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30-day high-altitude expedition reaches 18,300 feet, showcasing courage, leadership and the rising power of India’s Nari Shakti
पूजा श्रीवास्तव
एनीटाइम न्यूज नेटवर्क
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday flagged off the National Cadet Corps’ (NCC) All India Girls High Altitude Long Trek ‘Aparajita–Parang La 2026’ in New Delhi. The ambitious expedition will cross the challenging Parang La Pass, connecting Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley with the Changthang region of Ladakh.
Located at an altitude of 5,578 metres, or around 18,300 feet, Parang La is regarded as one of India’s most demanding high-altitude trekking routes. The expedition is being led by women officers from the three Services and includes 28 NCC Girl Cadets, with an average age of around 19 years. The youngest participant is just 16 years and six months old.
Rajnath Singh described the participation of young women in such a demanding expedition as a powerful demonstration of the courage, determination and growing capabilities of India’s Nari Shakti. He said adventure activities of this scale help young people develop leadership, discipline, mental resilience and self-confidence.
The team will cover approximately 250 kilometres over 30 days, crossing some of the most remote and difficult Himalayan terrain. The route includes Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak, Bongrojen, Parang La Pass, Dak Karzong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdom and Korzok, taking the cadets through high-altitude deserts, glaciers, snowfields and river valleys.
Extending his best wishes to the expedition team, the Defence Minister said the journey would go far beyond adventure and become an important lesson in resilience, confidence and self-discovery. He expressed hope that the cadets would return with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of their own inner strength.
Rajnath Singh urged the participants to make safety, environmental protection and respectful engagement with local communities their top priorities. He encouraged the cadets to follow instructors’ guidance, avoid unnecessary risks and adopt a zero-waste approach to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The expedition also carries a strong message of national unity. Cadets from different NCC Directorates, representing diverse languages, cultures and backgrounds, are coming together with a common mission, reflecting the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
The expedition has been designed to promote Nari Shakti, leadership, teamwork, endurance, self-confidence and national integration. The successful completion of this demanding journey is expected to become a defining milestone in the lives of the participating cadets and a powerful inspiration for young women across the country.
