₹95000 / Per Person
The Auden's Col Expedition is a trek that combines historical significance, spiritual exploration, and extreme adventure, making it one of the most unique and rewarding treks in the Indian Himalayas. Named after John Bicknell Auden, the first to cross the pass in 1939, this trek connects the Rudragaira and Bhilangna valleys, nestled between the Khatling and Jogin I glaciers. It’s not only a mountaineering challenge but also a spiritual journey, linking two Char Dhams, Gangotri and Kedarnath, making it a pilgrimage for trekkers seeking more than just a physical challenge.
The trek offers a breathtaking natural landscape, with crystal-clear lakes like Sukhatal, Masar Tal, and Vasuki Tal, set amidst expansive meadows and riverside campsites. However, the journey isn’t without its challenges. Steep ascents, deep snow, crevasses, and high ridges demand resilience and careful navigation. The dreadful descent from Auden's Col to the Khatling Glacier is particularly daunting, adding an element of thrill to the trek. Yet, the rewards are unparalleled. The route provides panoramic views of towering peaks, glaciers, and the tranquil beauty of the Himalayan wilderness.
| Trek Name | Auden's Col Expedition |
| Adventure Type | |
| Base Camp | Gangotri |
| Season | Summer | Autumn |
| Month | May | June | September |
Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up from Prince Chowk in Dehradun. You’ll embark on a scenic 240 km drive towards Gangotri, which takes approximately 8-9 hours. The route takes you through beautiful landscapes, passing the vibrant town of Uttarkashi along the banks of the Bhagirathi River, where you’ll find the renowned NIM Mountaineering Institute. The drive offers glimpses of small temples nestled in the forests, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. After crossing Uttarkashi, the weather starts to cool, so be sure to keep a warm jacket handy. Continuing through dense forests, you’ll witness the changing landscape as you approach Gangotri, one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your guest house, settle in, and enjoy a warm dinner. This marks the beginning of a spiritual and scenic adventure, preparing you for the coming days of exploration.
After a restful night in the serene surroundings of Gangotri, today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration. Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the guest house, then set out to explore the sacred and scenic locales around Gangotri. Visit Pandav Gufa, an ancient cave believed to have been inhabited by the Pandavas during their exile, and Gauri Kund, a serene spot with hot springs, where the goddess Gauri is said to have bathed. Don't miss a visit to Surya Kund, another important religious site, where the water is said to have healing powers. The afternoon is free for you to visit the famous Gangotri Temple, one of the Char Dhams, or explore the local market for souvenirs. It’s also a great opportunity to interact with the locals and meet the Sadhus who reside in the area. In the evening, try to witness the Aarti at the Gangotri Temple, a beautiful spiritual experience that adds to the sacredness of the place. The rest of the day is spent at a relaxed pace, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
After a restful acclimatization day in Gangotri, today marks the beginning of your trek towards Nala Camp. The trek is a moderate challenge with a steady ascent through a varied landscape. Starting from Gangotri, you'll follow the trail alongside the Bhagirathi River, crossing over a log bridge after about two hours of trekking. From here, you'll enter the Rudragaira Valley, where the trail winds through dense forests of Pine, Cedar, Rhododendrons, and Birch trees, offering both beauty and serenity.
As you ascend, the forest begins to thin, and the landscape opens up to show expansive grasslands dotted with wildflowers. This portion of the trek can be a bit more challenging, especially as you pass through some rockfall zones, so be cautious. With every step, the Gangotri III and Jogin II peaks become more visible, setting a stunning backdrop for the campsite.
After a rewarding 6-7 hour trek, you will reach Nala Camp, located in a meadow beside the Rudragaira River. The views are breathtaking, with the surrounding peaks offering a perfect end to a challenging yet beautiful day of trekking.
Today’s trek from Nala Camp to Rudugaira Camp is shorter in distance, but the steep, strenuous climb makes it a challenging day. The trail gradually ascends through high meadows before reaching a rocky, demanding path. The climb is continuous, with little to no level sections, which will test your endurance and stamina. As you trek through the rugged terrain, there are no water sources on the way, so be sure to carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The route offers stunning views of Rudragaira Peak, Jogin Peak, and the Auden Col Pass as you gain altitude. You'll also pass a stream and a landslide zone, where extra caution is required. As the trail continues upwards, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes, with vast meadows and rocky outcrops. The challenging nature of the trek, combined with the isolation of the route, makes this day one to remember.
After a 7-8 hour strenuous trek, you'll reach Rudugaira Camp, where you can relax and take in the views. The camp is located at a high-altitude site, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
After the strenuous trek yesterday, today is a well-deserved rest day dedicated to acclimatization at Rudugaira Camp, situated at a high altitude of 14,300 ft. At this elevation, it's crucial to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air, which will help prevent altitude sickness during the upcoming days of the trek.
