This little known mountain pass is named after J B Auden, who first crossed it back in 1939. It lies on the connecting ridge of Jogin I (6465 m) and Gangotri III (6580 m), and connects the pilgrim centers of Gangotri and Kedarnath. The trek starts along the Bhagirathi river and cuts up the Rudugaira nala (or stream) to the Rudugaira glacier, over the pass and down the crevassed Khatling glacier, and exit out along the Bhilganga river at Reeh. With a strenuous terrain passing through moraines, narrow cliffs, boulders, endless glaciers, and difficult ridges, the Auden's Col trek is meant only for experienced trekkers with high physical fitness and mental endurance
Auden's Col Trek
Auden's Col Trek Auden's Col Trek Auden's Col Trek Auden's Col Trek Auden's Col
Trek Auden's Col Trek
Region: Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand
Duration : 20 Days
Grade : Tough
Max Altitude : 5450 mts/17876 ft
Season : June to Sep
Auden Col Trek Tour
Details Program ::
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi met our representative and then transfer to pre booked
hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 02 : Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh via Haridwar. Upon arrival at
Rishikesh met our representative and check in to hotel. Evening free to explore
the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 : Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (170
kms/ 4-5 hrs)
Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mts), which takes 7-8 hrs
drive. Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Evening free to explore the surrounding
by your own. Overnight stay at hotel.
Uttarkashi is the principle town in the region. Nehru Institute of
Mountaineering is situated here. It is also the gateway to many mountaineering
and trekking expedition in Gangotri area.
Day 04 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048
m/ 10,000 ft) Drive (95 kms).
In the morning after breakfast set out for Gangotri via Harsil & Bhairon Ghati.
The drive will take 4-5 hrs to reach here. On arrival check-into Hotel. By
evening visit the Gangotri temple. Overnight stay.
There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairon Ghati over which there is a steel guarder
bridge. Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from
Heaven. There is a Temple of Goddess Ganga where thousands of devotees throng to
pay homage to her.
Gangotri : The shrine of
Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines.
The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa.
Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of
ashrams and Dharamshala are located on the other side of the river. It is
believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath
Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural
Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the
Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source
of the mighty Ganges.
Day 05 : Gangotri (Rest day for
acclimatization)
After a leisurely breakfast you will explore the holy town of Gangotri. In the
first half of the day you will trek towards Pandava caves, which reminds about
the famous epic of Mahabharata. It's about 4 kms hike both ways from the town.
On the second half of the day its a real pleasure to visit the ashrams with
demonstration of cultural traits of Hinduism. Evening will be well lighted and
cherished with the famous aarti of mother Ganges. Overnight and dinner in the
hotel.
Day 06 : Gangotri - Nala Camp (8 km
Trek 5 - 6hrs trek)
It's time to prepare gear to commence our adventure journey. The trail start on
the true left of the valley with an ascend which continues to take you to Nala
camp. It's a beautiful walk through the forest of pine and birch trees. Finally
gets transformed into a picturesque walk with involves the views of some of the
Himalayan beauties i.e. Jogin and Kedartal range. On arrival we will set our
campsite by Rudragaira River. Overnight in the tents.
Day 07 : Nala Camp to Rudra Gaira
Base Camp (7 km -5 hrs trek)
The days trek commences with an ascend which takes you to a ridge and continues
to a side stream. After stream it's a steep climb to the base camp, Apart from
the strenuous stretches of hike during the day there are compensating and
rewarding views of Rudragaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col pass. On arrival a
tiredness quenching tea is worth it. Overnight in the tents.
Day 08 : Rudugaira BC - Rest day and
acclimatization
The day is for rest and acclamitisation. One can relax in the camp or involve
himself/herself in hike round the corner which takes you towards Rudragaira
peak. Explore and enjoy majestic Himalayas. Overnight in the tents.
Day 09 : Rudugaira BC - B C Gangotri
Group (6 kms/5 hrs app)
Today's hike involves moraine and technical surface to be accustomed. The path
is gradual throughout but challenging at times. Approach near the camp makes you
feel cherished and refreshed with the gorgeous views of Gangotri I, II & III
peaks. Overnight in the tents.
Day 10 : B C Gangotri Group - Auden
Col BC (6 km/5-6 hrs)
The hike for the day is equally challenging as the previous one. The path
continues on moraine and finally takes you to the Auden Col base camp. The
campsite is not well marked or distinguished but gives an opportunity to camp
within a rocky colony. Overnight in the tents.
Day 11: Auden Col B C - Khatling
Glacier (12 km 10 hrs approx)
An early start is must for the day. The walk involves technical aspects on
glacier which continues to the pass. Its a walk of about 5 km to the pass which
will take about 4 hours. A rope is fixed on both sides to negotiate the pass.
