Auden’s Col Trek in Uttarakhand

About Auden Col Trekking Tour 2025

Region : Garhwal Himalayas Uttrakhand
Duration : 15 Days
Altitude : 5,490 m
Grade : Difficult
Best Time : June to early July and September to October

Auden’s Col Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding high-altitude expeditions in Uttarakhand. This trek connects the Rudugaira Valley and Bhilangana Valley while offering breathtaking views of towering Himalayan peaks like Jogin (I,II & III), Gangotri (I, II & III), and Kedar Dome (6,940 m). With steep ascents, lofty glaciers, and unpredictable weather, Auden’s Col is a dream for experienced trekkers seeking an extreme adventure in the Indian Himalayas.

Auden’s Col Trekking Route and Experience

The Auden’s Col trek begins at Gangotri (3,415 m), famed for the sacred temple of Goddess Ganga. From here, the trail passes through dense pine forests and leads to Nala Camp (3,800 m), offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks. The route gradually ascends towards Rudugaira Base Camp (4,350 m), where trekkers acclimatize while enjoying stunning vistas of Gangotri III and Jogin peaks.

The real challenge starts with the steep climb to Auden’s Col (5,490 m), a high-altitude pass covered in snow and ice. The ascent demands technical skills, and the descent into Khatling Glacier (4,900 m) is equally treacherous, requiring careful navigation through deep crevasses. The glacier stretch tests endurance, as trekkers make their way towards Chowki (3,800 m), a stunning meadow surrounded by towering cliffs.

The adventure continues as the trail reaches the pristine Masar Tal (3,500 m), a glacial lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks surrounding it. From here, the path leads to Vasuki Tal (4,135 m), another high-altitude lake known for its mythological significance. The final stretch descends to Kedarnath (3,583 m), one of the holiest shrines in India, marking the completion of this incredible journey.

Best Time for Auden’s Col Trekking

The best time for the Auden’s Col Trek is from June to early July and September to October, when the weather is stable and the trails remain accessible. Pre-monsoon, trekkers can enjoy clear skies and moderate temperatures, while the post-monsoon season offers crisp mountain air and fresh snowfall at higher altitudes.

To book the Auden’s Col trekking tour package 2025 or request customization, price quotations, or details on inclusions/exclusions, fill out the inquiry form on our website or contact us directly via call/WhatsApp at +91-9212553109.

Itinerary

In the morning take AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:25 hrs and transfer to Rishikesh by Car. Upon arrival at Rishikesh check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mts), which takes 7-8 hrs drive. Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Evening free to explore the surrounding by your own. Overnight stay at hotel. Uttarkashi is the principle town in the region. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is situated here. It is also the gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri area.

In the morning after breakfast set out for Gangotri via Harsil & Bhairon Ghati. The drive will take 4-5 hrs to reach here. On arrival check-into Hotel. By evening visit the Gangotri temple. Overnight stay. There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairon Ghati over which there is a steel guarder bridge. Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from Heaven. There is a Temple of Goddess Ganga where thousands of devotees throng to pay homage to her. Gangotri: The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and Dharamshala are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Its time to prepare gear to commence our adventure journey. The trail start on the true left of the valley with an ascend which continues to take you to Nala camp. Its a beautiful walk through the forest of pine and birch trees. Finally gets transformed into a picturesque walk with involves the views of some of the Himalayan beauties i.e. Jogin and Kedartal range. On arrival we will set our campsite by Rudragaira River. Overnight in the tents.

The days trek commences with an ascend which takes you to a ridge and continues to a side stream. After stream its a steep climb to the base camp, Apart from the strenuous stretches of hike during the day there are compensating and rewarding views of Rudragaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col pass. On arrival a tiredness quenching tea is worth it. Overnight in the tents.

Todays hike involves moraine and technical surface to be accustomed. The path is gradual throughout but challenging at times. Approach near the camp makes you feel cherished and refreshed with the gorgeous views of Gangotri I, II & III peaks. Overnight in the tents.

The hike for the day is equally challenging as the previous one. The path continues on moraine and finally takes you to the Auden Col base camp. The campsite is not well marked or distinguished but gives an opportunity to camp within a rocky colony. Overnight in the tents.

An early start is must for the day. The walk involves technical aspects on glacier which continues to the pass. Its a walk of about 5 km to the pass which will take about 4 hours. A rope is fixed on both sides to negotiate the pass. Aaaahhh!!! I have done it is the call from the heart, with stunning views of greater Himalayas all around. The views around are well deserved and worth it. A cautious descend on the other side of the pass with help of technical gear is suggested. After pass the day still continues for another 5-6 km on glacier until we finally camp for the day. Lots of rest and deep sleep is for sure for the night. Overnight in the tents.

The walk on the glacier continues for another 8 kms. The walk is technical and requires enhancement of technical gear as well. After this the path moves on to the moraine continues to descend to the campsite by the river. Overnight in the tents.

After a trek of 3 km the river is over crossed to find a trail that leads to the open meadows. Continue trekking further for another 4 km to reach Chowki, with a fairly distinguished campsite. Overnight in the tents.

The treks for the day involves a steep ascend with switch backs leading to ridge overlooking the valley. The trail is well defined and with picturesque surrounding leading to Masar Tal. On arrival camp nearby the beautiful lake. Overnight in the tents.

The day continues with the ascend of 3 km to reach ridge, followed by a series of switch backs descend that brings you to picturesque lake of Vasukital. Arrive and camp by the lake. Overnight in the tents.

Trek towards one of the famous and much revered temple pilgrimage center in India. Its descend of 5 km and takes approximately 3 hours. On arrival one can essence the spiritual environment of Hindu culture. The Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple has an architecture which is unparallel. Evening visit the temple. Overnight in the hotel.

Awake with a morning full of cherished religious environment followed by a descend of 14 km towards Gaurikund. You will pass a lot of pilgrims proceeding towards the temple of Sri Kedarnathji. Enroute pass through the village of Rambara having several restaurants serving pilgrims. Continue to descend further to reach Gaurikund. From here board the vehicles and drive for 4 hours to reach Rudraprayag, another revered religious place, on the verge of confluence of river Mandakini and Alaknanda. Overnight in the hotel.

Early in the morning take a holy dip at the confluence and later after having breakfast drive towards Rishikesh via another confluence Devprayag (Alaknanda & Bhagirathi Rivers) from here the holy Ganges start. In the evening catch AC Train from Haridwar to Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs. Trip & Services Ends Here