Auden’s Col Expedition/ Challenge 2025

Auden’s Col Expedition/ Challenge 2025

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Total Duration

16 Days

No of Trekking Days

10 Days

Starting Point / Place

Gangotri, Uttarakhand

Ending Point / Place

Gaurikund Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Grade

Challenging

Maximum Altitude

5,490m/ 18,011 feet

Best Time To Visit

May – June
Sept – October

Price

105000 + 5%GST

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Overview

Auden’s Col Expedition is considered one of the toughest / challenging Expeditions in the western Himalayas which connects the two of the holiest shrines of Gangotri to Kedarnath. The trek takes us through pine and birch forests, vast open meadows and treacherous glaciers making it an all round package for adventure seekers. The trails of Auden’s col trek begins from the pilgrimage town of Gangotri with the Bhagirathi(Ganga) River flowing through it and is also considered the holy grail for trekheads. The total trekking days of Auden’s col trek is 13 days and gives you a variety of views including the views of the great peaks like Gangotri I, Gangotri II, Gangotri III, Jogin peaks. The Bhagirathi river flows at full pace from its point of origin. It is a crossover from Rudugaira valley to Bhilangna valley, both of which are names of rivers on either side of the pass. The Rudugaira river meets with Bhagirathi at Gangotri while Bhilangna river meets somewhere near old Tehri. On the other side of the pass is the large and majestic Khatling glacier with its crevasses. This trail was first discovered by John Bicknell Auden from the geological survey of India in 1939, later this pass was completed by Mr. Harish Kapadia and Romesh Bhattacharya from the Himalayan Club in the late eighties. Experience the unforgettable experience with Auden’s Col. If you are fit enough and did some high altitude treks and wants to take your experiences on another level, then this will be the best choice for you, you can also have a look on our another challenging expedition i.e. kalindi Khal Expedition

Weather on Auden’s col Expedition

The weather on the Auden’s Col trek in the Indian Himalayas can vary depending on the season. In the summer months of May to June, the weather is generally clear and warm during the day, but can get cold at night. Monsoon season starts from June to September, during this time heavy rain and landslides may occur. In the winter months of December to February, the weather can be very cold, with heavy snowfall and icy conditions. This trek is generally closed during winter season. It’s always best to check the current weather conditions before embarking on any trek, and to be prepared for a range of weather conditions.

Available Batches

November 2024

04 Nov – 08 Nov (Open)

18 Nov – 22 Nov (Open)

December 2024

02 Dec – 06 Dec (Open)

09 Dec – 13 Dec (Open)

18 Dec – 22 Dec (Open)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1

Reach Gangotri

Day 2

Rest and Acclimatization

Day 3

Gangotri to Nala Camp

Day 4

Nala Camp to Rudugaira Camp

Day 5

Rest and Acclimatization

Day 6

Rudugaira Base Camp to Auden’s Col Base Camp

Day 7

Auden’s Col Base Camp to Khatling Glacier Camp via Auden’s Col

Day 8

Khatling Glacier Camp to Zero point

Day 9

Rest day at Zero point

Day 10

Zero point to Chowki

Day 11

Chowki to Masar Tal

Day 12

Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass

Day 13

Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath

Day 14

Kedarnath to Gaurikund and drive to Srinagar

Day 15

Drive from Srinagar to Dehradun

Day 16

Reserve Day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Reach Gangotri(3415m) Drive 240 kms/ 8 hours

If you have signed up with us to drive to Gangotri with Advait Outdoors then your pick up point is going to be Dehradun where your vehicles will be waiting for you. If you wish to travel to Gangotri on your own then multiple options like private taxis, government buses are available from Rishikesh or Haridwar. On reaching Gangotri you will be received by your trek leader and briefed about the trek. Have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 2: Rest and Acclimatization

We reserve this day to prepare our body before gaining altitude to help us reduce risks of high altitude illnesses that anyone can incur during the trek. Utilize this opportunity to roam around the picturesque village of Gangotri with its various temples and pilgrim spots. This is also a good opportunity to do some last minute shopping if you have forgotten anything from the list of essentials. Drink loads of water to help your body acclimatize better to the altitude as you roam around and prepare yourself well for the upcoming trek.

