Twenty NCC girl cadets selected from across India have successfully completed the ‘Aparajita – Parang La 2026’ high-altitude long trek, covering approximately 250 km over 30 days from Kibber in Himachal Pradesh to Karzok in Ladakh. The expedition, a flagship adventure activity of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), saw the cadets cross the 5,578-metre Parang La Pass and navigate glaciers, snowfields and river valleys.
It was formally flagged-in at Karzok on September 16 by NCC Director General Lt Gen Virendra Vats and Ministry of Defence Additional Secretary Dipti Mohil Chawla. The expedition was organised to encourage young women’s participation in adventure activities, develop leadership and endurance, and promote national integration.
A Demanding Himalayan Route
The expedition covered around 250 km across high-altitude terrain connecting the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh with the Changthang region of Ladakh. The route included the 5,578-metre Parang La Pass, along with glaciers, snowfields and river valleys. The cadets travelled from Kibber to Karzok over 30 days, accompanied by NCC officers, instructors, medical personnel and support staff.
The expedition was designed not only as a physical challenge but also as an opportunity for young women cadets to experience demanding high-altitude conditions. According to the Ministry of Defence, the initiative sought to promote adventure activities among young women while developing qualities including leadership, self-confidence, teamwork and endurance.
A Journey Beyond Limits 🇮🇳 | NCC Girls High-Altitude Long Trek – Parang La 2026
— National Cadet Corps (@HQ_DG_NCC) September 17, 2026
Some journeys are not measured merely in kilometres. They are measured in courage, endurance and the will to keep moving forward.
NCC girl cadets embarked on an extraordinary high-altitude expedition… pic.twitter.com/1DkaZO9z4G
Flagged Off In August
The expedition was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on August 18. At the time, the Ministry of Defence said 28 girl cadets were participating, with an average age of 19 years and the youngest participant aged 16 and a half. The team was led by three women officers representing the three Services.
The planned route included Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak, Bongrojen, Parang La, Dak Karzong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdom and Korzok. The Ministry described the route as one of India’s challenging high-altitude trekking routes because of its remote terrain and extreme conditions.
Had a delightful interaction with the NCC’s All India Girls High Altitude Long Trek ‘Aparajita – Parang La 2026’ participants during the flag off event. I wish them success in their future endeavours.https://t.co/3HuQ5NjJh5 pic.twitter.com/lKribzhvjK
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 18, 2026
Crossing Parang La
At 5,578 metres, Parang La was a defining point of the expedition. The pass connects Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley with Ladakh’s Changthang region, requiring the participants to negotiate high-altitude terrain during their journey.
The cadets were supported throughout the expedition by officers, instructors, medical staff and other personnel. This support was particularly relevant given the remote terrain covered during the 30-day trek, which included glaciers, snowfields and river valleys. The successful completion was formally marked at Karzok on September 16.
Leadership Through Adventure
Speaking at the flag-in ceremony, Lt Gen Virendra Vats congratulated the cadets and staff for completing the expedition. He said such activities contribute to developing leadership, self-confidence, teamwork and endurance among young people.
The Ministry of Defence also said the expedition aimed to strengthen national integration by bringing together NCC cadets from different parts of the country. In this sense, the trek combined adventure training with an opportunity for participants from different regions to undertake a demanding journey together.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The completion of the ‘Aparajita – Parang La 2026’ expedition highlights how structured opportunities in adventure and outdoor activities can help young people develop teamwork, confidence and resilience. The participation of young women in demanding environments also underlines the importance of ensuring that girls have equal access to challenging experiences and leadership opportunities.
At the same time, such expeditions require careful preparation, trained support teams and appropriate medical and logistical arrangements, particularly in high-altitude environments. As more young people seek opportunities beyond conventional classrooms and competitive settings, how can India create more safe and inclusive spaces for them to explore, learn and lead?
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