Auden's Col Trek

Auden's Col Trek Overview

Experienced trekkers claim that Auden's Col trek is one of the toughest and most challenging treks in India. The Auden Col is a high altitude mountain pass in the Garhwal Himalayan region, located at an elevation of 5500 m. It connects the Rudugaira valley and Bhilangana valley and also connects two glaciers - Jogin-I glacier and the Khatling Glacier. The Auden's Col expedition begins once you reach Gangotri from Dehradun and start your trekking journey.

For the next 15 days, you will be trekking from one site to another till you reach the Zero Point via Auden Col and Khatling Glacier. The trek is only suitable for experienced trekkers as it entails traveling over dangerous moraines, knee deep snow, narrow cliffs and more. During the journey, you will be able to view the majestic mountain peaks of Jogin, Rudragaira, Bhagirathi and Kedar Dome. From the Zero Point, you will head towards the holy pilgrimage site Kedarnath via Chowki to Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass. From Kedarnath you will come down to Gaurikund and finally back to Dehradun.

Quick Facts of Auden's Col Trek

Maximum altitude: 18000ft. from sea level

Grade: Difficult

Duration: 15 days

Trekking distance: 95 km

Trail type: High mountain pass

Rail head: Dehradun

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun)

Snow Season: Mid May to Mid June (heavy to moderate snow)

Service from: Dehradun

Base camp: Gangotri

Best season: Summer (April to June), Spring (September to December)

Region: Uttarakhand

Who can participate: Age above 15 years, experience of high altitude trek

Detailed Itinerary of Auden's Col Trek

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 15

Travel from Dehradun to Gangotri (3100 m)( 8-9 hours)

  • Your Auden's col trek will start once you reach Dehradun
  • From Dehradun, you will be driven to Gangotri, one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
  • On your way to Gangotri, you will pass by Uttarkashi, well known for having NIM mountaineering institute.
  • Reach Gangotri and retire for night

Rest and Acclimatization at Gangotri

  • Day 2 is your acclimatization day at Gangotri, so stay outdoors to get used to height.
  • This day has been left to you to spend as you wish, visiting caves, temples, taking a walk in the woods and more.
  • You can also form a group and visit places like Surya Kund, Gauri Kund and Pandav Gufa

Gangotri to Nala Camp (3750 m) (8-9 hr trekking)

  • After acclimatization at Gangotri, you will be embarking on your trekking journey to Nala camp.
  • The journey will be through moderate and steep trail for 8 to 9 hours
  • You will be going down the main valley and walking along Bhagirathi river.
  • Travel for 2 kms and cross the log bridge and enter the Rudragaira valley where you will be journeying between Pine, Cedar, Rhododendrons, Birch and more.
  • Next you will be climbing up and cross the rockfall zone and also cross BhojKharak campsite.
  • Get the glimpse of Gangotri III and Jogin II just before reaching Nala camp site.
  • Enjoy staging the night in tents next to Rudragaira river.

Nala Camp to Rudragaira camp (4350 m) ( 7 to 8 hrs)

  • On the 4th day of your Auden's col expedition, you will be embarking on a steep and strainful trek from Nala to Rudragaira camp.
  • You will need to carry water as there will be no place to fill water on the way
  • This route may have streams, landslides, as well as snow patches, so be careful.
  • Delight in spotting the spectacular Rudragaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col. pass
  • Rest the night at Rudragaira camp

Rest and acclimatization at Rudragaira

  • Give time to your body to get used to the height by spending some time outdoor
  • Explore the campsite and opt to go for a short hike
  • Spend some time admiring the breathtaking view.