Day 3: Gangotri(3415m) to Nala Camp(3760m) Trek 7 kms/ 5 hours

We have our breakfast early in the morning and start making our way through Gangotri to begin our trek. As we leave the town behind we enter into a dense forest populated with Oak and birch trees. Our trail is going to be steep as we pass the forest into small open grasslands. Following this trail we turn towards Rudugaira valley, this is where the terrain starts getting treacherous. Our total ascent for today is around 350 meters. After reaching the campsite we are greeted with hot food and some rest to recharge ourselves for the acclimatization walk in the evening. Have a hot and healthy dinner and later some well needed sleep to get up fresh for the trek ahead.

Day 4: Nala Camp(3760m) to Rudugaira Camp(4260m) Trek 5 kms/ 4 hours

As we move from the semi-arid to arid terrain we gain an altitude of 500 meters today. Through rocky trails we climb ahead. Keepa close eye out, this area is laden with Bharals also known as Blue sheep. The last bit of the trail is steep which opens up into Rudugaira campsite and the Majestic view of the Gangotri peaks and Jogin peaks. Drinking loads of water for hydration and a healthy meal for nutrition will help tune yourself to the changing environment and altitude. Overnight stay at Rudugaira camp guarded by the Gangotri and Jogin peaks.

Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization

Acclimatization is vital when you are gaining altitude so we reserve this day in order to rest our bodies and adapt to the altitude. We fill our water bottles and take some light snacks if we feel hungry and embark on a small walk to gain some altitude which will help our bodies adapt better. The principle behind this is that we climb high and sleep low. We will also catch a glimpse of Auden’s Col from our end point of our acclimatization walk.

Day 6: Rudugaira Base Camp(4260m) to Auden’s Col Base Camp(4500m) Trek 8 kms/ 6 hours

The trek ahead will feel gruesome as we exit the valley and enter into the land of moraine and snow. Our trail will pass through Gangotri base camp where we might find mountaineers making an attempt to climb the peak. From here onwards we will experience the inspiring view of Auden’s Col all covered in snow and soaring high on the ridge between Jogin I in the east and Gangotri III on the north west of the pass. Journey ahead to the base camp is not that long but it consumes a lot of time as terrain is difficult to walk. Balancing your steps on the moraine and then carefully negotiating some more moraine with snow on top making it even more challenging. On our way to the campsite we will also cross a glacial lake with crystal clear water.

Day 7: Auden’s Col Base Camp(4500m) to Khatling Glacier Camp(5000m) via Auden’s Col(5490m) Trek 5 kms/ 7 hours

The most challenging day of theAuden’s col trek is finally here. The day we cross Auden’s Col and enter into Bhilangna valley. Be prepared as the day is going to be tiresome and treacherous. We rope up as a team to ensure safety of all members and start for our climb towards the Col. The whole routine is going to be tricky as we will be walkin on top of Jogin glacier. We will require crampons to negotiate through the icy glacier. On reaching the top of Auden’s Col we will be able to witness the panoramic view of both Rudugaira valley and Bhilangna valley on either side and a close of the Gangotri and Jogin peaks standing tall on the same ridgeline. Soak in this awe-inspiring feeling and take as many photographs as possible. The initial descent from the Col is tricky and quite steep and soon after the glacier opens up into a flat field of ice and cravesses. We reach Khatling Glacier Camp to rest our tired muscles after our long day.

Day 8: Khatling Glacier Camp(5000m) to Zero point(3800m) Trek 10 kms/ 7 hours

Today we will cross one of the most heavily glaciated regions in India which is extremely challenging and hard to navigate. Even though we have crossed the pass the challenge is not yet over as the route ahead is laden with moraine and deep crevasses. We gradually make our way forward downhill and after a long and testing walk across the glacier we land up on a marked trail which finally marks the end of the glacier. We will set up camp at the snout of the glacier. Tonight’s sleep is going to be sweet as we have descended a major part of the altitude and our bodies have acclimatized well.

Day 9: Rest day at Zero point

To relax our tired muscles from the last few days of trekking and crossing forbidding glaciers. Take this day to reminisce about the enduring process you have put your mind and body through.

Day 10: Zero point(3800m) to Chowki(3600m) Trek 7 kms/ 4 hours

The trek from here onwards gets easier compared to what you have just faced in the previous days. There will be no more height gains today, we leave behind the icy and rocky background to enter the open grasslands near our Campsite. We reach our campsite for some hot lunch and retire for the day.