Aaaahhh!!! I have done it is the call from the heart, with stunning views of
greater Himalayas all around. The views around are well deserved and worth it. A
cautious descend on the other side of the pass with help of technical gear is
suggested. After pass the day still continues for another 5-6 km on glacier
until we finally camp for the day. Lots of rest and deep sleep is for sure for
the night. Overnight in the tents.
Day 12 : Khatling Glacier - Waterfall
Camp/Zero Point (12 km/10 hrs approx)
The walk on the glacier continues for another 8 kms. The walk is technical and
requires enhancement of technical gear as well. After this the path moves on to
the moraine continues to descend to the campsite by the river. Overnight in the
tents.
Day 13 : Waterfall Camp/ Zero Point -
Chowki (8 kms/4-5 hrs)
After a trek of 3 km the river is over crossed to find a trail that leads to the
open meadows. Continue trekking further for another 4 km to reach Chowki, with a
fairly distinguished campsite. Overnight in the tents.
Day 14 : Chowki - Masar Tal (8 kms/6-7
hrs)
The treks for the day involves a steep ascend with switch backs leading to ridge
overlooking the valley. The trail is well defined and with picturesque
surrounding leading to Masar Tal. On arrival camp nearby the beautiful lake.
Overnight in the tents.
Day 15 : Masar Tal - Vasuki Tal (12
kms/6-7 hrs)
The day continues with the ascend of 3 km to reach ridge, followed by a series
of switch backs descend that brings you to picturesque lake of Vasukital. Arrive
and camp by the lake. Overnight in the tents.
Day 16 : Vasuki Tal - Kedarnath (5
kms/3 hrs)
Trek towards one of the famous and much revered temple pilgrimage center in
India. Its descend of 5 km and takes approximately 3 hours. On arrival one can
essence the spiritual environment of Hindu culture. The Kedarnath temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and the temple has an architecture which is unparallel.
Evening visit the temple. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 17 : Kedarnath - Gaurikund (14
kms/3-4 hrs) - Rudraprayag
Awake with a morning full of cherished religious environment followed by a
descend of 14 km towards Gaurikund. You will pass a lot of pilgrims proceeding
towards the temple of Sri Kedarnathji. Enroute pass through the village of
Rambara having several restaurants serving pilgrims. Continue to descend further
to reach Gaurikund. From here board the vehicles and drive for 4 hours to reach
Rudraprayag, another revered religious place, on the verge of confluence of
river Mandakini and Alaknanda. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 18 : Rudraprayag - Rishikesh
Early in the morning take a holy dip at the confluence and later after having
breakfast drive towards Rishikesh via another confluence Devprayag (Alaknanda &
Bhagirathi Rivers) from here the holy Ganges start. In the evening one can visit
the Ashrams & temples at Rishikesh. Explore Rishikesh: "haven of saint and
Sadhus" Rishikesh, situated on the bank of river Ganga and enclosed on three
sides by Himalayan ranges are a great pilgrimage centre of India. At Triveni
Ghat, Evening held "Ganga Aarti", most fascinating sacred ceremony in the world
grand aarti (religious song when pilgrims light a butter lamp with fresh flowers
and offering to the Goddess. Overnight in hotel.
Day 19 : Rishikesh - Delhi
After having breakfast check out from the hotel and drive towards Delhi via
Haridwar. One can stop at Haridwar to see Har Ki Peri. By evening arrive Delhi.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 20 : Delhi Departure
Transfer to airport according to your flight schedule.
Most Important Note :: It is not an easy trek and good fitness is a prerequisite. Excellent gears are required to make sure that Auden's Col can be completed without any problem.
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Max Altitude: 4450 Mts
Best Time: April to June & Sep to Oct
Difficulty: Moderate Trek
Gangotri - Kedarnath Trek ::--> This trek
is known as ancient route of Gangotri to Kedarnath. The Hindu
devotees used this pilgrimage trail very regularly during the
times when roads didn't exist and people used to visit all the
four holy temples on foot. The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12
Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, The temple, built in the 8th
century and dedicated to the goddess Shiva. This is a scenic
spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath
range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and
the destroyer.
A Trekking Camp, Uttranchal From Belak to Budakedar, it is downhill through very
dense forests full of birds and wild life. Then from Budakedar to Panwali Kantha,
it is an uphill climb through terraced fields and picturesque villages.
Though this trek, along ridges and through valleys and dales, is tiring, it is
worth it. The splendid panoramic view of the Garhwal Himalaya is magnificent and
compensates for all the efforts of ascending and descending.
