Auden’s Col Trek
Overview
The Auden’s Col Trek is the Holy Grail of trekking in the Himalayan region of India’s Garhwal in Uttarakhand, offering an epic multi-terrain challenge flanked by towering scenery. If you're looking for intensity, nights under the stars, and rewarding views, you'll definitely want to sign up for this guided 15-day trek cutting through India's backcountry.
This is a challenging trek for experienced trekkers who have experience with high-altitude Himalayan trekking expeditions.
Auden’s Col sits on the connecting ridge of Gangotri III (6577 m) and Jogin I (6465 m), a tiny depression between the two mighty massifs. You will approach Auden’s Col from the Rudugaira glacier and descend through the ice falls and the heavily crevassed Khatling glacier. Start your expedition by driving up the Bhagirathi valley right to the end of the road at Gangotri. From here, you will move south towards the Gangotri range, establishing camps en route. With proper acclimatization, you will cross the col and abseil to the mighty Khatling glacier. Descend the Khatling glacier and exit along the Bhilangana river, which surges from the mount of the Khatling.
Fun fact: the Auden’s Col Trek is named after John Bicknell Auden, a British Geographical Survey officer, who discovered it in 1935 and crossed it in 1939.
Auden’s Col Trek Overview
The Auden’s Col Trek is the Holy Grail of trekking in the Himalayan region of India’s Garhwal in Uttarakhand, offering an epic multi-terrain challenge flanked by towering scenery. If you're looking for intensity, nights under the stars, and rewarding views, you'll definitely want to sign up for this guided 15-day trek cutting through India's backcountry.
This is a challenging trek for experienced trekkers who have experience with high-altitude Himalayan trekking expeditions.
Auden’s Col sits on the connecting ridge of Gangotri III (6577 m) and Jogin I (6465 m), a tiny depression between the two mighty massifs. You will approach Auden’s Col from the Rudugaira glacier and descend through the ice falls and the heavily crevassed Khatling glacier. Start your expedition by driving up the Bhagirathi valley right to the end of the road at Gangotri. From here, you will move south towards the Gangotri range, establishing camps en route. With proper acclimatization, you will cross the col and abseil to the mighty Khatling glacier. Descend the Khatling glacier and exit along the Bhilangana river, which surges from the mount of the Khatling.
Fun fact: the Auden’s Col Trek is named after John Bicknell Auden, a British Geographical Survey officer, who discovered it in 1935 and crossed it in 1939.
Trek diverse terrain and scenic points: glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, cols, meadows and forests.
Sleep under the stars in gorgeous, off-the-grid settings in the thick of the Himalayas for several nights.
Enjoy time meandering the 18th-century-built Gangotri, a small town centred by the temple of goddess Ganga.
Feel the adrenaline pump as you navigate more intense ascents with ropes, anchors, ice axes, and crampons.
Trip map for Auden’s Col Trek
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Itinerary for Auden’s Col Trek
Fly into Dehradun
Fly into the Jolly Grant Airport by 9AM. Then board waiting vehicles to be driven straight to Kuflon Basics in the Assi Ganga valley. Enjoy lunch en route.
Head to Gangotri
After breakfast, you will depart from Kuflon for a four-hour drive to Gangotri. This small town is centered around the temple of the goddess Ganga and the impressive falls of the Bhagirathi at Gauri Kund. Gangotri was built by the Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapain in the early 18th century.
Acclimatize in Gangotri
Leave after an early meal and acclimatize with a walk on the trail leading to the lake of Kedartal. The trail goes through birch forests and is steep all the way to the small campsite at Bhoj Kharak (3780m). Head back to Gangotri in the late afternoon.
Hike to Nala Camp
Have an early morning breakfast and set off on the true left of the Bhagirathi River. Walk for about half an hour before turning south towards the Rudragaira Nalla. Looking back, you will revel in beautiful views of Chirbas Parbat, Matri, Yogeshwar and the other snow-capped mountains. The climb is a gradual uphill through the forests of birch and maple. Nalla Camp is just above the tree-line and can get chilly during the night.
