Situated in the Central Garhwal region, Auden Col Trek goes through high mountain pass which connects the mountain peaks Jogin I (6465m) and Gangotri III (6580m) and is at an altitude of 5490m. This pass joins Rudugaira valley along with Bhilangna valley as well as bridges two glaciers on each side, Khatling glacier on the south-west and Jogin Glacier over the north-west.
The Auden Col Trek path from Gangotri to Kedarnath and Gauri Kund through Auden’s Col along with Khatling Glacier is known as Auden’s Col Trek. Auden’s Col is affably among the hardest and least researched treks in Garhwal Himalayas. This pass is the old route for Gangotri and Kedarnath pilgrims. The pass is called after John Bicknell Auden of the Geological Survey of India, who found it in 1935 and crossed it at 1939.
About The Auden Col Trek
Passes through high elevation, perilous ridges, narrow rivers, stony and snowy paves, Auden Col trek is a fantasy trek for nearly every trekker. The hiking trail goes through the thick woods of freshwater trees; meadows sprinkled with diverse species of flowers; countless gushing streams; enchanting villages secluded from town city of Garhwal Himalaya; along with many temples which reflect the spiritual importance of the Garhwal area.
The journey has a majestic view of high mountain peaks like the Rudragaira, Jogin group, Bhagirathi group of peaks and Kedarnath.
The Auden Col Trek begins from Gangotri in 3,048 meters, and this is among the major Hindu pilgrimage websites. From Gangotri, there is an easy upward trail of 8 Km to Nala Camp. From a beautiful walk through a Pine and Birch forests with breathtaking views of some of the Himalayan peaks, this trek offers you everything that trekkers quest for. Thereafter our way turns into the base of the Gangotri valley of their peaks and additionally combines to Auden’s Col. Through Khatling Glacier, Chowki, Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal, this trail finally leads to Kedarnath and Gauri Kund. Auden Col trek will take you through a number of unsafe glacial deposit, narrow hills and stony, snaky and twitchy paves.
Trekking to Auden’s Col craves both skills and courage as this trek offers an unrivaled experience of the guileless power of nature. You have to be physically fit to do this tough trek because you have to walk over ice on this trek. Each year Auden’s Col Trek is enjoyed by daring trekkers from throughout the world. This trek has become the most adventuresome in the Garhwal region.
Highlights For Trek To Auden Col
- A passage through a handful of remote Garhwali villages.
- Altitude of Auden’s Col is 5490m and links Bhilangana and Rudragaira valley.
- Rudragaira peak (5818m)
- Khatling glacier
- Camping on snow drifted forest floor.
- Gangotri – The sacred place where Ganga origins.
- Jogin peaks, Bhagirathi peaks and Kedar Dome.
- Various temples which reflect the religious importance of Garhwal
- A day of easy clamber through Pine and Birch forests.
Key Facts About Auden Col Trek
- Region: Central Region of Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Duration: 16 Days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Trekking Distance: 115 Km
- Highest Altitude: 5,490m (18,012ft)
- Best Time: Mid May to October except for July and August
- Trip Starting Point: Haridwar
- Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun
Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar to Uttarkashi (189 Km)
We will pick you up from Haridwar after that we will leave for Uttarkashi. Breakfast will be on the way. Uttarkashi is around 189 Km from Haridwar and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach there. The way to Uttarkashi is also in good shape. This driveway will take you through the plan of narrow flows of Ganga Valley and afterward across the Bhagirathi River valley. Upon arrival, check into the resort. Take rest for some time and then venture out to explore the significant attractions of Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at a resort in Uttarkashi.
Day 2: Uttarkashi to Gangotri (95Km)
Gangotri is around 95Km from Uttarkashi, and it takes around 4-5 hours to reach there. We will heads towards Gangotri after wholesome breakfast and will pass through Harsil, home to the famous Apple orchards trailed by Bhairon Ghati. The way to Uttarkashi is also in good shape. Following Uttarkashi, anticipate a bumpy ride around Gangotri. Get to your hotel and stay overnight there.
Day 3: Gangotri (rest day for acclimatization)
Morning is quite cold in Gangotri and falls up to 10°C. You can have a small morning stroll to the forest check post on the Gangotri- Gaumukh route. After having breakfast, we will head out and explore the sacred town of Gangotri. Pandav caves are the must visit place when you are in Gangotri town. We will visit several famous Ashrams located in the city to experience the Hindu culture. Later in the Day, participate in the aarti of This sacred Ganga River. Arrangements will be made for supper and overnight stay in the resort.