The 'Bugyal' (alpine meadows) on this trek are the most beautiful in Garhwal,
especially the Kush-Kalyani and Panwali Bugyal. In the rainy season, the
colourful flowers in the lush green meadows make the whole atmosphere fragrant
and the environment romantic.
Day 1 : Delhi - Rishikesh. Drive 6hours. Hotel
Day 2 : Rishikesh-Uttarkashi (150 Km, Drive 5-6 hrs): Start early morning to
reach Uttarkashi (the base for trekking) in the evening. Check-in to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Uttarkashi-Mala-Belak (22 Kms. 15 Km of trek 6-7 hrs): After breakfast
leave for Mala by road (1 hr). The trek starts. Climb to Belak at 2420 mts.
Overnight at tent in Belak.
Day 4 : Journey from Belak to Budhakedar can be covered in 6 hours. After
reaching here, one can pay a visit to the temple of Lord Shiva. The route passes
through several other villages like Jhala and Pangrana. Budhakedar is located at
an altitude of 1524 m above sea level. After spending night at one of the forest
lounges, trekking is resumed the next day.
Day 5 : Baghi Chatti which is the next destination is a lovely meadow from where
one can watch the picturesque backdrops of the hilly mountain ranges. The trek
route takes one to the interior of forests and a number of villages like
Benakhal.
Day 6 : The five hour trek from Baghi Chatti to Ghuttu is covered on a ridge
trail. On the way, one can get the opportunity to visit a rabbit farm. Ghuttu is
a village that is quite famous among the pilgrims.
Day 7 : Panwali Khanta which lies at a height of 3150 is a beautiful meadow that
is covered on the Gangotri Kedarnath trekking path; it offers majestic views of
many Himalayan peaks like Nandadevi, Kamet, Kedarnath, and Trishul. After an
ascent to Khinkola, one has to travel down through a dense forest.
Day 8 : The journey takes one further to Triuginarain; it involves an initial
path through a forest of Rhododendrons and then a series of ascending and
descending paths over Panwali ridge. On the way, one gets a glimpse of a
beautiful village called Maggu ki Chatti.
Day 9 : The final part of the journey is covered by trekking to Sonprayag and
then to Gaurikund. Here begins one of the longest treks of the entire trek. The
tourists have to cover a long distance of 14 kilometer in order to reach the
final destination, Kedarnath. This arduous journey is marked with several eating
joints. It takes five hours to reach Kedarnath. The famous Kedarnath Temple is
the main attraction here and attracts a large number of devotees every year.
Day 10 : The next day can be spent visiting the major attractions of Kedarnath.
Day 11 : The return journey of Gangotri Kedarnath involves trekking back to
Gaurikund and driving to Rudraprayag from there.
The trekking to Kedarnath offers excellent opportunities to the adventure-lovers
to explore the mysteries of lofty Himalayas.
Day 12 : Rudraprayag to Rishikesh. Drive 6hours. Stay over here.
Day 13 : Drive to Delhi Airport.
Trip end up here.
The Auden Col is situated on the connecting ridge of Gangotri
III (6577m) and Jogin I (6465 m), we approach the col from
Rudugaira glacier and descend through the ice falls and broken
up Khatling glacier. Auden's Col is a mountain pass situated in
the central Garhwal region. It connects the mountain peaks Jogin
I (6465m) and Gangotri III (6580m) and is at a height of around
5242m. Auden's Col binds two glaciers on either side - Khatling
glacier on the south and Jogin Glacier on the north. A little
distance lower to Jogin Glacier is the Gangotri III glacial
system. Auden's Col is approachable from Gangotri and one can
trek up to Kedarnath following Auden's Col and Khatling glacier.
Auden's Col gets its name from J B Auden, a famous British
geologist. He first explored the region in the year 1939.
Auden's Col is a less frequented trekking route in this region
of the Himalaya compared to the Khatling Glacier.
Day 1:Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (6-7hrs.)
After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi. Lunch enroute. On arrival
check in at hotel.
Day 2 : Drive Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3048m), 3-4 hrs
After a relaxed breakfast drive 3-4 hrs to the pilgrim town of
Gangotri. With the new dam coming up on the Bhagirathi valley,
expect a lot of construction activity. The drive gets
picturesque as one approaches the village of Sukhi. Closer to
reaching Gangotri one starts getting the views of the
snow-capped peaks. On arrival check in at hotel. In evening
visit to the Famous Mother Ganges Temple. The temple to the
Goddess Ganges built in the 18th century by a Gorkha General,
stands dignified surrounded by the mountains and attracts
thousands of pilgrims each year.
