Auden's Col (Max Altitude 5,490 mts)
Audens Col: for those who seek the extreme.
Auden's Col
Grade 6+If you’re ready to push beyond standard high-altitude treks and explore one of Uttarakhand’s most thrilling glacier crossings, Auden’s Col offers an unmatched adventure. Situated in the heart of the Garhwal Himalaya at an elevation of 5,490 meters, Auden’s Col is a spectacular high-altitude pass that links the Gangotri and Kedar Valley regions. Its icy slopes, rugged ridges, and sweeping glacial terrain command respect from the very first glance.
Auden’s Col lies along the route to several iconic Garhwal peaks and glacial systems, including peaks like Nilkanth and Thalay Sagar. Unlike typical trekking trails, the Col demands precise navigation, steady acclimatization, and the ability to tackle crevasses, seracs, and unstable snowfields. Its dramatic ice walls, knife-edge ridges, and unpredictable weather conditions make it a dream for trekkers and mountaineers seeking a serious challenge.
This high-altitude pass has long been a testing ground for trekkers who want to experience the true spirit of Himalayan expeditions. The route is technically moderate to advanced and requires endurance, careful teamwork, and respect for the fragile glacier environment. First crossed in the mid-20th century, Auden’s Col continues to challenge adventurers with sudden storms, deep snow, and shifting glacier terrain that changes every season.
Due to its demanding nature, the Auden’s Col Expedition is suitable only for experienced trekkers. Participants should have prior high-altitude trekking experience (preferably above 4,500–5,000 meters), confidence with glacier travel and rope techniques, and a strong physical and mental preparation for long, high-altitude days.
Explore this page to learn everything about the Auden’s Col Expedition—routes, itinerary, difficulty level, essential skills, FAQs, and eligibility criteria.
Day 1: Make your way to Gangotri (3,415M)
Day 2: Rest and acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415M)
Day 3: Gangotri (3,415M) to Nala Camp (3,760M)
Day 4: Nala Camp (3,760M) to Rudugaira Camp (4,350M)
Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization at Rudugaira Base Camp (4,350M)
Day 6: Rudugaira Base Camp (4,350M) to Auden’s Col Base Camp (4,720M) via Gangotri Base Camp (4,500M)
Day 7: Auden’s Col Base Camp (4,720M) to Khatling Glacier Camp (5,000M) via Auden’s Col (5,490M)
Day 8: Khatling Glacier Camp (5,000M) to Zero Point (3,870M)
Day 9: Rest Day at Zero Point (3,870M)
Day 10: Zero Point (3,870M) to Chowki (3,580M)
Day 11: Chowki (3,580M) to Masar Tal (4,135M)
Day 12: Masar Tal (4,135M) to Vasuki Tal (4,135M) via Mayali Pass (5,000M)
Day 13: Vasuki Tal (4,135M) to Kedarnath (3,590M)
Day 14: Kedarnath (3,590M) to Gaurikund (1,985M)
Day 15: Gaurikund (1,985M) to Dehradun (430M)
Day 16: Reserve Day
Day 1: Make Your Way to Gangotri (3,415 m)
Trek begins at Gangotri, a mountain city on the banks of River Bhagirathi and the origin of the holy Ganga
Drive from Dehradun (~245 km) or Rishikesh (early start recommended, assemble at 7 AM)
Check-in at guest house/hotel upon arrival
Evening free to explore local market and temples
Day 2: Rest & Acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415 m)
Full day for rest and acclimatization
Light movement around town for adaptation
Evening acclimatization walk
Group briefing on trek, mountain rules, and environment conservation
Day 3: Gangotri → Nala Camp (3,760 m)
Distance: 7 km | Altitude gain: ~350 m
Trek through dense oak and birch forests, opening to meadows
Views of Gangotri III and Jogin II
Evening acclimatization walk at campsite
Day 4: Nala Camp → Rudugaira Camp (4,350 m)
Distance: 4 km | Altitude gain: 600 m
Steep ascent through grazing grounds, streams, and rocky spur
Campsite surrounded by Gangotri I, II, III and Jogin III
