A team of 28 girl cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) has embarked on an ambitious high-altitude expedition to the Parang La Pass, taking on a 250-kilometre journey through some of the most difficult terrain in the Himalayan region.
The expedition, titled ‘Aparajita – Parang La 2026’, was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The expedition is scheduled to continue for around 30 days, with the cadets travelling through remote mountain terrain under the supervision and guidance of three women officers.
Located at an altitude of approximately 5,578 metres, Parang La is a challenging Himalayan pass that connects the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh with the Changthang region of Ladakh. The route will expose the participants to high-altitude deserts, glaciers, snowfields and river valleys.
The expedition team includes 28 girl cadets, led by three women officers, along with medical personnel, instructors and other support staff. The participants have been prepared for the demanding conditions they are expected to encounter during the journey.
The average age of the cadets taking part in the expedition is around 19 years, while the youngest participant is reported to be 16 years old. Their participation highlights the growing opportunities for young women to take part in challenging adventure and endurance activities.
The planned route covers several locations, including Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak, Bongrojen, Parang La Pass, Dak Karzong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdom and Korzok. The difficult terrain and high altitude will require the cadets to maintain physical stamina, mental focus and strong coordination throughout the expedition.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Rajnath Singh praised the participation of the young women in such a demanding high-altitude undertaking. He described their involvement as a reflection of the courage, determination and growing capabilities of women in the country.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the broader value of adventure expeditions in developing leadership, mental resilience, discipline and self-confidence among young people. He said the experience could help the cadets better understand their own abilities while giving them valuable lessons in overcoming difficult situations.
Safety and environmental protection have also been emphasised during the expedition. The participants have been encouraged to give priority to safety, preserve the fragile Himalayan environment and maintain respectful interaction with local communities along the route.
The Aparajita – Parang La 2026 expedition is therefore more than a long-distance trek. It is designed to challenge the cadets physically and mentally while providing them with an opportunity to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills in one of India’s most demanding high-altitude environments.