Day 3 : Acclimatisation Day at Gangotri ( 3048 mts)
Day 4:Trek Gangotri to Nala Camp, ( 3760 mts)
We will walk along the Rudugaira Ganga. Initially the trail
climbs steeply in the jungle and then cross the river over a log
bridge. Move with the river on our left. Cross a big waterfall
coming from our right and camp at a suitable place. Overnight in
tents. .
Day 5 : Trek Nala Camp to Rudragaira Base Camp(4100 mts)
Today is a steep climb of 200m. followed by gradually climbing
trail which is again followed by another 300m. steep climb. We
will keep moving ahead to the camping site. Overnight in tents.
Day 6 : Rest Day To Acclimatize at Rudragaira Base Camp.
After having good breakfast we will go for acclimatization walk
in the morning. The walk goes along the ridge of the Rudragaira
peak. From the top we can get a very clear view of the Jogin I,
Gangotri I, II, III peaks and Auden’s Col. We return to the camp
for lunch, dinner and over night stay.
Day 7: Trek Rudragaira Base Camp to Auden Col’s Base Camp,(4800
mts)
The trek starts early in the morning from Rudugaira Base Camp
with packed breakfast. After a good walk of a few kilometers we
are able to capture some magical moments of the Gangotri peaks.
We will walk along the ridge of the Gangotri mountain and cross
some rocky moraines and the Gangotri III glacier. This day trek
consisted walking mainly along the steep ridges to reach the Col
Base Camp by noon. Overnight Auden Col Base camp.
Day 8 :Trek Auden Col’s Base Camp to Khatling Glacier Camp(4900
mts) via Auden’s Col.( 5450 mts, 5/6 hrs )
Early morning trek to cross the Auden’s Col (5450m). Look for
crevasses and walk roped up for safety. We will walk at the
right side to reach the Col. The top has sufficient space. Move
to Col’s left and we’ll see the steep gully going down to the
glacier. Once on the glacier walk with care because the glacier
is massive here. Move forward keeping in mind that we have to be
near the left side of the glacier. On the right there are a lot
of crevasses, so we can't move on that side. Camp at a suitable
place. Overnight in tents.
Day 9 :- Trek Khatling Glacier Camp to Waterfall Camp, ( 4100
mts)
Keep moving along the glacier, be still alert for the crevasses
and reach the moraine. By afternoon we will reach a place where
is ice on the right with a steep fall and there is a waterfall
visible on the left side. We will move towards the waterfall and
camp just before it, next to a water source. Overnight in tents.
-
Day 10 : Trek Waterfall Camp to Chowki, ( 3400 mts)
The walk today involves moving along the trail behind the first
waterfall and then negotiating the broken slanting rock with all
the care they deserve, fixed by a rope. After that we will cross
the second waterfall also with care using a rope. Keep moving
down at the right side of the glacier. Crossover to the other
side before water starts from the glacier. Move down with the
intention to reach the trail next to the river. Keep moving and
cross the huge boulder section. In the distance we will see a
raised green section, aim for that and at the end we will camp
near to the water. Overnight in tents.
Day 11 : Trek Chowki to Kharsoli, (2880 mts)
Move slowly as in the initial stage the trail may not be that
clear. After that we will be on a good enough trail. We will
keep moving with the river flowing on our left. The trail moves
into a deep jungle and finally we reach a big stream coming from
our right. Cross it over a log bridge and we will see a small
temple. Camp here for the day.
Day 12 : Trek Kharsoli to Gangi, (2650 mts)
The trail is well marked and there is no problem following it.
At one place the wider trail moves up. Follow this trail and
move along it, in dense jungle for 45 minutes. Which will bring
us to Kalyani, from here we get good views of the kush kalyani
bugyal. Rest a while and then take the trail moving towards the
left (where the river flows). Moving along the trail we will
pass a small village and by evening we will be at the village of
Gangi.
Day 13 : Trek Gangi to Ghuttu, ( 1550 mts)
The trail is a good one. Easy walking towards the Ghuttu. By
late afternoon we will reach Ghuttu. Check in at rest house.
Day 14 : Drive Ghuttu to Rishikesh 8 hrs.
After breakfast drive to Rishikesh. Lunch enroute. On arrival
check in at hotel. Trip Ends.
For Further Details and Booking write down us or call us :
Corporate Office
( A Unit of Himalayan Trekkers Team)
24 HRS contact number : + 91-
09837937948 / 09759675791
/ 09412439693
Email:
nandadevitrekking@gmail.com
CHAT RD : MSN : YAHOO : SKYPE : garhwalhimalaya
www.nandadevitrek.in / www.valleyofflowerstrek.in