

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – High

Walking Time – 8 hrs (approx)



Day 9-11

Trek Kharsa Gongma To Kyptonasa/norbu Sumdo


Walking time: 5-6 hours/day
Average altitude: 4500-4600 m

The days of steep ascents and descents are over as the trail remains mostly flat varying from 4500-4650 m till we reach Tsomoriri. crossing various campsites in the way. We will basically be walking on the river bed and sometimes on the banks. Places like Datang Yongma, Datang Gongma and Rocholamo which are all possible campsites. We will be crossing a few small streams on the way as a few more streams come and merge into the Pare Chu. Our campsites on both these nights will be on grassy sections on the banks of Pare Chu. Just before Norbu Sumdo we’ll finally make our biggest river crossing over the Pare Chu river to enter the Changthang plains.

Highlights: Pare Chu river valley and river bed, open river valley views

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Moderate

Walking Time – 6 hrs (approx)



Day 12

Kyptonasa/norbu Sumdo To Kiangdom


Walking time: 5 hours
Average altitude: 4500-4600 m

It’s a flat and easy walk all day but don’t forget to fill drinking water at camp because once we leave the grassy flatlands at Chumik Shilde we enter the dry and barren landscape of Chanthang where you’ll soon start to see the first shade of blues of the Tsomoriri lake. We stop at the southern end of the Tsomoriri for the day. Known as Kiangdom, here you’ll find numerous fresh water channels feeding into the Tsomoriri as our walk on dry and arid plains comes to an end. You will also get to see how the Changpa people, the real Nomadic tribes of the Himalayas, lead their lives in harsh climate. Enjoy this amazing land on our last evening of camping out on what we hope would have been an amazing journey for you.

Highlights: A close look at the lives of the Changpa people, camping near the banks of the Tsomoriri

Arid mountain trail

Difficulty Level – Easy

Walking Time – 5-6 hrs (approx)



Day 13

Buffer Day


We factor in a buffer day, just in case of any unforeseen delays on the trek. When we don’t need it, we make the most of it another way.



Day 14

Drive, Kiangdom To Karzok To Leh


Driving distance: 255 km hours
Starting altitude: 4550 m; highest altitude: 5328 m; resting altitude: 3500 m, above sea level

There is no need to rush today as we get ready for the final section of our journey. We make the rough drive to Kazrzok along the 20 odd km track on the banks of the Tsomoriri. Get trigger happy with your camera and click away to capture this mesmerizing landscape. From Karzok we hit the road to Leh but not before visiting the Tso Kar and crossing over to Tanglang La on the way.

Highlights: Tsomoriri, Tso Kar, More plains, Tanglang La.

Highways/mountain roads

Difficulty Level – NA

Drive Time – 8 hrs



Day 15

Day Of Sightseeing And Exploration Around Leh


Leh Altitude: 3500 m, above sea level

We have a day to explore this bustling high-altitude town and get together one last time for a fun-filled evening before we all go our own ways. Make the most of this evening with new and old friends before we finally say our goodbyes.



Day 16

Flight Leh To Delhi / Chandigarh


Adios! Till we meet again.

Following breakfast, we make our way to the airport depending on the flight departure timings. Most flights out of Leh leave in the morning.



Inclusions

  • Accommodation 15 nights, Manali to Leh.

  • Transportation Manali to Leh.

  • All meals from lunch on day 1 till breakfast on day 15.

  • Qualified tour leader / guide.

  • Offloading of personal luggage / backpack.

  • Comprehensive First-aid including oxygen cylinder.

  • Permits and fee as needed.

  • Porters/Mules to carry common supplies and gear.

  • Courteous support staff.

  • Safety communication devices like walkie talkies.

  • Drinking water during the trek.

  • Group camping gear.


Exclusions

  • Taxes. 5% GST.

  • Travel and accident insurance

  • Tips.

  • Any extra snacks and beverages.

  • Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.

  • Packaged drinking water.

  • Anything not part of the inclusions.

Are you looking for the next challenge in your trekking game with a trek that is iconic, ancient, challenging and rewarding, all at the same time? If yes, Parang La is the trek for you.