Rudugaira Base camp to Auden Col Base Camp via Gangotri Base Camp (4750 m) ( 6 to 7 hr)

  • Day 6 will be an exciting day as you will be walking on moraines
  • You will be crossing landslide and will reach top of the ridge
  • Next you will be passing Bakriwala camp and climb down to Gangotri Base Camp
  • Suddenly, you will be surprised by Sukha Taal
  • Finally reach the base camp on the flat moraine surface.
  • Observe the gully near the camp which will take you to Auden's Camp

Auden's Col Base Camp to Khatling Glacier Camp (5000 m) ( 5 to 6 hrs) via Auden's Col ( 5500 m) ( 5 to 6 hrs)

  • The Day 7 of your Auden's Col trek will be the longest as well as the toughest day of your tour.
  • As you start your journey through the moraine, you will be able to see the Rudragaira glacier
  • After traveling on flat ground for a while, you will reach the advanced camping site where you will need ropes to climb
  • Follow your guide’s foot steps on your journey
  • The snowfall will be knee deep, making it difficult to walk.
  • Delight in the breathtaking view of the Jogin and Gangotri peaks towering the sides of the Auden's Col
  • Next climb down a steep 70 degree slope to reach Khatling Glacier Camp
  • Enjoy the camp for night

Khatling Glacier Camp to Zero Point/ Waterfall Camp(3900 m)( 9 to 10 hrs)

  • The day of your Auden's Col expedition will take you on another tough trekking journey.
  • You will be continue to journey through the Khatling Glacier to reach zero point
  • Watch your way while traveling through snow and then loose rocks and also scree.
  • On the way, observe black ice, ice formations and ice falls
  • Finally reach the campsite of Waterfall Camp and rest for the night

Rest

  • After 3 days of hectic trekking, you have earned a day for relaxation, so you will rest and admire the surrounding views

Zero Point/ Waterfall Camp to Chowki (3500 m) (5-6 hours)

  • Feel energized to start your next leg of journey
  • Walk across the valley and mush meadows
  • Walk to reach Chowki campsite, located on a large grassland with mountains surrounding it

Chowki to Masar Tal (3750m) (5 - 6 hrs)

  • On Day 11, you will be visiting Masar Tal, the crystal clear lake
  • Get the clear views of Thalay Sagar peak during your journey
  • Feel enchanted taking a look at the lake reflecting the surrounding scenery
  • Delight in camping by the lake.

Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal ( 4200 m) ( 2 - 4 hrs) via Mayali Pass (5000 m) ( 5 - 6 hrs)

  • Feel excited to journey towards the last pass of your Auden's col trek, Mayali pass
  • Trek over the boulders to the Masar top and then keep climbing till you reach a semi-frozen lake.
  • Keep walking till you reach Vasuki Tal
  • On the way, cross Peenya Tal twin lakes.
  • Take rest at tent at Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal to Kedar Nath (3500 m) ( 3 - 5 hours)

  • Your day 13 will be dedicated to the holy Lord Kedarnath and you will be proceeding towards his heavenly abode.
  • Kedarnath is one of the char dhams and is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
  • Visit the temple and proceed towards the Kedarnath Village beside Mandakini river
  • Rest for night at a guest house

Kedarnath to Gaurikund( 1950m) (6 to 7 hours)

  • Be prepared for the long climb down for 14 kms
  • The trail is easy and the route is lined with shops and water points
  • You will reach gaurikund
  • Stay at a guest house with delicious lunch

Gaurikund to Dehradun ( 250 km) (8 to 10 hours)

  • On the last day of your trekking tour, you will be traveling to Dehradun
  • Reach Dehradun and proceed on your journey home with happy memories.

What to Pack for Auden's Col Trek?

Clothes:

  • Do not carry too many clothes as you have to carry them during your trek.
  • Trek Pants will be more comfortable during the trek than jeans or trousers.
  • Thermals to keep you warm at night.
  • Heavy Warm clothing such as fleece or woollen layers
  • T-shirts and Fleece T-Shirts which are more comfortable than shirts and dry fast.
  • Raincoat to keep you dry in case there is rain.
  • Head cover such as a cap or balaclava to protect your head during the trek
  • Socks (woolen and regular)
  • Hand gloves

Footwear: Get yourself sturdy well-fitted trekking footwear so that your feet do not hurt during the trek.

