Auden”s Col trek come under Gangotri National park. No doubt, the Himalayas have enchanting beauty, bracing climate, and desirable soothing green meadow. So, what else can be better than spending some days here in the serenity!
Why Auden’s col Trek ?
Auden’s Col, at 5490 m, is a high altitude mountain pass that connects the Rudugaira and Bhilangna valleys. The pass is named after John Bicknell Auden of the Geological Survey of India, who discovered it in 1935 and crossed it in 1939. It connects the ridge from Gangotri III peak on the north-west to the ridge from Jogin I on the east, as well as a glacier from Jogin I on the north side of Rudugaira valley and the dangerous Khatling glacier on the south side of Bhilangna valley.
Auden’s col trek is considered to be one of the difficult treks in the Himalayan region. As the trail ascends with time, the challenges become more and more. We highly recommend for trekkers planning on Auden’s col expedition to only travel with local experts and strongly familiarize themselves with the expected difficulties and challenges.
With explosively difficult challenges comes a victory of abundant rewards; on a clear day, the majestic sight of the Gharwal Himalayas from the trek is one that trekkers will remember for the rest of their lives. The awe-inspiring sights of Gangotri and Bhagirati peaks differentiate this trek from others. Trekkers aiming for many higher peaks of 6000m and above will be able to take all of their experiences from this trek and use them to guide them through their other difficult ascent treks. Also, if desired, one can trek from Gangotri to Kedarnath, two of the holiest Hindu temples, by crossing Auden’s Col and then Mayali Pass.
Explore the Auden’s Col Trek
You will get a chance to see the holy pilgrimage sites and shrines with some mind-boggling views at the backdrop. There are dangerous parts of this trek, like narrow cliffs, moraines, and crevassed glaciers. Only professionals can go for this expedition because of the difficulty level.
Due to the difficulty of this trek you need experienced trekking community and guide, who has vast experience of this trek.
And you must need a technical guide, technical equipment, good quality sleeping bags, and tents.
The trek starts from Dehradun the route through thick alpine forests, snow-capped mountains, and lush green meadows covered with various species of flowers, dense Deodar tree forests, flora and fauna Rhododendron, pine forests and through beautiful villages.
This is one of the most scenic walks in the Himalaya.
The campsite offers closer views of Gangotri or Bhagirathi peaks.
There are steep climbing, rock falls zone and river crossing on the way of Auden’s Col trek.
So enjoy this challenging trek with local, and experienced trekking community like Himalayan Hikers who have vast experienced 28 to 30 years.
Some of the trek highlights of Auden’s Col Trek
Auden’s col trek is considered extremely dangerous due to its unpredictability. This trek is only for experienced trekkers who have trekked over difficult terrain such as glaciers and arduous peaks. This trek is a difficult journey through morrains, ice crevasses, landslide prone areas, and sliding grounds.
The trek begins with an easy and manageable terrain from Gangotri Valley to Rudugaira Valley, passing through some landslide zones and thick snow patches. The narrow slopes just before and after the last trail to Auden’s col are a risky walk that should only be attempted with extreme caution and equipment skills. As trekkers descend from the summit, they will have the opportunity to visit the holy site of Kedarnath just before their final stop at Gaurikund.
The bad weather, heavy snowfall, and low visibility along with the challenging terrain are just a few of the issues we concern hikers about. The route acclimatization and the stop days will be added as needed to base on the weather and the condition of the trekkers.
The altitude covered in Auden’s col trek
Dehradun to Gangotri -10100ft.
Nala Camp-12335ft.
Rudugaira Camp-14800ft
Auden’s Col base camp-16000ft.
Khatling glacier camp-16800ft.
Zero points-12700ft.
Chowki-11750ft.
Masar Tal-14960ft.
Vasuki Tal-14435ft.
Mayali Pass-16900ft.
Kedarnath-11800ft.