With a max altitude of 5575 metres above sea level, a glacier traverse, long walks, high average altitude and extreme remoteness, Parang La is not a trek for the first time trekker or for someone looking to get their first taste of the outdoors. However, if you have some prior experience at altitude and trekking then this is the perfect reward as you walk from one ancient Buddhist kingdom of Spiti to another as you reach Ladakh over a centuries old trade route. It brings with it the magnificence of Tsomoriri and some high-altitude bio diversity hotspots that you can’t get enough of.


Once you have decided on a tour, all you need to do is shoot us an email or call us and a member of our team will guide you through the booking process. You can either choose to make a full payment upfront or in instalments as per our BOOKING CONFIRMATION RULES.
Domestic clients
Indian nationals or people residing in India having an Indian bank account can transfer money to our account and share the proof of that transaction to confirm their booking.
International clients
If you reside outside India, then you need to write to us and we’ll follow up with an e-mail with a link to make the payment online. Once the payment is confirmed you’ll be ready to embark on your Nomadic Himalayan experience with us.
The refund for your booking depends on when you cancel your booking. Please look at the refund rules for details.
In case you are unable to join a fixed departure trek that you have booked but do not want to cancel then don’t worry. We understand that sometimes circumstances force us to change our plans and in such a scenario we can try to adjust you in the next batch for the same trek at no extra cost. However, this would be subject to availability and us reaching the minimum required number to run a tour.
If you want to change your booking and join a different trek route/plan it can be done if spots are still open. Also, if the new trek is cheaper than the one that you had initially booked, there’ll be no refund; however, you will have to pay the difference if it is priced higher than your original booking.
We can make adjustments of up to a few days before or after scheduled departure depending on the availability of the team, support staff and our trekking calendar. Contact us to know more.
Yes you can. We always do our best to accommodate any demands and customisations. While small personal needs can always be accommodated, we also need to take into consideration if the customisation affects the other people on the tour. If it’s a single group that makes up the whole tour then normally we can amend and customise as needed but if multiple groups or solo trekkers make the group then the entire group will be considered before we can agree to make any customisations affecting others.
Last minute changes to departure dates is not something that can be usually accommodated as the wheels for running a group are set in motion much before the actual departure. Also, some of our treks are planned in sync with our cycling groups in the case of combo tours so last minute changes are tough. However, we can always arrange for things like different/separate arrival and transport for you to start the trek if needed. You will need to inform us in advance and there will most likely be an additional cost involved.
  • Accommodations and meals as per the tour-specific itinerary.

  • Refreshments and packed meals during cycling and trekking.

  • Potable/drinking water throughout. We care for the environment and discourage the usage of packaged drinking water.

  • Camping Equipment. (Group and personal).

  • Porters/mules to carry camping gear.

  • Porters/mules to carry your luggage on treks

  • English-speaking guide

  • Cook(s) for camps

  • First aid

  • All Transfers as specified in the itinerary.

  • Taxes.

  • Travel & accident insurancec.

  • Tips.

  • Alcoholic beverages.

  • Any snacks and beverages outside of what’s included.

  • Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.

  • Bottled/Packaged water.

That depends on the nature of the request. Let us know what you need and we’ll do the best possible and give you a quote for the same.
A regular day in the outdoors and on a trail starts early. The day normally begins at 0600 with a cup of tea as we get ready and packed to leave by 0730 after a hearty breakfast. There will be some days that might need for an earlier departure like an early morning ascent to the top of a pass to cross a glacier. You will be informed of such things in the tour details and briefing.
Other than your day pack that you will carry on your own, Nomadic Trails – India will arrange for 12-15 kg of your luggage to be carried by our team depending on whether we have a porter or mule accompanying you on the trek.
Most treks involve you reaching altitudes in excess of 5,000 metres and you need to be prepared to handle that. You have to be prepared for bright sun during the day and plummeting temperatures at night (close to freezing at times). Normally, on a sunny day you will not need to worry as much about the cold as you would about be getting sun burnt.
Please note that Himalayan treks vary in terrain altitude and vegetation almost every day. From thick wooded forests, to alpine steppes to glacial moraine with rocks and scree the terrain varies as we gain altitude. Our packing list should be able to guide you with it.
Please refer our packing list
Slip, trip and falls
As with any other trek, there are the usual slip, trip and fall hazards that are present with walking on uneven trails, the best defense for that are your own personal standards and attention when on the trail. In some slippery or risky sections our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.

