About Auden's Col Trek
Auden's Col Trek is named after John Bicknell Auden, a British
Geographical Survey officer, who first discovered it in 1935 and crossed
it in 1939. Set at an altitude of 5,490 meters, Auden's Col is one of
the high altitude mountain passes in the Indian Himalayan region of
Garhwal that connects the Rudragaira and Bhilangana Valley. Auden's Col
Trek forms a bridge between the north - west ridge of Gangotri III,
which stands at an elevation of 6,580 meters and the ridge coming from
Jogin I at 6465 meters on the east. The trek to Auden's Col is one of
the toughest treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region and hence it has been
least explored. The journey requires acclimatization as it passes
through high altitude spots and some of the dangerous moraines, narrow
cliffs, stony and snaky paves. The vicinity also includes some of the
massive glaciers like the Khatling Glacier, which is at an approximate
altitude of 4,200 meters. The Auden's Col trek is a dream trek for
almost every trekker and mountaineer. The trekking trail cuts and runs
through the thick forest of alpine trees; meadows dotted with varied
species of flowers; innumerable gushing streams; charming villages
secluded from the urban of Garhwal Himalaya; and several temples that
reflect the religious significance of the Garhwal region. Although a
strenuous trail, the journey is rewarded with the majestic view of the
hulking high peaks like the Rudragaira, Jogin group, Bhagirathi group of
Peaks and Kedar Dome.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 18 Days (5 days travelling and 13 days trekking)Best Season : Mid May - Mid May - Mid October except July and August
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 5490 mts Total Trekking : 115 K.M
The Auden's Col Trek starts from Gangotri at 3,048 meters, which is
one of the important Hindu pilgrimage sites and hosts a shrine that is
dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the holiest river in India. From Gangotri
the trail heads upward to Nala Camp, which is 8 kilometers of easy
trail. The beautiful walk through a Pine and Birch forest gets
transformed into a picturesque walk with views of some of the Himalayan
peaks i.e. Jogin and Kedartal range. From Nala Camp, the trail continues
to Rudragaira Base Camp, which is further 7-8 kilometers gradual climb.
Thereafter the route turns to the base of the Gangotri group of peaks
and further leads to Auden's Col, passing through the glaciated tracks.
From Auden's Col the journey goes ahead to Khatling Glacier and
thereafter to Chowki, which is one of the alpine meadows. From Chowki
the route heads to Masar Tal and thereafter to Vasuki Tal, the two high
altitude lakes in Garhwal Himalayan region. From Vasuki Tal, 8
kilometers of downhill trail leads to Kedarnath, which is another
important Hindu pilgrimage site and the remotest site of the Char Dham
Yatra. Later the Auden's Col Trekking tour ends at Rishikesh, which can
be reached via Gaurikund, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.
Auden's Col Trip Highlights
- Auden's Col is a 5490m high mountain pass connecting Rudragaira and Bhilangana Valley.
- Rudragaira peak (5818m)
- Jogin group of peaks, Bhagirathi group of peaks and Kedar Dome
- Gangotri - the origin point of River Ganga.
- Khatling glacier
- Remote Villages
- Nights in Hotel/Guest House
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Auden Col Trek is in summers (May – June) and Post Monsoon (September – mid October).
Summers:
The weather of Auden Col Trek remains salubrious and pleasing during
summers (May – June). The Himalayan range is distinctly visible and the
cool breeze adds charm to the vacation. Carrying woolens is advised.
Monsoon:
Serenity and solitude are at its best during post monsoon at Auden Col
Trek. The region is blessed with heavy snowfall during winters and the
accommodation options are also restricted to few. But you can see the
best of Auden Col Trek post monsoon as it looks like heaven on earth.
Where is the Auden's Col Trek ?
Auden's Col is a high mountain pass, which is situated in the
central Garhwal region. It connects the mountain peaks Jogin I (6465m)
and Gangotri III (6580m) and is at an elevation of around 5242m. Auden's
Col bridges two glaciers on either side - Khatling glacier on the south
and Jogin Glacier on the north. A little distance lower to Jogin
Glacier is the Gangotri III glacial system. Auden's Col is approachable
from Gangotri and one can trek up to Kedarnath following Auden's Col and
Khatling glacier.
How to Reach?
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar (225 kms)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (215 kms)
Auden's Col can be reached via Uttarkashi. There are regular
buses from Haridwar to Uttarkashi and shared jeeps are available as
well. It takes about 6 - 7 hours to reach. Buses are available early
morning, and it is advised that you leave early to reach early to be on
the safer side.
If you are in a group, you may hire a cab for your group as it will
be more convenient and quick. We may help in arranging cabs, the cost of
which is to be shared by you on actual basis.
Auden's Col Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning, transfer to Delhi Railway Station and take an AC
train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar, our guide
will assist you to Rishikesh and help check into your hotel. Evening
time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (195 kms (5-6 hrs)
After the breakfast, leave for Uttarkashi (1150 m). This 7-8 hours
drive will take you through the course of narrow streams of Ganga Valley
and later along the Bhagirathi river valley. Upon arrival, check in to
the hotel. Take rest for a while and then head out for exploring the
major attractions of Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at hotel in Uttarkashi.
Day 03: Uttarkashi – Gangotri (95 kms/4-5 hrs)
Post breakfast proceed to Gangotri. The route passes through Harsil,
home to the famous 'Wilson Apple' followed by Bhairon Ghati, the course
of the Bhairav Ganga River upon which a steel girder bridge overlook a
mesmerizing deep gorge. The drive takes around 4-5 hours to reach
Gangotri. Upon arrival check-into the hotel. Overnight stay in hotel.
