Auden’s Col Expedition

• Located in Uttarakhand, India, with a duration of around 15 days.
• Reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 18,000 ft (5,500 m).
• Covers around 95 km through a challenging cross-over glacier route.
• Connects the Gangotri and Kedarnath regions through Auden’s Col and Khatling Glacier.
• Features glaciers, snow slopes, moraines, crevasses, and technical climbing sections.
• Highlights include Rudragaira Valley, Auden’s Col, Khatling Glacier, Mayali Pass, Masar Tal, Vasuki Tal, and Kedarnath.
• Offers views of Jogin, Gangotri, Thalay Sagar, Bhagirathi, Kedar Dome, Rudragaira, Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kamet ranges.
• Rich in mountaineering history, named after John Bicknell Auden, who first crossed the pass in 1939.
• Connects the sacred pilgrimage regions of Gangotri and Kedarnath.
• Best suited for experienced trekkers and mountaineers with prior high-altitude and glacier experience.
• Best seasons are May–June and September–October.
• Requires strong fitness, acclimatization, and familiarity with crampons, ice axes, ropes, harnesses, and glacier travel.
• Considered one of India’s most demanding Himalayan expeditions due to extreme altitude, technical terrain, harsh weather, and remote wilderness.

Auden’s Col is considered one of the toughest and most technical trekking expeditions in the Indian Himalayas. The high mountain pass connects the Rudragaira Valley near Gangotri with the Bhilangana Valley leading toward Kedarnath.

The pass lies between:

• Jogin peaks
• Gangotri III
• Khatling Glacier
• Jogin Glacier

The route combines:

• Glacier crossings
• Moraines
• Snow slopes
• Technical climbing sections
• Crevasse navigation
• Remote Himalayan wilderness

It is suitable only for highly experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude and technical trekking experience.

Day 1 — Dehradun to Gangotri
Long mountain drive to Gangotri, located at an altitude of approximately 10,200 ft.

Day 2 — Acclimatization at Gangotri
Rest and acclimatization day with temple visits and short walks around Gangotri.

Day 3 — Gangotri to Nala Camp
Begin the trek through forests and scenic valley terrain towards Nala Camp.

Day 4 — Nala Camp to Rudragaira Camp
Trek deeper into the high-altitude region, gradually entering glacial landscapes.

Day 5 — Acclimatization Day
Essential rest and acclimatization day to prepare for the challenging high-altitude sections ahead.

Day 6 — Rudragaira Base Camp to Auden’s Col Base Camp
Trek through glacier and moraine terrain towards the base camp of Auden’s Col.

Day 7 — Cross Auden’s Col to Khatling Glacier Camp
The longest and toughest day, involving a technical pass crossing, rope sections, and glacier navigation.

Day 8 — Khatling Glacier Camp to Waterfall Camp
Difficult descent across challenging glacier terrain towards Waterfall Camp.

Day 9 — Rest Day
Recovery and weather-buffer day before continuing the trek.

Day 10 — Waterfall Camp to Chowki
Gradual descent through changing Himalayan landscapes towards Chowki.

Day 11 — Chowki to Masar Tal
Trek towards the high-altitude Masar Tal lake region.

Day 12 — Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass
Cross the challenging Mayali Pass before descending towards the scenic Vasuki Tal.

Day 13 — Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath
Descend through the mountain trails towards the sacred Kedarnath Valley.

Day 14 — Kedarnath to Gaurikund
Follow the pilgrimage trail down from Kedarnath to Gaurikund.

Day 15 — Gaurikund to Rishikesh
Long drive back to Rishikesh, marking the end of the expedition.

Participants should:

• Have excellent cardiovascular endurance
• Carry 15–20 kg backpacks
• Trek for long hours continuously
• Handle harsh terrain and altitude

Good balance, stamina, and mental endurance are essential.

The journey generally follows:

• Dehradun
• Gangotri
• Nala Camp
• Rudragaira Camp
• Auden’s Col Base Camp
• Auden’s Col
• Khatling Glacier
• Waterfall Camp / Zero Point
• Chowki
• Masar Tal
• Mayali Pass
• Vasuki Tal
• Kedarnath
• Gaurikund
• Rishikesh

Basic Gear

•  50–60 L backpack with rain cover and comfortable shoulder straps

• 20–30 L daypack with rain cover (if offloading is opted)

• Walking stick

• 2 × 1 L water bottles / hydration pack + 1 L bottle

•  Thermos flask

•  Small tiffin/lunch box

•  Energy bars, dry fruits & chocolates

•  Personal medicines and prescribed medication

Clothing

•  2 full-sleeve & 2 half-sleeve quick-dry T-shirts

•  2 fleece T-shirts

•  1 wind stopper / fleece jacket

•  1 waterproof jacket

•  1 down feather / hollow jacket

•  1 thermal inner (upper & lower)

•  3 quick-dry trekking pants

•  1 wind stopper / fleece pant

•  1 waterproof gloves

•  1 fleece / woollen gloves

•  1 poncho / waterproof jacket and pant

Head Gear

•  1 head torch

•  1 sun cap

•  1 woollen cap

•  1 balaclava

•  1 pair of buff / neck gaiters

•  1 synthetic & 1 woollen buff

•  Sunglasses – UV/dark-side protection; preferably photochromatic or UV-protected lenses

Footwear

•  1 pair of good-quality trekking shoes – waterproof, high ankle and good grip

•  1 pair of slippers / flip-flops

•  8 pairs of cotton socks

•  3 pairs of woollen socks

•  1 pair of gaiters, if required

•  1 pair of micro spikes, if required

Utilities

•  1 sunscreen

•  1 moisturiser

•  1 chapstick / lip balm

•  1 toothbrush & toothpaste

•  1 toilet paper & wipes

•  1 soap / hand sanitizer

•  1 antibacterial powder

•  1 quick-dry towel

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.