Auden's Col Trek

Tough Trek

Duration : 18 Days
Grade : Tough

Auden's Col is a little known mountain pass that lies on the connecting ridge of Jogin I (6465 m) and Gangotri III (6580 m) at a height of around 5400m. It also connects the pilgrim centres of Gangotri and Kedarnath. It is named after J B Auden, a British Geographical Survey officer, who has first discovered this passage connecting Bhilangana Valley and Rudragaira Peak back in 1939. Auden's Col trek start from Gangotri Valley and ends at Kedar Valley. It is one of the challenging treks that mountaineers love to attempt while planning their adventure holidays.

Trekking to Auden's Col requires both skills and courage as this trek offers an unrivalled experience of the unsophisticated power of the nature. You need to be physically fit to undertake this trail as you need to walk on the glacial ice on this trek. Every year Auden's Col pass is crossed by adventurous trekkers from across the globe. This trek is the most adventurous pilgrims trek in the Garhwal region.

At trekking in India, we offer an exclusive Auden's Col Trek tour package that will take you to the real world of adventure. We ensure to offer a comfortable journey with our expert tour guide who has prior experience of trekking on this trail. Explore the natural beauty of this trek with us and become a part of our tour group. The best time to undertake this trek is June to mid Oct.

Auden's Col an Introduction Col is a mountain pass which connects Jogin I (6465m) and Gangotri III (6580m) peaks and is reportedly situated at a height of around 5400m. It also binds two glaciers on the opposite sides. One is Khatling glacier and the other one looks like the glacier belonging to Jogin I. Auden's Col is approachable from Gangotri and one can trek up to Kedarnath following Auden's Col and Khatling glacier. Auden's Col gets its name from J B Auden, who first crossed it in 1939-40.

Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar to Rishikesh

Early in the morning, transfer to the Delhi Railway Station and board the AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hours. After your arrival at Haridwar, our representative will receive and assist you to Rishikesh and help you to check into the hotel. Rest of the evening is free which you can spend on leisure activities and visit the local attractions of the city. We will stay in a hotel for overnight.

Day 2: Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (195 kilometres/ 5 to6 hours)

After having a wholesome breakfast, we will leave for Uttarkashi (1150 meters). Along the way of this 7 to 8 hours drive, we will pass through the narrow streams of the Ganga Valley and afterwards along the Bhagirathi river valley. Upon your arrival at Uttarkashi, you check in to the hotel. After relaxing for a while you can travel around and explore the major attractions of the city. We will stay overnight in the hotel in Uttarkashi.

Day 3: Uttarkashi to Gangotri (95 kilometres/4 to 5 hours)

After wholesome breakfast, we will head towards Gangotri. During the journey, we will pass through Harsil, home to the famous Apple orchards trailed by Bhairon Ghati, the course of the Bhairav Ganga River on which a there is a steel girder overpass overlooking a captivating deep gorge. It will take about 4 to 5 hours drive to reach Gangotri. Upon arrival at Gangotri, you will check into the hotel for an overnight stay.
(It will be another one day trek for those who want to visit Gomukh the source of the Sacred river Ganga).

Day 4: Gangotri (Rest day for Acclimatization)

After having wholesome breakfast, we will head out and explore the sacred town of Gangotri. We will the visit the Panadv Caves where you can explore the ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata. After, spending the first half a day exploring this part of the city. Post lunch we will again set out for visiting several famous Ashrams located in the city, where you can closely experience the Hindu culture. Later in the evening, join the Aarti of the holy Ganga River. Arrangements made for dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 5: Gangotri to Nala Camp (8 kilometres trek)

On this day, the walking trail begins from the left side of the valley and ascends towards the Nala Camp. The trail goes through the Pine and Birch forest and soon reaches the pictorial spot from where you can have a see the spectacular views of the Jogin and Kedartal range. We will stay here for overnight in tents beside Rudragaira River.

Day 6: Nala Camp to Rudragaira Base Camp (7 kilometres trek)

After the having the breakfast, we will trek to a ridge followed by a stream. Upon your arrival at the base camp located at Rudragaira, get some rest and relax in the tents.