Take the opportunity to relax and explore the campsite, which is surrounded by towering peaks and nestled in an alpine meadow beside a gushing river. The stunning landscape provides an ideal setting for a peaceful day of rest. If you're feeling energetic, you can embark on a short hike to a nearby ridge offering panoramic views of the Rudragaira Peak and other nearby mountains.
Today’s trek promises to be both challenging and thrilling as you make your way from Rudugaira Base Camp to Auden’s Col Base Camp, via the renowned Gangotri Base Camp. The day begins with a steady ascent across moraines, followed by a tricky ridge walk that requires your full attention due to the loose scree underfoot.
As you navigate the landslide zone, you’ll ascend to the top of the ridge and then descend to Bakriwala Camp, crossing a stream along the way. The next section of the trek involves walking along a flat ridge, which offers a relatively easier path but still demands careful footing due to the terrain. The walk is gradual but tricky, requiring caution on the loose scree.
Once you finish the ridge walk, you’ll begin your descent, marking the approach to Auden's Col Base Camp. The stunning vistas of the Himalayas, coupled with the challenging terrain, make this day a highlight of the trek.
Today marks the longest and most challenging day of your trek. The goal is to cross the iconic Auden’s Col, a tough ascent followed by a steep and tricky descent into the Khatling Glacier Camp. Your journey begins early in the morning with a 5 km walk across moraines, where you’ll catch sight of the Rudragaira Glacier to your right. The terrain is snow-laden, and you may be required to wear crampons, depending on the snow level.
After crossing the last snow ridge, you’ll begin the climb to Auden’s Col. Once at the Col, the views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers will be awe-inspiring. However, the challenge doesn’t end with the ascent. The descent to Khatling Glacier is considered even more difficult than the climb, as it is steep, with many deep crevasses along the way.
Today promises to be one of the longest and most challenging days of the trek as you continue your descent from Khatling Glacier to Zero Point Camp, located beside the Bhilangna River. The first 50 meters of the trail will involve a steep descent that requires extra caution, as the path is snow-covered and can be slippery. The trail then continues for about 2 km across the glacier, with loose rocks, scree, and black ice making the journey tricky and demanding.
As you move forward, the landscape becomes more varied with large icefalls and ice formations scattered across the path. The route also features crevasses that require careful navigation. As you reach the end of the Khatling Glacier, you will encounter the snout, where the Bhilangna River originates, marking a significant point on the trek. The moraine stretches for the remaining distance, with sections of rockfall and boulders to negotiate.
The Zero Point Camp is set up near the Bhilangna River, providing a stunning backdrop with clear views of the river that eventually feeds into the Tehri Dam. The challenging terrain and the breathtaking surroundings make this a memorable and rewarding leg of the journey.
Today is a mandatory rest day to give your body time to recover and acclimatize after the physically demanding days on the trail. This day is crucial for rejuvenating yourself before you continue the trek. After several strenuous days, including navigating glaciers and moraine fields, it’s important to give your muscles a break and allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
This day can also be used as a buffer day in case of any unforeseen delays or weather conditions. Whether you choose to relax by the river, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or simply reflect on the journey so far, it’s an opportunity to recharge. You may also explore the nearby area at a leisurely pace or catch up with fellow trekkers.
Use this time wisely to prepare for the upcoming challenges and enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
After several challenging days, today offers a relatively easier trek, giving you a chance to relax and appreciate the beauty of the lush greenery once again. The trail follows the Bhilangna River for the first 3 kilometers, providing stunning views of the river as you descend. As you move along the river, the landscape transforms from rocky terrain to meadows and grasslands, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
The trek to Chowki is a pleasant descent of 400 meters, with the majority of the route leading you through beautiful meadows. The campsite at Chowki is one of the most scenic and comfortable spots on the trek, offering expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The environment here is vibrant and refreshing, with a mix of wildflowers and expansive grassy fields.
Today’s trek is a relatively easy and rejuvenating day, offering a refreshing change of pace as you ascend towards Masar Tal, a pristine, crystal-clear lake. The day starts with a short but steep ascent, giving you breathtaking views of the majestic Thalay Sagar Peak, which will accompany you throughout the trek. As you continue, the trail gradually flattens out, crossing ridges and streams along the way.
The trek’s highlight is the arrival at Masar Tal, where the lake mirrors the beauty of the surrounding peaks and landscapes, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. The calm waters of the lake, reflecting the rugged mountains, make this one of the most stunning and peaceful camping sites on the trek. You’ll camp beside this picturesque lake, where you can relax, take in the views, and connect with nature in its purest form.