(Those who wish to visit Gomukh, the source of mighty Ganges, have to trek for 1 day)
Day 04: Gangotri (Rest day for acclimatization)
After breakfast, you will be taken out for exploring the holy town of
Gangotri. Visit the Pandav Caves, which will remind you the memories of
great Indian epic, Mahabharata. Spend first half of the day exploring
this part of the town. Post lunch, set out for exploring the famous
Ashramas, which best reflect the Hindu culture and practices. Spend the
evening witnessing the Aarti of River Ganga. Dinner and overnight stay
in the hotel.
Day 05: Gangotri - Nala Camp (8 km trek)
The walking trail starts from the left of the valley and ascends to
the Nala Camp. Initially, the trail passes through Pine and Birch forest
and soon reaches to the picturesque spots from where one can have a
glimpse of Jogin and Kedartal range. Overnight stay in tents by
Rudragaira River.
Day 06: Nala Camp - Rudragaira Base Camp (7 km trek)
After the breakfast, trek to a ridge followed by a side stream. Upon arrival at the Rudragaira base camp, relax in the tents.
Day 07: Rudragaira Base Camp (Rest day)
As the weather and environment here is certainly different, it is
better to rest and acclimatize for a day. If one is not feeling
exhausted he/she can get engaged in hiking on the route that leads to
the Rudragaira Peak. Spend the night in tent.
Day 08: Rudragaira Base Camp - Base Camp Gangotri Group (6 km)
The trek in this part gradually gets tougher and at times it becomes
challenging. While reaching the camp, one can witness a glimpse of
stunning views of Gangotri I, II & III peaks. Overnight Stay in
tent.
Day 09: Base Camp Gangotri Group - Auden Col Base Camp (6 km)
The trek for the day is quite challenging and one need to maintain a
strong energy level. The route to the Auden Col base camp is full of
moraine. Overnight stay in tent.
Day 10: Auden Col base camp - Khatling Glacier (12 km)
An early start is a requirement for the trek today. The walk involves
technical aspects on the glacier which continues until one reaches the
pass. To cross only around 5 km distance to the pass it may take 4-5
hours. To cross the pass, a rope is fixed on either side. Once the tent
is set, take rest and have some healthy food to get energy for another
grueling day. Overnight stay in tent.
Day 11: Khatling Glacier - Waterfall Camp / Zero Point (12 km)
The trek today is a technical one, thus technical gears will be
supplied for trekking in this part. Passing the glacial stretch, the
path leads to the moraine, from where the trail descends to the
riverside camp. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 12: Waterfall Camp / Zero Point - Chowki (8 km)
After a trek of around 3 km by the river-side, reach an open meadow.
Another 4 km trek will lead you to Chowki, a grassy and comfortable
spot, ideal for camping. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 13: Chowki - Masar Tal (8 km)
This day's trek is a switchback journey that leads to a ridge set in a
picturesque valley. The trail is well defined with wonderful natural
surroundings. Further the trail leads to Masar Tal. Upon reaching,
transfer to the camp that is set near the mesmerising lake. Overnight in
the tent.
Day 14: Masar Tal - Vasuki Tal (12 km)
The trek for the day involves 3kms climb to reach the ridge. The road
further leads with switchbacks and finally leads to the picturesque
lake, Vasukital. Night stay in tents pitched near the lake.
Day 15: Vasuki Tal - Kedarnath (5 km)
Today, trek towards one of the sacred most pilgrimage centres in
India, Kedarnath. To descent only 5 km, it may take around 3 hours. Upon
arrival, pay a visit to Kedarnath Temple. Overnight in the hotel at
Kedarnath.
Day 16: Kedarnath - Gaurikund (14 km) – Rudraprayag
Wake up early in the morning as you will be trekking towards a well
laid 6ft wide towards Gaurikund (14kms). Head to the village of Rambara
where makeshift restaurants serve food to the pilgrims. Descending
further you will reach Gaurikund. Board our pre-booked vehicle to reach
Rudraprayag, which will take around 4 hours drive. Rudraprayag is
another well known religious destination located where the river
Mandakini and Alaknanda confluence. Overnight stay in hotel at
Rudraprayag.
Day 17: Rudraprayag - Rishikesh
After having breakfast, drive to Rishikesh. The route passes through
another confluence, Devprayag where River Alakananda and Bhagirathi
embrace each other. Upon arrival at Rishikesh, check-in to hotel and
later go out for exploring the magnificent elements of the city. Spend
the evening visiting the ashrams and temples in Rishikesh. Do not miss
to witness the Ganga aarti in the evening on the Triveni Ghat. Dinner
and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 18: Rishikesh - Delhi
Wake up early morning and after breakfast drive towards Delhi.
Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Auden's Col Trek
- Duffel bag Down/synthetic camp booties
- Sunglasses, Light gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Daypack
- One liter water bottles wide mouthed
- Trekking Boots
- Water purification/filter
- Camp shoes/sneakers
- Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Cotton socks
- Note book with pens and pencils
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket Sunscreen / Moisturiser
- Down jacket/vest
- Camp towel/towel/sarong
- Fleece jacket/vest
- Personal toiletries
- T-shirts
- Personal medicines
- Underwear
- Money pouch/belt
- Trekking pants
- Energy bars
- Thermal tops
- Vitamin tablets
- Thermal bottom
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hat and Bandana/scarf
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Wind- and rain-gear with hood
- Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
- One pair cotton trousers or shorts
- Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts One warmer (jacket with hood)
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
| 25 May, 2018 | 08 June, 2018 | 21 Sepetember, 2018 |