Day 7: Rudragaira Base Camp (Rest day)

As the climatic conditions and atmosphere in this region is certainly altered, it is better for the trekkers to take some rest and acclimatise for a day. If the trekkers are not exhausted and are ready to continue the hike, then they can get engaged in the trail that heads towards to the spectacular Rudragaira Peak. We will stay overnight in the tent.

Day 8: Rudragaira Base Camp to Base Camp Gangotri Group (6 kilometres)

Today, the trek will be quite challenging and it may gradually become tougher at times. After we, reach the campsite, you can see the picturesque views of the fabulous Gangotri I, II & III peaks. We will stay overnight in the tent.

Day 9: Base Camp Gangotri Group to Auden Col Base Camp (6 kilometres)

Today is the most demanding and challenging day of the trek and one need to maintain their energy level strong. On the trail towards the Auden Col base camp you the pathway is full of the moraine. We will stay overnight in the tent.

Day 10: Auden Col base camp to Khatling Glacier (12 kilometres)

Today, we will start the trail early in the morning. The hike involves technical aspects on this part of the trail on the glacier which will continue till one reach the pass. It will take about 4 to 5 hours to cross about 5 kilometres distance trek. A rope is fixed on either side to cross the pass safely. After we reach the campsite set up the tents and have some rest and healthy food to gain energy for another exhausting day of the trekking. We will stay overnight in the tent.

Day 11: Khatling Glacier to Zero Point/ Waterfall Camp (12 kilometres)

The trek today is a challenging and technical one, therefore, for this part of the trekking, technical gears will be supplied. We will pass through the glacial stretch and the trail leads to the moraine, from where the trail moves downwards to the camp site located beside the river. We will stay overnight in the tent.

Day 12: Waterfall Camp/ Zero Point to Chowki (8 kilometres)

Today we will trek for about 3 kilometers along the river side and reach an extensive meadow. Afterwards, we will trek for another 4 kilometers that will take you Chowki a verdant and beautiful spot ultimate for camping. We will stay overnight in the tent.

Day 13: Chowki to Masar Tal (8 kilometres)

On this day trek is a switchback journey that heads towards a ridge located in a scenic valley. The trail is definite with astonishing natural surroundings en route. The trail then heads towards the Masar Tal. After your arrival at the Masar Tal transfer to the campsite that is located nearby the captivating lake. We will stay overnight in the tent.

Day 14: Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal (12 kilometres)

On this day of the trek, we will climb for about 3 kilometers to reach the ridge. The thoroughfare further leads with ascends and descends and finally head toward the striking, pristine lake, Vasukital. We will stay in the tents set up near the lake for the night.

Day 15: Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath (5 kilometres)

Today, we will trek towards one of the well-known and sacred pilgrimage in India, Kedarnath. It will take about 3 hours to descent only 5 kilometers of trail. Upon arrival, visit the Kedarnath Temple. We will stay overnight in the hotel in Kedarnath.

Day 16: Kedarnath to Gaurikund (14 kilometres) to Rudraprayag

Wake up in the early morning as today we will be trekking towards a well laid 6 feet wide in the direction of the Gaurikund (14 kilometers). We will move forward to reach the village of Rambara where the makeshift restaurant serves the food to the pilgrims. Further on the trail, we will move downwards and we will reach Gaurikund. Here you will board the pre-booked which will take about 4 hours to reach our next destination Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag is a prominent religious destination that is located at the confluence of the river and river Mandakini and Alaknanda. We will stay overnight in a hotel at Rudraprayag.

Day 17: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh

After having wholesome breakfast, we will drive towards Rishikesh. On the way to Rishikesh, we will pass through another confluence, Devprayag where River Bhagirathi and River Alakananda meet each other. After reaching Rishikesh, check into the hotel and later after having some rest you can travel around the city to explore magnificent places, visit various historical temples and ashrams of the city. in the late evening witness and be a part of Ganga aarti that is held on the Triveni Ghat. Arrangements made for dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.