AUDEN’S COL TREK Guide
Day 1 – Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri (10100 feet) (245 km) (10/11 Hours) overnight stay hotel
Day 2- Acclimatization Day at Gangotri
Day-3 Gangotri to Nala Camp (12335 feet) (7 km)
Day 4- Nala Camp to Rudugaira Camp (14800 feet) (4 km)
Day-5 Acclimatization Day at Rudugaira Camp
Day 6- Rudugaira Camp to Auden’s Col base camp (16000 feet) via Gangotri base camp (7 km)
Day 7– Auden’s Col base camp to Auden’s Col (18000 feet) and Khatling glacier camp (16800 feet) (5 km)
Day 8- Khatling glacier camp to Zero points (12700 feet) (10 km)
Day 9- Rest Day + Acclimatization
Day 10- Zero point to Chowki (11750 feet) (7 km)
Day 11- Chowki to Masar Tal (14960 feet) (8 km)
Day 12- Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal (14435 feet) via Mayali Pass (16900 feet) (12 km)
Day 13- Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath (11800 feet) (7 km)
Day 14- Kedarnath to Gaurikund ((14 km) Same day to Rishikesh or Dehradun by taxi
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 1 – Dehradun to Gangotri (10100 feet) (245 km)
Our vehicle picks you up from Dehradun then leaves for Uttarkashi through the route of Mussoorie. Tehri Lake can be seen during the journey.
Drive to Gangotri is along the right bank of River Ganga (Bhagirathi) in the middle of the way visit Gangnani, hot spring you can take sulphur bath in it. On the way, you will get the views of Great Himalayas, Harshil and alluring green forest. Check-in a hotel and in the evening visit holy city Gangotri, at 7 pm attend Aarti of River Ganga, it is worshipped by the Hindus.
In the evening you can explore this place on your own to have dinner and overnight stay in the hotel
Day 2 : Acclimatization Day at Gangotri
Acclimatization is necessary because prevents Altitude Motion Sickness. Today you can explore the nearby surroundings and go for a hike towards Gaumukh.
Day 3 : Gangotri to Nala Camp (12335 feet) (7 km)
After breakfast leaves Gangotri and descends through the valley for around 2 km then you will enter Rudugaira valley. Ascend gradually through the dense forests of oaks and birch, cross a nallah and trek to the valley’s right.
Now, you can see the receding treeline and from here head towards the wide meadows and grounds which are used for grazing. Before you reach the campsite have a glance at overwhelming sights of Gangotri III and Join II.
The campsite is next to Allah where you can set the camps and relax for the night.
Day 4 : Nala Camp to Rudugaira Camp (14800 feet) (4 km)
The climb today is steep but short, ascend all the way to Rudugaira camp. Bid adieu to the campsite of Nallahand starts heading towards the upper grazing fields.
There are multiple streams on the way, cross them and then a sheer climb starts which lead to the Rudugaira camp, you will reach the base today.
The campsite offers alluring views Gangotri group of peaks and Join. Enjoy the overnight stay in tents.
Day 5 : Acclimatization Day at Rudugaira Camp
You drastically gained altitude in the last two days so allow your body to acclimatize according to the environment. Today you can for a short hike towards Rudugaira peak and from above you can have a glimpse of Auden’s Col.
Come back to the Rudugairacampsite, rest and retire for the night.
Day 6 : Rudugaira Camp to Auden’s Col base camp (16000 feet) via Gangotri base camp (7 km)
Leave theRudugaira campsite, after a short hike you will exit the valley slopes and the moraine climbing starts. Ahead lies two moraine ridges that are not very big in size, ascend to the top of the ridges and after descending reach the Gangotri base camp.
You’ve reached the half part of today’s trek and you have to go for half more that is Auden’s Col base camp. Cross Sukha Tal, it is a unique clear blue lake hidden behind the moraines.
The camping site is on a small flat of moraine and from here the trail to Auden’s Col is visible. After setting the camps and having sumptuous food retire for the night.
Day 7 : Auden’s Col base camp to Auden’s Col (18000 feet) and Khatling glacier camp (16800 feet) (5 km)
You have come to the main day to traverse Auden’s Col, ascend through the moraine section to reach the glacier. The beautiful views of Gangotri and Jogin peaks can be seen on both sides. Reach the glacier and go to the flat part.
Take out your ropes and start climbing the slope, this is the time-consuming part of the trek which will take 3 hours. Use equipment and skills, follow your trek leader and cross this section.
Reach the top of this pass and enjoy the overwhelming views of Rudragaira, Bhagirathi peaks, Kedar Dome and Join. After spending some time at the top plan descend, it is going to be steep through a snow-ice gully of 70 degrees.
