NCC’s 28 Female Cadets Embark on 250-Km Himalayan Trek to Cross 5,578-Metre Parang La Pass

New Delhi, August 18: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the National Cadet Corps (NCC) all-India girls’ high-altitude trekking expedition ‘Aparajita–Parang La 2026’ in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Led by three women officers from the three Services, 28 female cadets will cover nearly 250 km in 30 days through some of the most challenging and remote Himalayan terrain.

The expedition will cross the 5,578-metre (18,300-ft) Parang La Pass, connecting Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley with Ladakh’s Changthang region. The route will pass through areas including Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak, Bongrojen, Parang La, Dak Karzong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdom and Korzok.

Rajnath Singh praised the cadets, describing the expedition as a strong example of women’s courage, determination, leadership and growing capabilities. He said such challenging activities help develop discipline, mental resilience, teamwork and self-confidence among young people.

The Defence Minister also urged the participants to prioritise safety, environmental protection and respect for local communities throughout the expedition.

The expedition aims to promote women’s empowerment, leadership, teamwork, endurance, confidence and national unity among NCC female cadets.