Historic ‘Aparajita‑Parang La 2026’ Mission Highlights Female Cadet Resilience

The "Aparajita‑Parang La 2026" campaign marked a historic achievement for India’s National Cadet Corps as a group of young women successfully negotiated one of the country’s toughest high‑altitude routes. Beginning at Kibir, the contingent moved through Dumla, Thaltak, Bongarogen and the formidable Parang La Pass before descending into Ladakh’s Dak Karjong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdom and finally reaching Korjok. In total they walked roughly 250 km in thirty days, enduring temperatures well below freezing and thin air at elevations exceeding 5,500 metres. The cadets, selected from across the nation, averaged 19 years of age; the youngest, at 16 years and six months, displayed remarkable endurance. The expedition was overseen by three senior women officers—representing the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force—who, together with medical staff and logistical crews, ensured the safety and morale of the team. Defence officials lauded the operation as a powerful statement of women’s capability in extreme environments.