Parang La Trek – From Spiti’s Canyons to Ladakh’s Moonlake

“Where the Himalayas whisper old trade secrets to the sky.”

📖 Overview

The Parang La Trek is a 100–120 km high-altitude expedition that begins in Kibber (Spiti Valley) and ends in Korzok village on the banks of Tso Moriri Lake in Ladakh. Once a vital link on the Indo-Tibetan trade route, this trek crosses the Parang La Pass (5,538 m / 18,170 ft) and traverses glaciers, river valleys, and high-altitude plateaus. It’s a journey through geological drama, cultural silence, and sacred solitude—ideal for seasoned trekkers seeking a true Trans-Himalayan experience.

🧭 Trek Profile

Attribute	Details
Trailhead	Kibber village (Spiti)
Endpoint	Korzok village (Tso Moriri, Ladakh)
Pass Altitude	5,538 m (18,170 ft)
Trek Distance	~100–120 km
Trek Duration	10–12 days
Grade	Difficult (requires prior high-altitude experience)
Best Season	July to mid-September
Permit Required	Yes (Inner Line Permit for foreigners; forest entry for all)

🥾 Trail Highlights

• Kibber & Chicham Gorge:
  Start from one of the world’s highest villages, with views of Chicham Bridge and Spiti’s deep canyons.
• Thaltak Meadows & Parang Glacier:
  Camp in alpine pastures, then cross the Parang Glacier, navigating crevasses and moraine fields.
• Parang La Pass:
  A snowbound saddle offering panoramic views of the Zanskar and Changthang ranges.
• Pare Chu River Valley:
  Follow the Pare Chu, a river that flows from India into Tibet and back—a rare hydrological loop.
• Tso Moriri Lake:
  End at the crescent-shaped lake of Tso Moriri, home to bar-headed geese, kiangs, and Tibetan nomads.

🛕 Cultural & Historical Touchpoints

• Ancient Trade Route:
  Once part of the Silk Route, this trail connected Spiti’s wool and salt traders with Tibetan caravans.
• Korzok Monastery:
  A 300-year-old Drukpa monastery overlooking Tso Moriri—spiritual anchor of the Changpa nomads.
• Sacred Geography:
  The trail is dotted with mani walls, prayer flags, and sky burial sites, reflecting deep Tibetan Buddhist roots.

🧳 Essentials for Trekkers

Item	Notes
Footwear	High-ankle trekking boots (mandatory)
Clothing	Sub-zero layers, windproof jacket, gloves
Gear	Trekking poles, crampons (early season), headlamp
Safety	AMS risk above 4,500 m—acclimatize in Kaza or Kibber
Support	Local guide and porter strongly recommended
Camping	Tents at Thaltak, Norbu Sumdo, Dak Karzong, Kiangdom
Water & Food	Carry purification tablets; no villages en route

🧭 How to Reach

• Start Point:
  • Manali ➝ Kaza ➝ Kibber (~220 km)
  • Roads open June–October via Rohtang & Kunzum Pass
• End Point:
  • Korzok ➝ Leh (~200 km) via Mahe Bridge
  • Limited transport—private vehicle recommended
• Nearest Airports:
  • Bhuntar (Kullu) for start
  • Leh Airport for return

🏞️ Add-On Adventures

• Tso Moriri to Tso Kar Traverse – For those continuing into Changthang Plateau
• Spiti Circuit – Combine with Key Monastery, Dhankar, and Pin Valley
• Wildlife Photography – Spot kiangs, Tibetan wolves, and migratory birds