Auden’s Col Trek
Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Duration: 20 Days
Best Time to visit: Mid May – Mid October
Grade: Tough
Auden’s Col Trek follows the footsteps of 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 Garhwal that connects the Rudragaira valley and Bhilangana valley and forms a bridge between the north – west ridge of Gangotri III, which looms 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 by normal trekkers. The journey requires some serious acclimatization at certain altitude levels and passes through some of the dangerous moraines, narrow cliffs and stony, snaky and twitchy paves. The vicinity also includes some of the deadly glaciers; the Khatling Glacier at an approximate altitude of 4,200 meters is one of the deadliest. The Auden’s Col trek is a dream trek for every experienced trekkers and mountaineers. The trail passes through the thick forest of alpine trees, meadows dotted with varied species of flowers, gushing streams AND cuts through numerous villages secluded within the Garhwal Himalaya and several temples that reflect the religious significance of the Garhwal region. Even being a strenuous trail, the journey is treated with the majestic view of the hulking high peaks like the Rudragaira peak, Jogin group of peaks, Bhagirathi group of peaks and Kedar Dome.
Auden’s Col TrekThe 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 daughter of king Bhagirath. From Gangotri the trail heads upward to Nala Camp, which a 8 kilometers of easy trail. The beautiful walk through a Pine and Birch forest finally 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 of 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, two high altitude lakes in the Garhwal Himalayan region. From Vasuki Tal, a 8 kilometers of downhill trail leads to Kedarnath, which is another important Hindu pilgrimage sites and the remotest site of the Char Dham Yatra. Later the Auden’s Col Trekking tour leads off at Rishikesh via Gaurikund, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Upon reaching Delhi Airport you will be received by our travel executive to transfer you to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
Wake up early morning and have your breakfast. One of our executives will take you for drive towards Rishikesh via Haridwar. On arrival at Rishikesh, check-in to the hotel. Spend Evening visiting the nearest attractions. One can witness the revered Ganga Aarti on the bank of river Ganga. Have your dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 03: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi
Have your breakfast and leave for Uttarkashi (1150 m). This 7-8 hours drive will take you through the course of narrow streams of Ganga Valley and later by the Bhagirathi river valley. Reaching here check in to the hotel. Take rest for a while and head for exploring the major attractions of Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at hotel in Uttarkashi.
Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri
After 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 want to visit Gomukh, the source of mighty Ganges, have to move further for one day trekking.
Day 05: Gangotri (Rest day for getting adapted with the environment)
No need to hurry this morning. After breakfast you will be taken out for exploring the holy town of Gangotri. Visit Pandava Caves, which will remind you the memories of great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Spend first half of the day exploring this part of the town. After lunch set out for exploring the famous Ashramas which showcase the traditional Hindu culture and practices. Spend the evening witnessing the Aarti of River Ganga. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 06: Gangotri – Nala Camp (8 km trek)
The walking trail starts from the true left of the valley and ascends to the Nala Camp. Initially the walk passes through Pine and Birch forest and soon reaches to the picturesque walk where one can have a glimpse of lofty Himalayan peaks such as Jogin and Kedartal range. Overnight stay in tents by Rudragaira River.
Day 07: Nala Camp – Rudragaira Base Camp (7 km trek)
The trekking on the 7th day starts with a trek which leads to a ridge followed by a side stream. Upon arrival at the Rudragaira base camp relax in the tents.
Day 08: Rudragaira Base Camp (Rest day)
As the weather and environment here is certainly different than the plains, it is better to laze here for rest and acclimatization. If one is not feeling exhausted he/she can get engaged in hike through the route that leads to the Rudragaira Peak. Spend the night in tent.
Day 09: Rudragaira Base Camp – Base Camp Gangotri Group (6 km)
The hike in this part gradually gets tougher and at times it becomes challenging indeed. While reaching camp one can witness a glimpse of stunning views of Gangotri I, II & III peaks. Overnight Stay in tent.
Day 10: Base Camp Gangotri Group – Auden Col Base Camp (6 km)
The hike for the day is quite challenging and one need to have strong energy level. The route to the Auden Col base camp is full of moraine. Do not expect lavish treatment in this rocky surroundings. Overnight stay in tent.
Day 11: Auden Col base camp – Khatling Glacier (12 km)
An early start is a must requirement for the day. 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 come across the pass, a rope is fixed on either side. Once the tent is set, take rest and have some healthy food to get recharged for another grueling day. Overnight stay in tent.
Day 12: Khatling Glacier – Waterfall Camp / Zero Point (12 km)
The trek on the glacier further leads to another 8 km distance. The walk is technical and technical gears will be supplied for trekking in this part. Passing the glacial stretch, the path leads to the moraine what descends to the riverside camp. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 13: Waterfall Camp / Zero Point – Chowki (8 km)
After a trek of around 3 km by the river-side, the river reaches to an open meadow. Another 4 km trek will lead you to Chowki, a grassy and comfortable spot perfect to be the campsite. Overnight in the tents.
Day 14: Chowki – Masar Tal (8 km)
This day’s trek passes through a steep ascend with switchbacks and leads to a ridge set with a picturesque valley at the backdrop. The trail is well defined with wonderful natural surrounding on both sides leading to Masar Tal. Upon reaching, transfer to the camp, set near the mesmerising lake. Overnight in the tent.
Day 15: Masar Tal – Vasuki Tal (12 km)
The trek for the day involves 3 km climb to reach the ridge. The road further leads with switchbacks and finally leads to the picturesque lake of Vasukital. Night stay in tents set near the lake.
Day 16: Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath (5 km)
Get ready to trek towards one of the most sacred pilgrimage centres in India. To come across the descent of only 5 km, it may take around 3 hours. The Kedarnath temple, one of the four stepping stones of significant Char Dham Tour, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the nook and corners of the temple till evening. Overnight in the hotel at Kedarnath.
Day 17: Kedarnath – Gaurikund (14 km) – Rudraprayag
Wake up early morning and you will be taken for trekking towards a well laid 6ft wide path which will let you walk down around 14 km till Gaurikund. Head to the village of Rambara where makeshift restaurants serve food to the pilgrims. Descending further you will reach Gaurikund. Board on our pre-booked vehicle to reach Rudraprayag which will take around 4 hours drive. Rudraprayag is another well known religious destination located on the confluence of river Mandakini and Alakananda. Overnight stay in hotel at Rudraprayag.
Day 18: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh
After having breakfast en route towards Rishikesh. The route passes through another confluence Devprayag where Alakananda and Bhagirathi embrace each other. Upon arrival at Rishikesh check-in to hotel and move 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 19: Rishikesh – Delhi
Wake up early morning and after breakfast drive towards Delhi. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 20: Delhi Departure
Early morning check out from the hotel and you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight en route your destination.
Tour & Services End.