Auden’s col expedition
Auden’s col expedition
Auden’s Col is one of the most challenging and thrilling high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas. Connecting Gangotri with Kedarnath, this trek takes you through remote glaciers, deep valleys, and high passes, including the formidable Auden’s Col Pass at an altitude of around 5,490 meters (18,011 ft). Named after the British geographer and explorer John Bicknell Auden, who first documented the pass in 1935, the Auden’s Col trek is an exhilarating adventure for experienced trekkers seeking a truly wild and rugged Himalayan experience.
- Duration: 15-18 Days
- Best Time to Trek: May-June and September-October
- Maximum Altitude: 5,490 meters (18,011 ft)
- Grade: Difficult; suitable for experienced trekkers with high fitness levels
- Total Distance: Approximately 75-80 Km
- Base Camp: Gangotri
Highlights of the Auden’s Col Expedition
- Crossing the remote and challenging Auden’s Col Pass
- Walking on glaciers and high-altitude terrains, including Khatling Glacier
- Spectacular views of peaks like Gangotri, Jogin, and Rudugaira
- Immersive experience of the Garhwal Himalayas, rich in culture and spirituality
- Exploring two holy pilgrimage sites: Gangotri and Kedarnath
Day 1: Arrival in Gangotri (3,415 m)
- Drive from Dehradun/Rishikesh to Gangotri.
- Acclimatization walk around Gangotri.
- Overnight stay in Gangotri.
Day 2: Acclimatization Day at Gangotri
- Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude.
- Visit the Gangotri Temple and explore the surroundings.
- Overnight in Gangotri.
Day 3: Gangotri to Nala Camp (3,700 m)
- Trek through forests and meadows to reach Nala Camp.
- Distance: 8 Km; Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 4: Nala Camp to Rudugaira Base Camp (4,350 m)
- Steep climb with spectacular views of Gangotri peaks.
- Distance: 7 Km; Time: 6-7 hours.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Rudugaira Base Camp
- Spend another day acclimatizing and preparing for higher altitudes.
- Short hikes around the base camp.
Day 6: Rudugaira Base Camp to Auden’s Col Base Camp (4,900 m)
- Steady ascent towards Auden’s Col Base Camp.
- Distance: 6 Km; Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 7: Rest and Acclimatization Day at Auden’s Col Base Camp
- A day to rest and prepare for the challenging pass crossing ahead.
Day 8: Auden’s Col Base Camp to Auden’s Col Pass (5,490 m) to Khatling Glacier Camp (4,750 m)
- Start early to cross the Auden’s Col Pass and descend onto Khatling Glacier.
- This is the toughest day of the expedition with a mix of steep ascents and descents.
- Distance: 12 Km; Time: 10-12 hours.
Day 9: Khatling Glacier Camp to Zero Point (4,000 m)
- Trek across the crevassed glacier to reach Zero Point.
- Distance: 8 Km; Time: 6-7 hours.
Day 10: Zero Point to Chowki (3,500 m)
- Descend from the glacier to reach the lush meadow of Chowki.
- Distance: 8 Km; Time: 5-6 hours.
Day 11: Chowki to Masar Tal (3,670 m)
- Scenic trek passing alpine meadows and small lakes.
- Distance: 10 Km; Time: 6-7 hours.
Day 12: Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal (4,135 m)
- Steep ascent to reach the sacred lake of Vasuki Tal.
- Distance: 10 Km; Time: 6-7 hours.
Day 13: Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath (3,583 m)
- Final descent to Kedarnath, where you can visit the revered Kedarnath Temple.
- Distance: 9 Km; Time: 4-5 hours.
Day 14: Rest Day in Kedarnath
- Spend a day exploring Kedarnath and resting after the long trek.
Day 15: Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and Drive to Rishikesh
- Trek down to Gaurikund and then drive to Rishikesh.
Inclusions :-
1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2.Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3.Trek equipments (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
Exclusions :-
1.Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head