Reach the mid part of this gully which gets flattened and wide, there you can see the huge glaciers and high peaks that surround the valley. Descending through the glacier will lead to the KhatlingGlacier campsite.
After successfully climbing the toughest pass in the Garhwal region celebrate with your teammates. Have delicious food and retire for the night.
Day 8: Khatling glacier camp to Zero points (12700 feet) (10 km)
From Yesterday’s trek was a strenuous one but today’s trek is going to be the longest one. Walk down the glaciers for 2 km and reach the moraine area.
From this point there are no cairns and trail isn’t market till the glacier’s snout. The terrain has scree and loose rocks and you can see black ice sometimes. Leave the glacier before reaching snout and descend towards the valley’s stream.
Climb up the slopes of the valley and after some time of trekking, you will reach the well-made trail, follow this trail and come to the campsite, you will set up camps at the Khatling glacier’s snout. After having food retire for the night.
Day 9 : Rest Day
At this campsite rest for today because yesterday’s trek was a long one.
Day 10: Zero point to Chowki (11750 feet) (7 km)
Post breakfast start You will trek along the river valley, walk for 3 km and a meadow will unfold in front of you. Take a rest break there and then head towards Chowki.
Chowki’s campsite is 4 km away from the meadow, reach there it is all green and is very soothing. Pitch your tents here and admire the beauty of this place, delicious food will be served then you can retire for the night.
Day 11: Chowki to Masar Tal (14960 feet) (8 km)
Today ascend is going to be steep but the views of ThalaySagar will not leave your side. Cross a ridge which is right above the valley, the route is well defined until you reach Masar Tal.
Masar Tal is a beautiful Lake, nearby you can pitch your tents and retire for the night.
Day 12: Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal (14435 feet) via Mayali Pass (16900 feet) (12 km)
Start ascending as soon as the trek starts, it is a steep climb on a ridge over boulders to reach Masar Top. When you reach the Top, rest for some time then descend before you climb the glacier.
Climb the glacier which leads to Mayali Pass. From Mayali Pass Mt. Thalaysagar and Kedar Dome are visible, descend is going to be steep just like descend through Khatling side.
Continue descending, you may need ropes to get down depends on the conditions. Reach Vasuki Tal your campsite for today. Setup the tents and retire for the night.
13: Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath (11800 feet) (7 km)
Today the trek is towards a very famous Hindu pilgrimage site, Kedarnath “Abode of Lord Shiva”. From Vasuki Tal, it is 7 km away and you can reach there in 3 to 4 hours.
When you reach there to visit the temple in the evening and check-in a hotel at Kedarnath.
Day 14: Kedarnath to Gaurikund (14 km) same day Drive to Rishikesh/ Dehradun
The distance from Kedarnath to Gaurikund is 14 km reach 12 am road head same day drive to Dehradun.
Vehicles will be arranged for you till Dehradun, the drive is along the banks of River Ganga. Start after having breakfast and have lunch en route.
Is it safe Trek
Set amidst the high altitude ranges, concerns regarding Auden’s col trek safety are indeed very valid questions. We have all the possible probabilities calculated if anything goes off the schedule. At every stop point of the journey, trekkers will be going through a proper guided session informing them about the upcoming terrains. All our professional strive their best to provide trekkers with the best experience possible.
Difficulty level
Because the top is relatively high in elevation, we recommend a reasonable level of physical fitness. We strongly advise trekkers to be physically and mentally prepared for an endurance process as the arduous journey throws obstacles at every step and inch. Throughout the course, all groups will be guided by our experts for trekking equipment and any impending terrain.
Best Time to Do Auden’s Col Trek ?
Audens Col trek is a very beautiful and an uphill Difficult trek in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, The Auden”s col Trek is great for those people who have a great passion for Expedition mountaineering or Difficult trek and consider it a special purpose in their life. Auden”s col is such a trek where you get to see more than one Himalayan mountain range.
We are the local people in uttarakhand District of Uttarkashi who are doing Auden”s col for years, we have every experience related to this trek.
