New Delhi: Twenty NCC girl cadets from across India have successfully completed the ‘Aparajita–Parang La 2026’ high-altitude long trek, covering nearly 250 kilometres through some of the most challenging terrain of the Himalayas.
The flagship adventure activity of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) took the cadets from Kibber in Himachal Pradesh to Karzok in Ladakh over 30 days. The expedition crossed the 5,578-metre Parang La Pass, connecting Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley with the Changthang region of Ladakh.
The expedition was flagged in at Karzok on September 16 by Director General NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dipti Mohil Chawla.
20 Girl Cadets Take on High-Altitude Challenge
The cadets were selected from different parts of the country for the expedition, making the trek both an adventure challenge and an exercise in national integration.
The route involved demanding high-altitude conditions, with the team navigating:
- Glaciers and snowfields
- High-altitude mountain terrain
- River valleys
- The 5,578-metre Parang La Pass
The cadets were accompanied by NCC officers, instructors, medical personnel and support staff throughout the expedition. Their journey began at Kibber in Himachal Pradesh and concluded at Karzok in Ladakh.
The trek was flagged off from New Delhi by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 18.
Expedition Builds Leadership and Endurance
Beyond physical adventure, the NCC organised the expedition to help young women develop qualities that are important both in personal life and leadership roles.
Speaking at the flag-in ceremony, Lt Gen Virendra Vats congratulated the cadets and the supporting staff for successfully completing the expedition. He highlighted the role of such activities in developing leadership, self-confidence, teamwork and endurance among young people.
A prolonged trek in high-altitude conditions requires participants to work closely as a team, manage difficult terrain and maintain discipline over an extended period. The expedition therefore provided the cadets with practical exposure to situations that demand physical resilience as well as coordination.
Promoting Women in Adventure Activities
‘Aparajita–Parang La 2026’ was also designed to encourage greater participation of young women in adventure activities.
High-altitude expeditions provide participants with opportunities to experience challenging environments that are different from conventional training settings. By selecting girl cadets from across the country, the NCC has created a platform for young women to participate in a demanding Himalayan expedition.
The initiative also reflects the NCC’s broader focus on youth development through activities that combine physical training, discipline, teamwork and leadership.
Connecting Spiti Valley With Changthang
The expedition followed a route linking two distinct high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.
The journey started from Kibber in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley before crossing the Parang La Pass and entering the Changthang region of Ladakh. The approximately 250-kilometre route exposed the cadets to glaciers, snow-covered stretches, river valleys and other difficult mountain landscapes.
At 5,578 metres, crossing Parang La was one of the key challenges of the expedition. The successful completion of the pass and the overall trek required the team to operate in demanding high-altitude conditions for several weeks.
The completion at Karzok marked the end of the 30-day expedition.
National Integration Through Adventure
The participation of cadets from different parts of India added another important dimension to the expedition.
The NCC said the trek was intended to strengthen national integration by bringing together young cadets from across the country. Living and travelling together in challenging conditions gave participants an opportunity to develop teamwork and a shared sense of responsibility.
Such activities also allow cadets to experience India’s diverse geographical landscape while building bonds with peers from different regions.
A Platform for Youth Development
The successful completion of ‘Aparajita–Parang La 2026’ highlights the role of adventure activities in youth development. For the participating cadets, the expedition combined physical endurance with teamwork, discipline and exposure to high-altitude environments.
The NCC’s focus on women’s participation in such expeditions also provides young cadets with opportunities to take part in activities that demand confidence, preparation and leadership.
With the 20-member team completing the journey from Kibber to Karzok, the expedition has added another high-altitude adventure experience to the NCC’s activities aimed at developing capable, confident and team-oriented youth.
Read Also: India-MERCOSUR Trade Agreement Expansion: What It Means For Businesses And Exporters