Day 4: Gangotri to Nala Camp (8 Km trek)
We will start our trek to Nala Camp early in the morning which is basically a 5-6 hours trek. The trail begins on the left of the valley and the initial part of the trial involves a steep climb through a pine and Birch Forest. The trail which ascends to Nala Camp is the part of Gangotri National Park. We’ll shortly reach into the picturesque areas from where you may have a peek of Jogin along with Kedartal area. Overnight stay in tents around Rudragaira River.
Day 5: Nala Camp – Rudragaira Camp (7 Km trek)
A 7-8 hours trek from Nala Camp – Rudragaira Camp starts with a climb on a ridge and then passes through a side stream. Next, we’ll take a steep path which reaches Rudragaira Basecamp. In the road, the majestic views of Rudragaira summit, Jogin summit, and Auden Col are breathtaking. Upon arrival at the Rudragaira base camp, take rest in your the tents.
Day 6: Rudragaira Base Camp (Rest Day)
It is better for the trekkers to take rest and acclimatise for a day as the climatic conditions and atmosphere in this region are certainly altered. We’ll keep ourselves busy during the day to get better acclimatization. One can trek the trail that heads towards to the Rudragaira Peak if you are not exhausted. Explore and party in the campsite surrounded by the magnificent Himalayas. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 7: Rudragaira Base Camp – Base Camp Gangotri Group (6Km)
After having breakfast, we will walk on the moraines and some technical sections which gradually get tougher and at times it becomes challenging. The road is very intense all the way. While hitting the camp, an Individual can observe a glimpse of gorgeous views of Gangotri I, II & III peaks. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 8: Base Camp Gangotri Group – Auden’s Col Base Camp (6Km)
You can use your Energy bars and Vitamin tablets as one need to maintain a strong energy level because the trek for the day is quite challenging. This route which leads us to Auden’s Col is full of the moraine. The evening will be utilized to find out a few basic mountaineering methods that will come useful in the days ahead.
Day 9: Auden’s Col Base Camp – Khatling Glacier (12Km)
Since we have to cover 12 Km today, an early start is a requirement for the trek. Here is actually the the day, we’ll cross the Auden’s Col that’s located 5 Km from the Auden’s Col base camp. We will start our trek from the camp which involves technical aspects on the glacier which continues until one reaches the pass. We’ll cross the pass with a rope, which will be fixed on either side. It may take 4-5 hours to cross the pass, after that, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himalayan ranges.
After spending a while, we’ll begin descending towards Khatling glacier camp. The descent of about 6 kilometres proceeds to the glacier. Once the Camps are set, take rest and have some healthy food to get energy for another arduous day. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 9: Khatling Glacier – Waterfall Camp / Zero Point (12 km)
We will provide you with some technical gears for trekking as the trek for today is of technical one. Today we will trek on the glacier for 8 Km. After crossing the glacier, the trail continues through the moraine from where the trail descends to the riverside camp. Overnight stay in Camps.
Day 10: Waterfall Camp / Zero Point – Chowki (8 km)
Today we will trek along the river valley for 3 Km after that we will reach an open meadow. We will rest for a while in the meadow and continue our trek towards Chowki which is another 4 Km. A grassy and comfortable spot, Chowki is the ideal place for camping. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 11: Chowki – Masar Tal (8 Km)
During this day, initially, we will ascend a steep section and cross a ridge above the valley. The route is well defined with terrific natural surroundings. Further, the trail leads to Masar Tal and the camps are set near the mesmerizing lake. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 12: Masar Tal – Vasuki Tal (12 Km)
Today we will ascent for 3 km and the rest of the route is descent. It takes 6-7 hours to cover 12 km to reach Vasuki Tal. We will ascent 3 Km to reach the ridge and the trail further leads to the picturesque lake, Vasuki Tal. We will do overnight stay here in our camps near the lake.
Day 13: Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath (5 Km)
Today, we will start our trek towards the famous pilgrimage site of Kedarnath which is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve jyotirlingas located in India. Of descent only 5 Km, it takes around 3-4 hrs to reach there. After reaching Kedarnath, we’ll pay a visit to the temple during the daytime. Overnight stay at the resort at Kedarnath.
Day 14: Kedarnath – Gauri Kund (14 Km)
We will descent through the well laid 6 ft wide path of 14 km towards Gauri Kund. Visit the village of Rambara where makeshift restaurants serve meals to the pilgrims. Descending further you’ll be able to reach Gaurikund. Overnight stay in Guest home in Gauri Kund.
Day 15: Gauri Kund – Rudraprayag (73 Km)
Board our pre-booked vehicle after having wholesome breakfast to reach Rudraprayag, which will take around 4 hours drive. Rudraprayag is just another well-known spiritual destination situated at the bank of river Mandakini and Alaknanda confluence. You will have overnight stay at a hotel in Rudraprayag.
