Overview

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.

Quick Itinerary

• 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

Detailed Itinerary

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.

Inclusions

• 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

Exclusions

• 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

Other Details

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

Departure Dates

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation due to weather, road blocks, government restrictions, or natural conditions is handled case by case by the team.
• Client cancellations are reviewed against the confirmed booking date and payment status.
• Payment link is shared only after availability, group size, inclusions, GST, and final price are confirmed.