Auden’s Col Trek

Auden’s Col is named after a British Geographical Survey officer, John Bicknell Auden. He discovered this mountain pass in 1935 and crossed it in 1939. Auden’s Col is a high-altitude mountain pass located at an altitude of 5,490 m above sea level. This mountain pass connects the Rudragaira Valley and Bhilangana Valley. The trek to Auden’s Col is considered among the most dangerous of all the treks of the Garhwal Himalayas. It takes you through some dangerous cliffs and ways that are stony and snaky. As the trek is perilous, it is only suitable for experienced trekkers.

The Auden’s Col Trek takes you through deep moraines, beautiful meadows, thick alpine forests, gushing streams, and numerous villages. During this journey, trekkers can enjoy the spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks like Rudragaira, Jogin, Bhagirathi, and Kedar Dome.

This trek also covers the visit to major pilgrim sites like Kedarnath and Gangotri. It offers the much-required thrill and rejuvenation. The base camp of the Auden;s Col Trek is Gangotri, which is the source of the River Ganges. Auden’s Col forms a bridge between the northwest ridge of Gangotri III and Jogin I. This is amongst the most difficult treks of Garhwal Himalayas, due to which it is a less explored path. Auden’s Col Trek in Uttarakhand is a dream trek for almost all mountaineers and trekkers.

Auden’s Col Trek Details

• Duration – 15 to 20 days
• Altitude – 5,490 m (18,012ft)
• Level – Difficult
• Season – Mid May – Mid October
• Region – Garhwal Himalayas
• Total Distance – 115 km
• Rail Head – Rishikesh is the nearest railhead.
• Road Head – Uttarkashi is the nearest town.

Auden’s Col Trek Highlights

• Connects Rudragaira and Bhilangana Valley.
• Rudragaira peak (5,818 m)
• Jogin group of peaks, Bhagirathi group of peaks, and Kedar Dome
• Gangotri – the origin point of River Ganga.
• Khatling Glacier (4,200 m)
• Gangi, Uddar, and Chavni.

Best Time to Visit Auden’s Col

The best time to travel to Auden Col Trek is in the summers, from May to June and post-monsoon from September to mid-October. The climatic conditions of Auden’s Col Trek remain salubrious in summer and post-monsoon season. The region experiences heavy and frequent snowfall in the winter season, making the trek impossible. 

Where is Auden’s Col Located?

Located in the central Garhwal region, Auden’s Col connects Gangotri III (6,580 m) with Jogin I (6,465 m). It is nestled at an elevation of 5,242 m above sea level and lies amidst two glaciers. Khatling Glacier is situated on the south and Jogin Glacier on the north of the Auden’s Col. This high-altitude mountain pass is approachable from Gangotri. The trekkers can trek up to Kedarnath following Auden’s Col and Khatling glacier.

Auden’s Col Trek Detailed Itinerary

Here is the comprehensive itinerary of Auden’s Col Trek for your reference:

Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar

On day one, prepare for an overnight journey from Delhi to Haridwar.

Day 02: Haridwar – Uttarkashi (1,110 m)

Today, on your arrival at Haridwar, get transferred to Uttarkashi (1,110 m). Your night stay is scheduled in Uttarkashi.

Day 03: Uttarkashi – Gangotri (3,050 m)

On the third day, travel from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3,050 m). Overnight stay at Gangotri.

Day 04: Acclimatization in Gangotri

Get acclimatized to the weather in Gangotri. Overnight stay in Gangotri.

Day 05: Gangotri – Nalla camp (3,760 m)

Start your trek from Gangotri to Nalla Camp, which is nestled at the height of 3,760 m. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 06: Nalla camp – Gangotri-I base camp (4,500 m)

On day six, continue your trek from Nalla camp to Gangotri-I base camp (4,500 m). Overnight stay at base camp.

Day 07: Acclimatization

A day to acclimatize.

Day 08: Gangotri-I Base camp – Auden’s Col Base camp (4,800 m)

Trek starts from Gangotri I base camp to the Auden’s Col (4,800 m). Enjoy the scenic surrounding and tranquil ambiance. Overnight stay at Auden’s base camp.

Day 09: Auden’s Col – Khatling Glacier camp I (5,110 m)

On the ninth day, again indulge in a trek from Auden’s Col to Khatling Glacier camp (5,110 m). Overnight at the glacier camp.

Day 10: Khatling Glacier camp-I – Khatling Glacier camp-II (4,210 m)

Continue your trek from Khatling Glacier camp I to Khatling Glacier camp II (4,210 m). Stay overnight at glacier camp II.

Day 11: Khatling Glacier – Khatling Cave / Tambakunda (3,400m)

Start your trek from Khatling Glacier to Khatling Cave or Tambakund (3,400 m). Night stay in the cave.

Day 12: Buffer/contingency Day

The 12th day is set for buffer/contingency.

Day 13: Khatling Cave – Kharsoli (2,880m)

Today, you trek from Khatling Cave to Kharsoli (2,880 m). Overnight stay at Kharsoli.

Day 14: Kharsoli – Gangi (2,650m)

On the 14th day, you trek from Kharsoli to Gangi (2,650 m). Overnight stay at Gangi.

Day 15: Gangi – Ghuttu (1,550m)

Continue your trek from Gangi to Ghuttu (1,550 m). A night stay is scheduled at Ghuttu.

Day 16: Ghuttu – Haridwar – Delhi

On the 16th and the last day of your Auden’s Col trek tour, from Ghuttu drive to Haridwar. On your arrival at Haridwar, take a train to Delhi for your onward journey.