Day 16: Rudraprayag – Haridwar (162 Km)
After having breakfast, we will board a vehicle to reach Haridwar. The path passes through a different confluence, Devprayag in which River Alaknanda and Bhagirathi get merged with each other. Board overnight Bus for Delhi from Haridwar.
Weather Condition During Auden’s Col Expedition
Weather in Auden’s Col is unpredictable due to high altitudes. You can’t predict snowfall, rain or sun. However, we are always observant about the changing nature. Temperature in summer remains between 15°C to 25°C while in winter the temperature falls up to -6° C and the maximum temperature can go up to 10° C. Since you can experience slippy trails in rainy season as well as various landslides makes it difficult to reach Gangotri and winter weather is freezing cold with heavy snowfall, summer is fit for the trek to Auden’s Col.
Summer: Summer is calm and pleasing in this area as the sun makes it wonderful for trekking. It is advisable to carry light woollen clothes. Auden’s Col is best during summer starting from mid-May to mid-October except for July and August.
Monsoon – As you can’t predict weather in this area, Monsoon is the season when trails become muddy and slippery for trekkers. There are also many incidences of landslides in these areas. It is advisable not to trek during Monsoon.
Winter: In winter temperature falls up to -8°C and maximum temperature can go up to 12°C. Trekking becomes difficult during winters as snow covers the whole area.
Advisory
- Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas due to high altitudes. It is necessary to acclimatize yourself before starting your trek to Auden’s Col. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like a mild headache, nausea and general discomfort.
- We have an experienced Auden’s Col trekking guide who leads the trek. To enjoy your safe and sound trekking experience, follow the leads of Trek leader.
- Hence consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on treks.
- It is advisable not to trek in the night as it could be dangerous.
- Consult your physician before undertaking the trek and carry basic medicines you are using for the purpose of added safety.
- While seeing the temples, follow appropriate dress-code and don’t hurt the regional thoughts of those areas.
- The trek occurs through eco-friendly zone; don’t promote littering the regional websites or campsites.
- It is essential to have shoes that make hiking easier.
How To Reach for Auden’s Col
By Air – Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, which is 241Km from Gangotri and 144Km from Uttarkashi. To reach Gangotri one has to take a taxi from Dehradun which will drive via Mussoorie and Uttarkashi.
By Railway – Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest rail-head, which is 287Km from Gangotri and 189Km from Uttarkashi. An excellent rail network connects Haridwar to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. You have to get a taxi and drive to Gangotri via Uttarkashi.
By Road – There is regular bus service from Delhi to Haridwar, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Pick up service are available at Haridwar railway station. Uttarkashi is well connected with other parts of Uttarakhand and can be reached by any other major towns and cities of India.
There are frequent buses from Haridwar to Uttarkashi and jeeps can be found also. It takes approximately 6 – 7 hours to reach Uttarkashi. Buses can be found almost every hour, and it’s recommended that you depart early in the morning to reach your destination on time.
Things to do
Bare Necessities
- Trekking Shoes
- Backpack(40-60L) with rain cover
Clothes
- Three to Four warm layers clothes
- Two pairs of cotton socks. 3 pairs of woollen socks
- Two pairs of full sleeve shirts/T-shirts and track Pants
- Thermal inner – one pair
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sun cap
- One pair of wooden hand gloves
- Balaclava or woollen scarves
- Headlamp/LED torch
- Trekking Pole
Others
- Daypack – If you are offloading your backpack, you will need a smaller backpack to carry some light snacks, medical kit and water.
- Toiletries – Sunscreen, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer.
- Bring a spoon, mug and a lunch box.
- One water bottle(1L) and one thermos flask(1L)
- Plastic covers for bags and carries bags for wet clothes.
- Personal Medical Kit
- Energy bars and Vitamin Tablets
- A good Knife
- Mandatory Documents
Transportation During Auden’s Col Expedition
Transportation is included from Haridwar to Gangotri and Gauri Kund to Haridwar. We will pick you in the morning from Haridwar on Day 1. After that, we will drive to Uttarkashi and stay there for one night. This 7-8 hours’ drive will take you through the narrow flows of Ganga and Bhagirathi river. Next day we will proceed to Gangotri and start our trek.
On day 15, we will cover a distance between Gauri Kund and Rudraprayag and stay at Rudraprayag. Board our pre-booked service to reach Rudraprayag that will require approximately 4 hours’ drive. On last day we will board a vehicle for Haridwar where our trip ends. All these transportations are included in the cost your Auden’s Col trek.
Accommodations
Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 15 (Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag). You will be staying in a lodge at Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Gauri Kund and Rudraprayag and camping on remaining days of the Auden’s Col trek. We are going to put up a dining tent and a toilet tent to make your camping comfortable. Camp/Tent accommodation will be provided on double sharing and triple basis.