Other Essentials:

  • A strongly built 50 to 60 liters backpack with a good support is an absolute must for a trek. Ensure there is a rain cover as well.
  • Hiking pole for support during the trek.
  • Personal toiletry items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitiser etc.
  • Carry sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Personal medical kit with items such as prescribed medicines and common ones for altitude sickness, pain relief, headache, fever, stomach problem, motion sickness, allergies, diarrhea, etc. Also an antiseptic cream, a pain relief spray, bandage and cotton for cuts.
  • Snacks ( Dry fruits, ORS, Electoral etc)
  • 2 Water bottles of 1 liter each to refill with water to hydrate yourself during the trek.
  • Sunglasses for protecting the eye.
  • Torch to use at night.
  • Camera with rechargeable batteries to capture the scenic beauty.
  • Power Bank

Know Before You Go Auden's Col Trek

How to Reach
Trekking Routes
Important Tips for Trekkers
  • By Air: You can reach Dehradun by air by reaching Jolly Grant Airport which connects the city to other cities of India. From the airport, travel for 40-45 minutes to reach the city.

  • By Road: Dehradun is well connected with neighboring cities such as Delhi, Mussoorie, Shimla, Rishikesh, and Agra by road. These buses arrive and depart from Dehradun Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT). You can also travel by NH 58 and NH 72 to reach the city by car or hired cab.

  • By Train: The city is connected with many other India cities by railroad. You will be able to travel from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Allahabad, Ujjain, Chennai, Lucknow and Varanasi and reach Dehradun Railway Station, located 1-2 kilometers away from the city.

There is only one route to follow if you wish to embark on Auden Col trek. The route will start from Gangotri and continue to Nala Camp. From Nala Camp, you will be reaching Rudragaira camp and proceed towards Auden’s col base camp via Gangotri Base camp. From Auden Col base camp, the route goes to Auden Col and then Khatling Glacier Camp and finally to Zero Point/Waterfall Camp. The next leg of the trek goes from Chowki to Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass. And then to KedarNath, from where the down journey starts and finishes at gaurikund.

Trekkers must be careful about a few pointers during their trek. This will make their journey safe and enjoyable. A few tips to note are:

  • Climatic conditions in high altitudes are different from the plains; So, take time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.

  • Children below the age of 15 years are not recommended for Auden's Col trek.

  • Get your medical checkup done to ensure fitness before you go on a trek.

  • People with heart, respiratory and blood pressure problems should not go trekking without a doctor’s advice. The trek is also not recommended for pregnant ladies.

  • Pay attention to your trek instructor to enjoy a safe and sound trek.

  • Do not waste water as it is precious in the hills.

  • Trek only during day time unless it is a part of your itinerary.

  • Be careful as you walk. Do not get distracted while walking, which might result in losing your foothold and spraining your legs.

  • You will trek through an eco-friendly zone, so refrain from littering the local sites or campsites or you may be fined.

  • Do not use earphones during trekking, it might make you unmindful.

  • Provide a valid ID card during the time of check-in.

  • Hotels and camps are basic in nature and do not provide luxury.

FAQs of Auden's Col Trek

Where is Auden Col?

Auden's Col is a high altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 5500 m that connects the Rudugaira valley and Bhilangana valley. It is considered to be one of the most challenging as well as least explored treks in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

How difficult is Auden's Col Trek?

Auden's Col Trek is considered to be one of the most challenging treks in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The trek takes around 14 to 15 days to complete and consists of walking through moraines, boulders,glaciers, steep ridges etc., making things difficult. However, the more difficult will be your climb, more beautiful will be the scenic beauty.

What is the highest altitude of Auden's Col trek?

The highest altitude of Auden’s Col trek is Auden's Col at 5500 m from the sea level.

What is the best time to do Auden's Col trek?

The best time to do an Auden's Col trek is during the summer months from May to June or during the post monsoon months from September to October. If you go on the trek during the summer months, you will be able to enjoy pleasant weather with a cool breeze. The post monsoon months are when the natural beauty of the area is further enhanced.

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