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AUDEN’S COL TREK

15 Days 14 Nights
  • Level: Difficult
  • Altitude(Meters): 5490
  • Location: Uttarkashi

This trek traverses a high mountain pass (5490 meters) connecting the majestic peaks of Jogin I (6465 meters) and Gangotri III (6580 meters).

  • Named after its Discoverer: Embark on the path first charted by British explorer John Bicknell Auden in 1935. Follow in his footsteps and be part of the legacy of this challenging route.
  • Glacier Gateway: Cross the border between the Khatling Glacier and the Jogin I Glacier, situated on opposing sides of the mighty Auden’s Col.
  • Pilgrimage Connection: This trek links Gangotri, a holy pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Ganga, with Kedarnath, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas in India.
  • Experienced Trekkers Only: This trek is not for the faint of heart. Rugged terrain with moraines, narrow cliffs, boulders, and endless glaciers demands peak physical fitness and unwavering mental fortitude.
  • Panoramic Paradise: Reward yourself with breathtaking views of iconic Himalayan peaks, including Rudragaira, the Gangotri group, the Jogin group, the Bhagirathi group, and the Kedar Dome. This scenery will leave you speechless.
  • Unforgettable Experience: Auden’s Col Trek is more than just a hike; it’s a challenging and rewarding expedition that will stay with you forever.
  • Day 1: Dehradun (10,100 ft) to Gangotri (10,100 ft) – 270 km Drive
  • Day 2: Acclimatization in Gangotri (10,100 ft)
  • Day 3: Gangotri (10,100 ft) to Nala Camp (12,335 ft) – 7 km
  • Day 4: Nala Camp (12,335 ft) to Rudugaira Camp (14,800 ft) – 4 km
  • Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization at Rudugaira Base Camp (14,800 ft)
  • Day 6: Rudugaira Base Camp (14,800 ft) to Auden’s Col Base Camp (16,000 ft) via Gangotri Base Camp (15,420 ft) – 7 km
  • Day 7: Auden’s Col Base Camp (16,000 ft) to Khatling Glacier Camp (16,800 ft) via Auden’s Col (18,000 ft) – 5 km
  • Day 8: Khatling Glacier Camp (16,800 ft) to Zero Point (12,700 ft) – 10 km
  • Day 9: Rest Day at Zero Point (12,700 ft)
  • Day 10: Zero Point (12,700 ft) to Chowki (11,750 ft) – 7 km
  • Day 11: Chowki (11,750 ft) to Masar Tal (14,960 ft) – 8 km
  • Day 12: Masar Tal (14,435 ft) to Vasuki Tal (14,435 ft) via Mayali Pass (16,900 ft) – 12 km
  • Day 13: Vasuki Tal (14,435 ft) to Kedarnath (11,800 ft) – 7 km
  • Day 14: Kedarnath (11,800 ft) to Gaurikund (6,530 ft) – 14 km
  • Day 15: Gaurikund (6,530 ft) to Dehradun (10,100 ft) – 252 km Drive

Auden’s Col Trek – Trekking Cougars

  • Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri (10100 ft)
    • Begin your Himalayan trek adventure with a scenic 7-8 hour drive along winding roads to the holy town of Gangotri.
    • Take a short breakfast break along the way to fuel up for the journey.
  • Day 2: Acclimatisation in Gangotri (10100 ft)
    • Adjust to the altitude with walks around Gangotri, exploring the town’s charm.
    • Optionally, visit Gaumukh (the source of the Ganges) or Bhoj Kharak for further acclimatisation.
    • Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Gangotri.
  • Day 3: Trek to Nala Camp (12335 ft)
    • Embark on a 7 km trek, gradually ascending through dense oak and birch forests in the Rudugaira Valley.
    • Cross a nallah (stream) and continue towards the valley’s right side.
    • Ascend towards meadows and pastures, marking the end of the tree line.
    • Set up camp in a small, flat area near the Nallah.
  • Day 4: Trek to Rudugaira Base Camp (14800 ft)
    • Today’s 4km trek is short yet steep, testing your acclimatisation progress.
    • Ascend towards upper grazing grounds, leaving the nallah behind.
    • Cross several small streams before a final, challenging climb to Rudugaira Base Camp.
    • Enjoy panoramic views of the Gangotri and Jogin groups from your campsite.
  • Day 5: Rest and Acclimatisation at Rudugaira Base Camp (14800 ft)
    • Recharge after the significant altitude gain over the past two days.
    • Participate in an acclimatisation hike to Rudugaira Peak for stunning views, including a glimpse of the Auden’s Col notch.
  • Day 6: Ascent to Auden’s Col Base Camp (16000 ft) via Gangotri Base Camp
    • Prepare for a demanding day as you load the ferry and establish Camp 1.
    • Hike across grassy slopes and boulder-strewn springs before a steep climb.
    • Navigate a landslide-prone area before descending to two moraines patches.
    • End with some quick bouldering to reach Camp 1, nestled on rough, grassy slopes.
  • Day 7: Cross Auden’s Col (18000 ft) to Khatling Glacier Camp (16800 ft)
    • Begin with a short moraine traverse before reaching the glacier.
    • With the towering Gangotri and Jogin peaks all around you, steadily ascend the glacier.
    • Rope up for a steeper section (30-50° slope), possibly establishing a high camp depending on conditions.
    • Conquer Auden’s Col with a challenging climb, then descend a steep, narrow snow-ice gully (70° slope).
  • Day 8: Trek across Khatling Glacier to Zero Point (12700 ft)
    • Navigate the demanding terrain of the Khatling Glacier, descending for approximately 10km.
    • Traverse loose gravel and scree over steep, often exposed black ice.
    • Exit the glacier just before the snout, descend to a stream and then climb valley slopes.
    • Follow an existing trail down to your campsite at the Khatling glacier’s snout.
  • Day 9: Rest Day at Zero Point
    • Recharge and recover after the long and challenging descent of the Khatling Glacier.
  • Day 10: Trek to Chowki (11750 ft)
    • Continue descending the river valley, reaching a beautiful meadow after 3 km.
    • Take a break in the meadow before continuing your journey towards Chowki.
    • Set up camp in Chowki’s pleasant, grassy grounds.
  • Day 11: Trek to Masar Tal (14960 ft)
    • Begin with a steep climb offering views of Thalay Sagar, then cross a ridge above the valley.
    • Follow a well-marked path leading to the picturesque Masar Tal.
    • Set up camp and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.
  • Day 12: Trek to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass (16900 ft)
    • Ascend to Masar Top over boulders and a steep ridge.
    • Descend gradually before tackling the ascent to Mayali Pass.
    • Descend steeply (similar to Auden’s Col), possibly requiring a fixed rope and rappelling.
    • Continue your descent until reaching Vasuki Tal.
  • Day 13: Trek to Kedarnath (11800 ft)
    • Embark on the 7 km trek to the sacred pilgrimage site of Kedarnath.
    • Take in the spiritual atmosphere as you approach this revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
    • Visit the temple in the evening and stay overnight in a hotel in Kedarnath.
  • Day 14: Descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund (6530 ft)
    • Begin your return journey with a 14 km descent along a well-maintained path to Gaurikund.
    • Spend the night in a guesthouse at Gaurikund.
  • Day 15: Drive from Gaurikund to Dehradun
    • Enjoy a scenic 252 km drive back to Dehradun, following the course of the Ganges River.