Day 11: Chowki(3600m) to Masar Tal(4100m) Trek 8 kms/ 6 hours

After breakfast we start with our journey towards the scenic Masar Tal which is a high altitude lake situated in the remotest region of Garhwal. Our climb towards the lake will give a clear view of Mt. Thalaysagar towering at 6904 meters. We climb across a ridge where wwe will get to see Masar Lake. We camp beside the lake for the night. Take some time out to roam around the lake and soak in the beauty.

Day 12: Masar Tal(4100m) to Vasuki Tal(4150m) via Mayali Pass(5000m) 12 kms/ 10 hours

Today we will cross Mayali pass hidden in the laps of the Garhwal Himalayas. Our trek will begin with a steep ascent along the ridge to Masar top after which there is a slight descent before you start climbing on the glacier to reach Mayali Pass top. Enjoy the view from the top of the pass. The descent on the other side is steep and requires you to rappel down using a fixed rope, you will be assisted and belayed by trained leader and support staff. We walk down to the end of the glacier to reach Vasuki Tal which is another glacial lake. We will camp here for the night.

Day 13: Vasuki Tal(4150m) to Kedarnath(3580m) Trek 7 kms/ 5 hours

We will start our descent down to Kedarnath which houses one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. On our way down we will start to see pilgrims who flock to Kedarnath during the summer to visit the holy shrine. After spending many nights in the cold and on uneven surfaces today we will sleep on a warm bed in a hotel room in Kedarnath.

Day 14: Kedarnath(3580m) to Gaurikund(1982m)14 kms/ 6 hours and drive to Srinagar ( 102 km 3-4 hrs)

The trek down to Gaurikund is on a well marked trail which we will easily cross. if you opted the vehicle from our side then we will board our vehicle to Srinagar and stay in guest house/ hotel. ( accomodation in Srinagar is not included in our services)

Day 15: Drive from Srinagar to Dehradun 146 Km / 3-4 hrs drive

Vehicles will be arranged if opted by the participants for the ride back to Dehradun.

Day 16: Reserve Day

In case any unforeseen event occurs to delay our summit attempt then this day will be used. If this day is used then the participants are to hand over Rs. 4500 in cash to the trek leader.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Packing List

Ensure a smooth adventure with our comprehensive Packing List. From essential gear to personal items, we’ve got everything covered. Prepare efficiently for your outdoor journey, so you can focus on enjoying the experience with Advait Outdoors.

For complete details, click on this link

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to attempt the Auden’s Col Expedition?

The best time for the Auden’s Col Expedition is between May to June and September to October, when the weather is most stable and the snow conditions are ideal for crossing the col and other high-altitude passes.

How difficult is the Auden’s Col Expedition?

The Auden’s Col Expedition is considered extremely difficult and requires advanced trekking and mountaineering skills. It involves technical glacier travel, high-altitude challenges, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it suitable for experienced trekkers.

What kind of gear or equipment is needed for the Auden’s Col Expedition?

Essential gear includes mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, climbing rope, sleeping bags for extreme cold, trekking poles, warm clothing (layers), a backpack, and a first aid kit.

What is the duration of the expedition?

The Auden’s Col Expedition typically takes 15-16 days, covering approximately 90-100 km, depending on the pace, acclimatization, and weather conditions.

What are the food and accommodation options during the expedition?

Meals are typically provided by trekking operators, and accommodations include campsites or basic shelters. It is recommended to carry high-energy snacks like energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts to supplement your meals during the challenging days.

Why Advait Outdoors?

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, you must notify Advait Outdoors immediately in writing. Once we receive your notice, the cancellation will take effect.

Please note that the following charges will apply to cancellation:

In the rare event of the Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.) cancellation from our side, we’ll follow the below mentioned policy: We almost never cancel our Trip (Trek/Expedition etc.). But there are many variables beyond our control like {weather condition,landslides, road condition and any other “force measure condition” or unexpected political unrest, curfews, local riots, government orders, unexpected global health issues} due to which we have to cancel the Trip (Trek/Expedition, etc.) under such circumstances Advait Outdoors will refund 50% of the total amount of the trip or issue a voucher (valid for one year) for the full amount of your Trip (Trek/Expedition, etc.).

Note: All cancellation refunds will be processed back to the bank account or the credit card account from which the Trip fee has been paid

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