Himachal Pradesh Cadet Conquers Parangla Peak in Historic Expedition
Kajal's Remarkable Achievement in High-Altitude Trekking
Kajal, the sole cadet from Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, triumphs in a 250-km high-altitude expedition known as ‘Aparajita–Parangla Trek 2026’.
Munish Sood
Mandi
In an extraordinary display of resilience, NCC Air Wing cadet Kajal from Vallabh Government College, Mandi, successfully raised both the national and NCC flags atop the towering 18,370-foot Parangla Peak in the Himalayas, earning recognition for Himachal Pradesh and its NCC unit.
Kajal was the only representative from the Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, chosen for the prestigious all-India women’s adventure expedition, Aparajita–Parangla Trek 2026, which included 20 selected women NCC cadets from across the nation.
The expedition's success was celebrated with a special reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu commended the participants for their bravery and resolve.
The journey was officially launched from New Delhi by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Covering 250 km through some of the most challenging Himalayan landscapes, the expedition took place from August 18 to September 25, testing the physical and mental limits of the participants.
The trek commenced in Kafnu, Himachal Pradesh, and navigated a demanding route through Muling, Kara, Pustirang, Bhaba Pin Pass, Baldar, Mudh, Kaza, Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak, and Bongrojon, ultimately reaching the Parangla Pass.
The team then continued through Dak Karzong, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdam, and Karzok, concluding their journey in Leh.
A pivotal moment occurred on September 17, when the team departed from Bongrojon and ascended to Parangla Peak, where Kajal and her fellow cadets proudly unfurled the Tricolour and NCC flag.
The expedition challenged participants with extremely low temperatures, reduced oxygen levels, rocky and snow-covered paths, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Led by Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, the expedition also featured Lieutenant Colonel Sonam Pandey as the women’s team leader.
Kajal’s accomplishment is particularly significant for Vallabh Government College, Mandi, which actively encourages its NCC cadets to engage in adventure activities and various national and international youth programs.
‘A testament to discipline, determination, and courage’
Flight Commander and NCC Officer Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh praised Kajal for her achievement, highlighting her selection and successful summit as a source of pride for both the institution and Himachal Pradesh.
He emphasized that Kajal’s success illustrates how youth from rural and mountainous areas can achieve national recognition through discipline, physical fitness, and determination.
He also noted the college's growing reputation in adventure and youth activities, mentioning that cadets Muskan and Hansraj recently completed a mountaineering expedition to Deodibba peak in the Pir Panjal range.
Between 2018 and 2025, over 15 cadets from the college participated in National Republic Day Camps and international youth exchange programs in countries such as Russia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan.
Upon her return, Kajal was warmly welcomed at Vallabh Government College, where Principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar and NCC officials honored her for her remarkable achievement.
She received symbolic representations of the national and NCC flags from the principal and Flying Officer Dr. Chaman.
Dr. Kumar remarked that Kajal’s accomplishment is a point of pride for the entire college, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to providing students with opportunities beyond academics, including personality development, adventure activities, and national service.
He added that the college’s NCC training has enabled more than a dozen cadets to serve the nation as Lieutenants in the Indian Army and Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.
Kajal’s successful ascent of Parangla Peak has added another significant chapter to the college’s NCC legacy, showcasing the achievements of a young woman from Himachal Pradesh on a national stage.