Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday flagged off the NCC’s ‘Aparajita–Parang La 2026’ high-altitude long trek during an event in New Delhi, sending 28 Girl Cadets on one of the country’s most demanding Himalayan adventure expeditions.
The approximately 250-km trek will be completed over 30 days, taking the team through remote terrain between the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh and the Changthang region of Ladakh.The expedition will cross Parang La Pass at an altitude of 5,578 metres (18,300 feet) and will involve high-altitude deserts, glaciers, snowfields, river valleys and other challenging terrain.The team is being led by three women officers representing the three Services, with the participating cadets having an average age of 19 years. The youngest participant is around 16 and a half years old.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
28 Girl Cadets are taking part. Expedition duration: 30 days
Approximate distance: 250 km Highest point: Parang La, 5,578 metres
Team led by women officers from the three Services Youngest participant: approximately 16½ years
Route crosses Spiti Valley and Ladakh’s Changthang region.
Route crosses Spiti Valley and Ladakh’s Changthang region.
Rajnath Singh described the participation of the young cadets in such a demanding expedition as a reflection of the courage, determination and growing capabilities of Indian women.
He said such expeditions help young people develop leadership, discipline, mental resilience and self-confidence, while giving them an opportunity to understand their own capabilities in difficult circumstances.The expedition team includes officers, medical personnel, instructors and support staff to assist the cadets throughout the challenging journey.
The Defence Minister also urged the participants to make safety, environmental protection and respectful interaction with local communities their priorities during the expedition.He called for a zero-waste approach in the fragile Himalayan environment and advised the team to follow instructors’ guidance and avoid unnecessary risks.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The expedition puts young women, adventure training and military-style discipline together in one of India’s most challenging environments. Beyond the physical achievement, the trek is intended to develop qualities such as resilience, leadership and confidence that can influence the cadets well beyond the expedition itself.
For the young cadets, the expedition is expected to be more than a physical challenge. It will test their endurance, teamwork and ability to remain composed in some of the most difficult conditions in the Himalayas.
