The Ministry of Defence announced that twenty National Cadet Corps girl cadets have successfully completed a major high-altitude trekking expedition across the Himalayas. The trek, called Aparajita – Parang La 2026, was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 18, 2026, and concluded on September 16, 2026, at Karzok in Ladakh.
Details of the expedition
The cadets, selected from across India, travelled approximately 250 kilometres over 30 days. Their route took them across the Parang La Pass, which sits at 5,578 metres above sea level and connects the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh to the Changthang region of Ladakh. Along the way, the group traversed glaciers, snowfields and river valleys characteristic of high-altitude Himalayan terrain.
The trek began at Kibber in Himachal Pradesh and ended at Karzok in Ladakh. The cadets were accompanied by NCC officers, instructors, medical personnel and support staff throughout the journey. The final leg of the expedition was acknowledged by NCC Director General Lt Gen Virendra Vats and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Smt Dipti Mohil Chawla.
What this means for you
The Aparajita – Parang La 2026 trek demonstrates the NCC’s commitment to engaging young women in challenging outdoor activities and building their confidence through adventure. For girl cadets across the country, this shows that the armed forces value their participation in demanding physical and leadership programmes. The expedition also brings together youth from different regions, helping to strengthen connections between young people from across India while exposing them to extreme environments and testing their resilience.