Inclusion

  • Pick-up and drop-off service from the specified location.
  • Fees for the guide and the chef
  • Camping facilities’ rent
  • Entrance fees to the forest
  • To transport camping gear, a porter and mule are required. Please keep in mind that personal baggage can be borne by mules and/or porters for a fee
  • From the first day’s dinner until the last day’s brunch, both of the meals are vegetarian
  • Throughout the walk, you’ll be staying in a tent or, if possible, in a guest house

Exclusion

  • No pickup or drop-off from/for your hometown
  • Personal costs include things like tips, personal medications, conference calls, etc
  • Apart from what is mentioned above, some transportation assistance during the trek
  • Porters/mules can carry personal luggage weighing up to 12 kg per bag per person for Rs 350 per day per bag

Auden’s Col Trek Guide for Experienced High-Altitude Treks

Auden’s Col is a highly challenging and adventurous trek in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, considered one of the toughest in India. It’s a high-altitude trek that leads to numerous high-altitude passes and stunning glacial lakes. The trek connects the Rudugaira Valley and Bhilangana Valley, offering views of peaks like Jogin, Gangotri, and Kedar Dome.
Key aspects of the Auden’s Col trek:

  • Difficulty:

Auden’s Col is renowned for its difficult terrain and high altitude, making it suitable for experienced trekkers.

  • Altitude:

The trek takes place at an altitude of 5,490 meters (18,012 ft).

  • Passes and Lakes:

The trek involves crossing multiple high-altitude passes, including Auden’s Col and Mayali Pass. It also leads to beautiful glacial lakes like Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal.

  • Mountain Views:

The trek offers panoramic views of the Gangotri group, Jogin group, and Bhagirathi group of peaks.

  • Glaciers:

The trek includes crossing the Khatling Glacier, a significant glacial area.

  • Route:

The trek starts in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, connecting the Rudugaira Valley to the Bhilangna Valley.

  • Discovery:

The pass is named after John Bicknell Auden, who first discovered and crossed it.

  • Popularity:

Auden’s Col is a popular choice among expedition lovers

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Contact

Departure Date

+91 8198838368 or +91 7696131323

+91 8198838368 or +91 7696131323

+91 8198838368 or +91 7696131323

+91 8198838368 or +91 7696131323

+91 8198838368 or +91 7696131323

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation due to Natural Disasters or Unforeseen Circumstances:

Suppose a trek is cancelled at the last minute due to a natural disaster or unforeseeable circumstances (such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, attacks, or bandh). In that case, Trekking Cougars will issue a Trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be used for the same or a different trek over the next year.

Client Cancellations:

  • Cancellations made within 30 days of the trek’s start date will receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made between 30 and 20 days before the trek will receive a 50% refund.
  • There will be no refund for cancellations made less than 20 days before the trek begins.

Please note that all refunds are subject to a 4% cancellation charge to cover processing fees. Additionally, trek insurance is non-refundable.

Trekking Cougars Responsibilities:

Trekking Cougars assumes no responsibility for any damage or injury to your clothing, equipment, or other belongings while on the trek. The trek fee covers all expenses associated with the trek, from start to finish, as outlined in the specific trek itinerary.

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