20 NCC Girl Cadets Complete Aparajita-Parang La Trek

Twenty NCC girl cadets completed the ‘Aparajita – Parang La 2026’ High Altitude Long Trek in Ladakh on 16 September 2026. The 30-day expedition covered about 250 kilometres across Himalayan terrain and crossed Parang La Pass at 5,578 metres, or 18,300 feet, between Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh and the Changthang region of Ladakh.

Expedition Profile

The trek was flagged off in New Delhi on 18 August 2026 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It began with 28 NCC girl cadets, with an average age of 19 years, and the youngest cadet aged 16 and a half years. Three women officers from the Indian Armed Forces led the expedition.

Route and Terrain

The route passed through high-altitude deserts, glaciers, snowfields, and river valleys. Parang La Pass is a Himalayan mountain pass used as a link between Spiti Valley and the Changthang plateau region of Ladakh. Karzok in Ladakh served as the flag-in point on 16 September 2026.

Organisation and Field Activities

The National Cadet Corps is a youth organisation under the Ministry of Defence in India. During the trek, cadets interacted with local communities and government department heads in Spiti Valley by 5 September 2026. The expedition included field exposure to remote Himalayan settlements and high-altitude movement.

Important Facts for Exams

• Parang La Pass is located at an altitude of 5,578 metres, or 18,300 feet.
• Spiti Valley lies in Himachal Pradesh, and Changthang is a high-altitude region in Ladakh.
• The Indian Air Force evacuated four NCC women from 18,500 feet in Ladakh on 14 September 2026 for medical reasons.
• The National Cadet Corps functions under the Ministry of Defence and includes cadets from schools and colleges in India.

Objectives of the Trek

The expedition aimed to promote Nari Shakti, leadership qualities, self-confidence, teamwork, endurance, and national integration among NCC girl cadets. The trek also formed part of high-altitude training and adventure activity in the Indian Armed Forces ecosystem.