Parangla pass trek.

Kibber to Korzok.

When people call off their journeys and say that they have explored Spiti. That is the place where I start my endeavours. Exploring is never about traveling on a wide smooth highway, it’s far beyond that. Join me and my team for an amazing journey beyond the roads, across the high mountain pass of Parangla starting from the village of Kibber in Spiti Valley.  It was the ancient trade route between Spiti, Changtang and Tibet. The trail goes across the 5600 metres high Parangla pass and follows the amazing Parechu river which has it’s origin in here and then it flows into Tibet and then it again re enters india. The trek ends in Village Korzok, a village situated at banks of the picturesque Tsomoriri lake in Ladakh. Yes will get to see the majestic Tso Moriri in it’s best colours unseen by someone who has just ventured into its one end. 

Itinerary.

Day 1. Arrive at Kaza. ( 3760 mts)

There are two routes to reach Kaza. One is from Manali across the Rohtang and Kunzum pass. This is around 220 Kilometers. There other one is from Shimla, which is around 440 Kilometres. This route cannot be done in one day easily, so it is advised to break journey at Reckong Peo or Pooh Village. Kaza is located at an altitude of 3760 metres. 

Day 2. Kaza to Chicham ( 4270 Mtrs.)

Day 3. Acclimitization days spent around Kibber and Chicham Villages.

Day 4. Trek Chicham to Thalthak. ( 4500 mtrs).

Today we will start the trek. It’s the first day and it will be get you into your natural walking rhythm. We will be crossing the fields at Dumla, and then after a moderate climb we reach the campsite of Thalthak. The campsite is located at the bank of a stream. Today is your first day in tents. 

Day 5. Trek Thalthak to Bongrogen ( 4900 mtrs). 

Its a relatively long walk today for around 6 to 7 hours. The trail starts with descend to a river which is known as Parilungbi Chu. After walking along the river, there will be a final ascent to the campsite of Bonrogen.  

Day 6. Trek Bongrogen to Parangla (5575 mtrs.) to Kharsa Gongpa ( 4600 mtrs.).

We start the day early today we have to cross over the 5575 metres high pass today. The initial walk is on a glacier , then it starts to ascend criss crossing towards the top. All Himalayan passes are magical and mystical, and this one is no different. We spent a few moments here listening to the wind hitting against the prayer flags, and thanking the almighty mountains for humbly letting us spend some time on them. After this its a long walk on the glacier. After approx three and half kilometres we come to the end of the glacier. After that its a flat walk to the camp site of Kharsa Gongpa. 

Day 7. Trek Kharsa Gongma to Chenpausa ( 4600 m).

It is relatively flat walk along the Parechu river now. The walk is mostly on the banks of the river or on the river bed. We will cross Datang Yongma, Datang Gongma, and Rocholamo. There will be streams to be crossed on the way, which eventually join the Parechu. At a place named Dokpo Phirse, the Talking Nala stream comes and joins the Parechu. The Talking La also is a trek route between Spiti and Korzok. At last we will again find a grassy patch from our campsite at Chenpausa on the banks of the Parechu. 

Day 8. Trek Chenpausa to Kyptonasa / Norbu Sumdo ( 4500 mtrs.).

The trail remains almost the same all the way from here. The contrasting landscapes of the open grasslands and streams offer numerous awesome photography moments. On reaching Kyptonasa, we have a big river crossing. The water of the stream depends on various factors the main being the time of the day. The suns heat melts the feeding glaciers and the water volume rises. We make the safest choice here as we cross the river at the perfect timing or camp here till the morning. After this we bid good bye to the Parechu River and enter the famous Changthang region of Ladakh. You will be able to see the transition from dry rocky region to green wetlands. 

Day 9. Trek Kyptonasa / Norbu Sumdo to Kiangdom ( 4600 mtrs).

Today is our first day of walk in the Changthang region. We have enough time today so we will keep it slow and easy. At a place called Chumik Shilde, we leave the wet grasslands and we enter the dry and barren Changthang. Changthang is a mix of wet green grasslands and dry barren land. Soon you will start to see the first blues of Tso- Moriri lake. The Nomadic tribes of Changthang known as the Changpas reside in these parts. You will know how these humans survive in such harsh conditions. We camp at Kiangdom situated at the southern end of Tso-Moriri. 

Day 10. Buffer day.

We alway by experience have seen that we always need a buffer day while doing a Himalayan Trek. There can be many unforseen delays, and we don’t have to rush extra because of them. We can spend this day enjoying basking in the sun at the southern tip of Tso- Morori, which is far away from the maddening rush of tourists. 

Day 11. Kiangdom to Korzok village.( 4550 mtrs.)

Today is a breezy walk all along the banks of the great blue Tso- Moriri lake. There will be lots of stories to tell by everyone on the way. There are many picturesque spots n the way. We reach the village of Korzok in the evening and check into a homestay. Its time for celebration now as you have completed an elite Himalayan trek. Time to manage a bath somewhere if you can, and swallow in a some Chhang ( local brew). 

Day 12. Karzok to Leh via Tso Kar and Tanglangla ( 3500 mtrs)

Our trekking days are over. Today we will be driving to Leh. Its about 230 Kilometres. we will drive through the famous Tso-kar lake and then eventually meet the Manali - Leh Highway at Debring. Now the drive is on well paved road till Leh, across the 5328 metres high Tanglangla pass. We welcome you back to civilisations and urban pleasures which you must have missed during your trek. Enjoy the buzzy evening in Leh. Time for a final celebration and bidding good bye till we meet again.