Today’s trek takes you to one of the most exciting and challenging sections of the entire journey—the Mayali Pass. The day starts with a steep ascent as you climb over boulders, heading towards the base of the pass. After a challenging climb, the stunning beauty of the area will unfold in front of you. At the top of the pass, you will be greeted by breathtaking views and a semi-frozen lake, with icebergs floating on its surface, a scene so surreal and beautiful it will stay with you forever.
The descent from Mayali Pass is technical and steep, requiring careful footing as you navigate the boulders and snow-covered paths. This descent will lead you towards Vasuki Tal, a pristine lake surrounded by towering peaks, offering one of the most serene camping spots on the trek.
As you approach the lake, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey so far, as this campsite is nestled in a spectacular setting, making it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the majestic surroundings.
After an exhilarating trek through high altitudes and challenging passes, today is the day you will descend towards Kedarnath, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The trail is an easy descent from Vasuki Tal, with a marked path that makes the journey comfortable as you head toward the Kedarnath temple.
Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it stands as one of the Char Dhams and the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. This sacred site attracts pilgrims from all over the world, and it’s a significant highlight of your trek. The view of the temple against the backdrop of the towering Himalayan peaks is awe-inspiring. The trail down will be filled with lush greenery as you move closer to the temple town, crossing various ridges and paths.
Upon arrival, you’ll have time to rest and visit the Kedarnath Temple in the evening for a spiritual experience. The temple, perched on the banks of the Mandakini River, holds immense religious significance. After your visit, you will enjoy a hot lunch at the guest house and settle in for a well-earned rest.
Today marks the final leg of your incredible trek through the Himalayas. From Kedarnath, you'll embark on a 14 km descent to Gaurikund, the base point for the Kedarnath pilgrimage. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, with plenty of shops and water points along the way for your convenience. The descent takes you through lush green forests, scenic landscapes, and views that are perfect for capturing your last moments in the mountains.
While it is possible to take a helicopter ride from Kedarnath to Gaurikund (not included in the cost), the trek down offers a final opportunity to take in the beauty and serenity of the region.
As you descend, take time to reflect on the spiritual and physical challenges you've overcome throughout the journey. Upon reaching Gaurikund, enjoy a hot lunch at the guest house and rest after the long trek. This marks the end of your Himalayan adventure, and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment after completing this incredible trek.
Today, you'll begin the long journey back to Rishikesh after an unforgettable adventure. After a light morning tea, you’ll board the vehicle for a 10-hour drive to Rishikesh, marking the end of your trekking journey.
Breakfast and lunch are not included in the trek cost, so make sure to arrange for your own meals on the way. The drive takes you through scenic roads, offering glimpses of the beautiful landscapes you’ve traversed. You are expected to arrive in Rishikesh by 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
For safety, it’s recommended that you book onward travel after 8:30 pm, allowing ample time for the journey to conclude.
As you reach Rishikesh, reflect on the incredible trek you've completed, the beauty of the mountains, and the spiritual experiences you've had along the way.
At Seven Heaven, we prioritize your safety and comfort during trekking adventures. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, we recommend packing the following essentials:
Prepare well and embark on a memorable adventure with Seven Heaven. Let’s make your trekking experience unforgettable!
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At Seven Heaven, we understand that plans may change, and sometimes you may need to cancel your trekking adventure. Our cancellation and refund policy aims to balance fairness and flexibility while ensuring the sustainability of our operations. Please review the refund options based on the number of days prior to the trek:
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We encourage you to carefully plan your trek and review the available refund options before making a cancellation. Our goal is to provide you with maximum flexibility while maintaining the quality of our trekking experiences.
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This trek is considered moderately difficult to strenuous due to steep ascents, technical descents, and high-altitude passes. Some sections of the trail can be challenging, particularly when crossing glaciers and moraine-covered areas. It is recommended for experienced trekkers who are well-prepared for the physical demands of the journey.
Yes, it is recommended to have prior trekking experience, especially in high-altitude regions. This trek involves long days of walking, steep climbs, and some technical terrain. Preparation for altitude acclimatization and physical fitness is essential.
You should bring warm clothing (including thermals, a down jacket, gloves, and a hat), sturdy trekking boots, a headlamp, a sleeping bag, and trekking poles. Be sure to pack appropriate layers for fluctuating temperatures and waterproof gear, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
The best time for this trek is during the pre-monsoon (April to June) or post-monsoon (September to November) months. The weather is generally more stable during these periods, offering clear skies and pleasant trekking conditions. Avoid the monsoon season due to potential landslides and slippery trails.
Food and water are provided at campsites and guesthouses along the route. However, it is advisable to carry extra water and snacks, especially on long days when there may be limited water sources. Packed lunches will be provided on trekking days, and meals at campsites will include a variety of vegetarian options.