Cold
The weather at higher altitudes can get really cold, really fast. Be prepared to layer up and protect yourself in case of weather changes. The cold dry air can take a lot out of exposed skin and make it burn and peel rather easily. Extreme cases like frost bites etc are not a real risk during the summer treks that we conduct.

Altitude
This is the most real hazard with risks involved with it. On our part as operators we will take precautions to make sure that this risk is kept at a minimum. These precautions include but are not limited to, frequent oxygen level monitoring, oxygen cylinders on tour, acclimatisation days etc. However, every client needs to responsible enough to have gone through our to be aware of this hazard, follow the precautions and be able to recognise symptoms and inform us in time. In some cases we might ask a client to end his or her journey if we feel that is the best choice based on their inability to cope with high altitudes.
Sun – Make sure you cover your body as much as possible – full sleeve shirts, neck gaiters and sun cap are a must to avoid sun burns. Applying sun screen lotion of at least SPF50 is a great way to protect your exposed skin.

Wind – A windbreaker will protect you from the chilly winds. Cover your ears in the evenings. During walking breaks when on a trek ensure your body remains warm by wearing an additional jacket or windbreaker to prevent rapid cooling of your body.

Cold – Layering up is the best solution for cold. When the temperature starts dipping, start wearing layers of clothes. Base layer is a must at all times. T shirt, Sweater, Jacket and wind cheater is the way to go. Keep your feet, hands, ears warm during cold weather by wearing warm woollen socks, gloves, balaclava or a skull cap.
We provide high altitude camping equipment – Tents, Sleeping bags, mattresses, toilet tents, plates, spoons, coffee mugs, lanterns and anything else that might be needed for running the campsites.
Cardio fitness is key as trekking involves long walking days at high altitude. We strongly recommend a running fitness of 5Km in 30min. If running is not your thing we advise you to carry loads on your back and brisk walk for an 1 hour for several weeks leading up to the trek.

Strength training: you don’t need to be a professional athlete but some amount of strength and endurance building will definitely come in handy on a trek or any other outdoor activity. Core strengthening will be very useful to endure rigours long treks. Lower body workouts and exercises are also useful in ensuring that your ankles and knees are ready to take continued impact of variable intensity.

You can come for the trek without preparation, but you’ll ending struggling rather than enjoying what nature has to offer. Bear in mind that, we are there to guide you and provide all the facilities but the walking has to be done by you yourself. So little preparation will help make your trek more enjoyable.
We will cater to different dietary requirements with vegetarian options available for those who don’t consume meat. If you any other specific dietary requirement then we need to be informed in advance.

For those who eat Kosher/Halal, we can try and source it but we can’t guarantee the availability of Kosher/Halal meat. If either of these dietary restrictions applies to you, please let us know. We will offer suitable replacements for our Kosher/Halal customers for the duration of the tour.
The distances on our tours vary considerably depending on the trek that you choose. The description and walking times will be provided in the detailed itinerary of the trek that you will receive upon booking a tour with us. Since most of our treks are at altitudes in excess of 4,200 metres above sea level and in remote areas, the distances are mostly approximate. That’s why we mostly mention approximate walking times instead. The more important part is the terrain than the distance.
While the number of sets you will want to bring will depend on how long your tour is, we recommend long sleeves and long pants for best protection.
It depends on your tour. If your trek ends at the same point then we will be happy to keep your belongings while you are away. However, since most of our treks don’t end at the point of origin, we recommend that you carry only what you need for the tour. If you have to leave something behind and your trek ends at a different location then you will have to find a way to get back and pick it up. If you need our assistance to do the same, there will be additional cost involved. Get in touch with us to know more.
Yes. While most of the treks are over dry land, we will cross streams and rivers sometimes. For river crossings on our treks we’d recommend that you keep with you a pair of hiking/ walking sandals that you can quickly slip in and out of and keep your feet dry and warm in your trekking shoes for the remainder of the trek.
As we restrict our group size to a max of 6-10 people, we’d usually have one lead guide for the group. Besides that there will be support and kitchen staff that will accompany the group. The size and number of the support staff will depend on the size of the group and also on the trek. On trails where we can use pack animals we will not have any porters. Whatever the case may be, you can be rest assured of a positive ratio of staff to clients.
Our guide will be multilingual (Hindi/English/Spitian) to meet the requirement of the people comprising the group. However, expect the support staff and porters to speak Hindi.
Besides your daypack comprising of your water, camera and few small things that you’d like to keep on your person during the day, the porters will carry the rest of your main luggage. The porters normally carry about 15kg/porter and we recommend that you pack accordingly. Also, bear in mind that the luggage with the porters/ pack animals will only be available to you at the campsite.
We will have a minimum of 2 toilet tents at each camp. In the case of a bigger group we will have more than 2 toilet tents. For the sake of better waste management, we highly recommend that the guests use them and not defecate elsewhere around the campsite.). You can dispose of any feminine hygiene or sanitary products in the trash located at camp.