Reach Gangotri I Base Camp
The day starts off with a steep climb to a huge meadow followed by a river crossing and another steep climb right up to the Rudragaira Base Camp. After lunch at the grassy campsite, you will continue over the glacial moraine to the Gangotri I Base Camp.
Acclimatization Day
A day to relax and acclimatize. You can read, take a short walk near camp, or try and spot some wildlife.
Trek to Auden’s Col Base Camp
You will proceed towards the head of the valley with the Gangotri Range to the north and Jogin group to the south. Auden’s Col is at the head of the valley in the depression between the two massifs. You will camp at the foot of the Col.
Hike to Khatling Glacier Camp
You will leave very early today to make the climb to the Col easier in the firm morning snow. The climb is steep and can easily take 4-6 hours depending on the snow conditions. Auden’s Col offers excellent views of the Khatling Glacier and the mountain peaks of Jaonli, Kedarnath, Jogin & Gangotri. From the Col, abseil down near-vertical walls of ice on fixed ropes to the heavily crevassed Khatling Glacier.
Trek to Snout Camp
Get ready for a long and epic day! Bask in the surrounding high mountains massifs, with small glaciers feeding the main trunk of the Khatlingglacier as you descend towards the snout of the Khatling, negotiating crevasses along the way. You will be roped up initially for the overall safety of the group.
Head to Tambakund
Descend through moraine to get to the snout of the Khatling Glacier, from the mouth of which emerges the Bhilangana river, a tributary of the Bhagirathi. You will continue to camp on the true right of the river near a natural cave.
Rest day
Enjoy a rest / contingency day to allow for bad weather and to have some flexibility in the itinerary. Spend another night under the stars!
Trek to Kharsoli
Walk through dense mixed Himalayan Forests of oak, birch, deodar, fir and rhododendron. The gradient is gradual and this walk in the woods gives a great opportunity to commune with nature. You are allowed to enjoy the walk at their own pace and guides spread out a bit. Kharsoli has a beautiful campsite in a clearing next to a gushing stream. It’s hard to resist the temptation of jumping into the stream. You will find plenty of driftwood by the stream to enjoy a big campfire in the evening.
Hike to Gangi
The walk continues through dense forest, shepherd hutments and the first signs of civilization.
Travel to Ghuttu
During a long day’s walk, you will slowly descend to pine forests and go past the village of Reeh to finish the trek at the roadhead, 4km upstream of Ghuttu. The road has come quite close to the village of Reeh.
Head back to the airport
Enjoy a relaxing start to the day before packing up and driving to Dehradun Airport for your flight back home. The tour ends at the airport!
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Auden’s Col Trek
This tour is operated as a private trip for your group. Please submit a booking request to enquire about accurate pricing for your group size and dates.
What’s included for Auden’s Col Trek
Meals
14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 14 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 14 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the Auden’s Col Trek are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and permits where applicable
- Group climbing gear
- Camp staff and cooks
- Portage for up to 15kg per person
Not Included
- Flights to and from Dehradun
- Meals, drinks (such as bottled water), or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Expenses incurred from nature or out-of-control circumstances
- Sleeping bag
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Accommodation for Auden’s Col Trek
This tour is based in tents and hotels. Hotels on this trip offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Frequently asked questions for Auden’s Col Trek
How hard is the Auden's Col Trek?
We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. This is a challenging trek that travels to high elevations, requiring acclimatization and high-altitude hiking experience.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Auden’s Col Trek?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Auden’s Col Trek?
14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 14 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Dehradun to start this tour?
Fly into Jolly Grant Airport. Someone from the tour guide will pick you up!
Is the Auden’s Col Trek in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Auden’s Col Trek end?
The tour ends at Jolly Grant Airport.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to India?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for India?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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