The right time to do Auden”s col is from May 2nd week to the last of June and then from the last of August to the 2nd week of October. every year
specially in the months of may, and June, snow is found in abundance here, which makes your trek very memorable and also a difficult after Gaumukh Glacier. So this trek should not be considered too easy
Your Travel Plan for Auden’s Col Trek
You can book the train, air flight, and bus tickets for your journey only according to the information given by us.
The Auden’s Col trek will be of 12 days and 02 days of your journey total of 14 Days from Dehradun to Dehradun in Uttarakhand.
First of all, all the trekkers will have to book their flight and train bus according to our time table as our pick up is from 6 am to 7 am, you will have to reach Dehradun in the morning.
A taxi from Himalayan hikers will link you to the Dehradun railway station.
Himalayan Hikers organize transport to Gangotri base camp from Dehradun railway station. Our vehicles leave at 6:00 am to 7:00 am sharp from Dehradun. The taxi costs include your package for a Tempo Traveler.
At Dehradun railway station you will get our staff that will arrange transport for you. The contacts no Transport coordinator or our office team will give you a week ago to your departure.
Please you guys book your transport facility according to your own time table, after Himalayan Hikers take all the responsibility of Dehradun from Dehradun, that you will not face any problem.
Mandatory Documents
Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc,)
Passport and Visa important to foreigners
Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker)
Declaration Certificates
Note: – Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.
Necessary Items for trekkers
Basic Trekking Gears
The Clothes You Should Bring On Satopanth Expedition
Head Gears
Foot Gears
Personal Care Essentials
Carry a Personal Medical Kit
Are you Looking for Trekking Equipment on Rent?
If any trekker requires trekking equipment on rent, Himalayan Hikers offers the best-quality gear available for rental. Many individuals are in need of such equipment, and renting provides a cost-effective solution, allowing them to access high-quality gear at an affordable price without the need for a significant investment for short-term use.
Trek Equipment You can book directly on first day at the Base Camp.
Note:-
Please take all medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek,
discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.
The Trek is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, requiring both physical preparation and mental readiness. Although it is categorized as a moderate trek, reaches an elevation of over 12,720 feet and traverses remote Himalayan terrain, which can be physically and mentally challenging. Here's how you can prepare yourself for a safe and successful accomplishment of the Trek:
Physical Fitness
Building a good fitness base is essential for every trekker. The Trek itinerary involves 5 to 6 hours of walking every day. Though the trails are well-marked, they are often bumpy and include steep uphill sections, which may affect your stamina. You can overcome your physical limitation with a 6-week training program that you can begin about 2 months before your Trek. Your 6-week fitness routine should include
Pro Tip: If you have time, you can skip the Sunday training and go for a long-distance walk or mini day-hike (7–10 km) with a loaded backpack to simulate real trekking conditions. A short 1-day hike around your city/town can help a lot.
Mental Preparation
Physical strength is only half the journey, the other half is mental resilience. The trail takes you through remote clearings, steep climbs, cold starry nights, and no mobile connectivity. Be prepared to:
(I) -
Detach from the digital world.
(II) -
Embrace basic mountain living (camping, toilet tents, limited electricity).
(III) -
Push through moments of fatigue, weather discomfort, or altitude effects.
Himalayan Hikers is a reputable trekking company that places a high priority on safety. Here are some of the safety measures they take to ensure the safety of their clients during the Trek:
Experienced Guides: Himalayan Hikers hires experienced and certified guides who are well-versed in the terrain, weather conditions, and local culture. These guides have first-hand knowledge of the routes and are equipped to handle any emergency situations that may arise.
Proper Gear: The company provides all the necessary gear and equipment to their clients to ensure comfort and safety during the trek.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Himalayan Hikers places great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation during the Trek. They provide clean drinking water, hand sanitizers, and toilet tents to ensure that their clients are healthy and comfortable.
Emergency Services: The company has a well-defined protocol for handling emergency situations. They have a team of trained medical professionals who are available 24/7 and can be quickly mobilized in case of an emergency.
Acclimatization: Himalayan Hikers follows a gradual acclimatization process during treks to ensure that their clients adjust to the high altitude gradually. They also monitor the health of their clients regularly and provide necessary medical attention if required.
Overall, Himalayan Hikers places a great emphasis on safety and takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients during treks.
No FAQs available for this trek.