Day 5: Rest & Acclimatization at Rudugaira Base Camp (4,350 m)
Acclimatization walk to nearby ridges for first views of Auden’s Col
Early day end for optimum rest
Day 6: Rudugaira Base Camp → Auden’s Col Base Camp (4,720 m) via Gangotri Base Camp (4,500 m)
Distance: 8 km
Trek past Gangotri Base Camp, high-altitude lake Sukha Tal
Enter moraine and snow terrain to reach Auden’s Col Base Camp
Day 7: Auden’s Col Base Camp → Khatling Glacier Camp (5,000 m) via Auden’s Col (5,490 m)
Distance: 5 km | Challenging glacial and moraine terrain
Rope-up steep ascent of 1.5 km to cross Auden’s Col (30–50° gradient)
Descend steep, narrow gully (70–75° incline) to glacier and camp
Day 8: Khatling Glacier Camp → Zero Point (3,870 m)
Distance: 10 km | Longest day
Navigate 10 km of Khatling Glacier with hidden crevasses and moraine
Reach Zero Point campsite at glacier snout
Day 9: Rest at Zero Point (3,870 m)
Full day rest to recover from demanding glacier crossing
Day 10: Zero Point → Chowki (3,580 m)
Distance: 7 km
Trek along river and meadows to reach grassy campsite at Chowki
Day 11: Chowki → Masar Tal (4,135 m)
Distance: 8 km
Trek to high-altitude lake Masar Tal
Initial steep ascent with views of Thalay Sagar (6,904 m)
Camp by scenic lake
Day 12: Masar Tal → Vasuki Tal (4,135 m) via Mayali Pass (5,000 m)
Distance: 12 km
Steep ascent to Masar Top, then glacier climb to Mayali Pass
Descend via fixed ropes to Vasuki Tal campsite
Day 13: Vasuki Tal → Kedarnath (3,590 m)
Distance: 7 km
Trek to Kedarnath, visit the temple in the evening
Overnight stay in hotel
Day 14: Kedarnath → Gaurikund (1,985 m)
Distance: 14 km | Easy downhill trek
Overnight stay in guesthouse/hotel
Day 15: Gaurikund → Dehradun (430 m)
Distance: 252 km drive
Drive along the Ganga River to Dehradun (~9 hours)
Reach Dehradun by late evening
Day 16: Reserve Day
Reserved for bad weather or unforeseen circumstances
Optional usage: INR 4,500 + 5% GST per person (collected by trek leader)
What's Included
- Meals During the Expedition (Starting lunch on Day 2 till Dinner on Day 13)
- Hotel Stay in Gangotri, Kedarnath & Gauri Kund on twin/triple sharing basis
- Services of a English Speaking Trek Leader certified in AMC (Advance Mountaineering), special rescue course from NIM, Emergency wilderness Responder course
- Forest fee, permits & Camping Charges (Upto the amount specified for Indian Nationals)
- 4 season camping tent , Thermal rated sleeping bags & mattress
- Micro spikes, Ice Axe, Gaiters, Carabiners, Harness, and Helmet, as required
- UIAA Safety Equipment like Static Rescue Rope, Harnesses, Carabiners & pulleys with the Leader
- First Aid Certified Local Trek guide with extensive trek experience of the route, Cook, Helper
- Services of Porters for carrying common camping equipment like tents (twin sharing basis), sleeping bags & Services of kitchen stuff
- Exhaustive first aid kit with a portable oxygen cylinder of 5 ltrs capacity
What's Not Included
- Forest Charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
- Meals during hotel stay & any kind of road journey
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc
- Travel Insurance, if any
- Anything which is not mentioned in Inclusions list
Frequently Asked Questions
Auden’s Col is a high-altitude glacier pass in the Garhwal Himalaya, connecting the Gangotri and Kedar valleys. It offers breathtaking alpine scenery and a true expedition experience.
This trek is moderate to advanced, suitable for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience, glacier trekking skills, and good physical fitness.
The ideal months are June to early July (pre-monsoon) and September to early October (post-monsoon) when the weather is most stable.
The standard route covers around 65–75 km round trip, usually completed in 12–15 days including acclimatization and buffer days.
The trek crosses Auden’s Col at ~5,490 meters (18,000 feet). for more info Kailasa Treks.