At meals and at the toilets in the camps, a hand sanitizer or hand washing gel will be available and you must use it to avoid getting sick.

Note: If you go to a bathroom or to a meal and find that, hand sanitizer or hand washing gel are low or out, please notify your tour guide immediately.
If you cannot hold it until you reach a campsite toilet, you may go to the toilet in an area of the jungle where no one can see you and far away from the river (at least 50 m). Please do not leave behind any toilet paper that you use (we can provide you with sanitary bags at the start of your trek; you can place used toilet paper in that bag). Please place any other feminine hygiene products in these sanitary bags as well. The sanitary bags must be disposed of at the rubbish bins at the campsite.
Only the necessities please. These include toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect spray, and necessary medications. Ladies, please bring any feminine hygiene products that you may need on the tour with you from home. There are VERY limited options in the local market here and almost no option while on tour. Please pack accordingly for emergencies! Some people might prefer to carry their own toilet paper too, personal choices.
We care for your safety and will ensure that you are completely secure be it during the trek or at campsites. When crossing slippery or risky sections during treks, our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.

Further, our tours are designed to ensure that the clients are suitable acclimatised to the altitude. We will hold frequent oxygen and wellbeing checks and also carry oxygen cylinders in case of an emergency.
We strongly support and promote the spirit of travel and welcome women trekkers in our groups. All our tours are group treks where we maintain friendly and safe environment. Our guides and trek leads are trained and sensitised to handle a diverse set of people. Feel free to reach out to our guides at any point of the tour.
Please declare all medical conditions that you may have, regardless of whether or not you may think it could affect you on the tour, so that our safety experts can advise if it will be safe for you to join our tours. Take note that our tours take place deep in the wilderness, far from medical clinics or hospitals and our team needs to be adequately prepared for your safety. We assure you that we will respect your privacy and keep your disclosures private (only necessary team members such as your tour guide will be intimated).
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all our tours. However, please carry any specific medication that you might need and give us any spare in case yours is lost or damaged. If you carry an Epipen or any serious medication(s), please inform us in advance.
Please bring any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications with you. Ours are just for use in emergency situations or if you run out. If you know that you need an anti-histamine or you regularly take an anti-inflammatory, please bring it with you. You should inform your guide of any medications you are taking/carrying. If you are on any serious medications, please bring a set of spares and give one to a member of the team in the event that you lose or damage your first set during the tour.
We recommend that you carry your own medical/accident insurance. Make sure that it covers the activities that you will be indulging in during your tour. In case you don’t have one, we can help you arrange one.
Anyone who isn’t fit enough to continue, or who poses a safety threat to themselves or others, will be removed from the tour. Nomadic Trails – India maintains the right to turn around any customer who doesn’t follow safety, conservation or trekking rules. There will be no refund for customers that are turned around and we will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by customers (transportation, hotel, etc).
The best option would be to carry spare batteries, power banks or portable solar charging panels as there won’t be much opportunity to charge your devices/gadgets/cameras during the trek.
Please bring a camera as we will be witnessing some breathtaking as we take on the Himalayan trails. You could keep cameras and other gadgets in your daypack preferably within a drybag to prevent them from water/moisture damage.
Since our tours will take you to remote area deep in wilderness on most routes there will be scanty or no mobile network. When you have pristine natural beauty all around you, disconnecting from city life will be cake walk!



user faris2


"very nice trek"