Step by Step Itinerary of Auden's Col Trek, India
The Auden’s Col Trek in Uttarakhand is one of the toughest expeditions in the Garhwal Himalayas, a pure challenge and raw beauty blended into a single journey. Standing tall at nearly 5,490 meters (around 17,913–18,012 ft), this legendary glacial corridor connects the Gangotri Valley with the Kedarnath Valley, making it one of the toughest passes and a truly challenging trek in India.
The expedition begins from the spiritual town of Gangotri, leading trekkers through alpine meadows, rocky moraines, and icy ridges, before rising towards the high-altitude Auden’s Pass itself. Along the way, the route unfolds the Rudugaira Valley, the dangerous but beautiful Khatling Glacier, and another thrilling crossing at Mayali Pass.
Over the span of 15–16 days and nearly 95 km, the trail takes you across remote terrain filled with technical challenges, demanding safe acclimatization and steady progress for a successful crossing. Campsites such as Nala offer serene halts, while frozen jewels like Masar Tal and the sacred Vasuki Tal, accompanied by gushing river streams and waterfalls, bring moments of calm in the midst of adventure.
This unforgettable trek finally ends in Kedarnath, a holy reward after days of endurance, testing every trekker against the wild spirit of the Himalayas. Auden’s Col is not just another route — it is an expedition complete in itself, carved between the towering Gangotri III and Jogin I peaks.
Here is the step-by-step route of Auden’s Col Trek, from Gangotri to Kedarnath.
Auden’s Col Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Gangotri (3048 m)
- Start point: Gangotri town, Uttarkashi district.
- Activities: Trek briefing, acclimatization walk, temple visit.
- Importance: Acclimatization at 10,000 ft is crucial before climbing higher.
Day 2: Gangotri to Nala Camp (3760 m)
- Distance: 8–10 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Trail: Forest path with pine, birch, and oak, alongside Rudragaira river.
- Highlights: Views of Rudragaira Peak and Gangotri Group of peaks begin here.
Day 3: Nala Camp to Rudragaira Base Camp (4350 m)
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Trail: Steep climbs, grassy ridges, moraine walk.
- Highlights: Campsite with stunning views of Jogin peaks and Gangotri massif.
Day 4: Rudragaira Base Camp to Gangotri Base Camp (4500 m)
- Distance: 5–6 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Trail: Ridge walk and moraine terrain.
- Highlights: Closer views of Gangotri I, II, and III peaks.
- Note: This is the last camp before attempting Auden’s Col.
Day 5: Acclimatization at Gangotri Base Camp
- Rest and training day.
- Activities: Practice with ropes, crampons, and ice axe.
- Purpose: Acclimatization at high altitude before the big push.
Day 6: Gangotri Base Camp to Auden’s Col Base Camp (4800 m)
- Distance: 5 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Trail: Steep climb over rocky ridges.
- Highlights: Campsite set below the mighty Auden’s Col.
Day 7: Crossing Auden’s Col (5490 m) to Khatling Glacier Camp
- Distance: 10–12 km
- Time: 10–12 hours (longest day)
- Trail: Technical climb with snow slopes, ice walls, and rope sections.
- Challenges: Crevasses, unstable snow, and extreme altitude.
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Jogin peaks, Kedar Dome, and Gangotri Massif.
- Importance: This is the hardest and most critical day of the trek.
Day 8: Khatling Glacier to Chowki (3700 m)
- Distance: 8–9 km
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Trail: Glacier descent with rope support, followed by moraine walk.
- Highlights: Green meadows of Chowki after days of snow and ice.
Day 9: Chowki to Masar Tal (4500 m)
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Trail: Steep ascent through boulders and ridges.
- Highlights: Crystal blue alpine lake of Masar Tal.
Day 10: Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal (4135 m)
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Trail: Gradual climb and descent over ridges.
- Highlights: Holy lake of Vasuki Tal with Kedarnath peak in backdrop.
Day 11: Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath (3584 m)
- Distance: 6–7 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Trail: Gentle descent towards Kedarnath valley.
- Highlights: Spiritual closure at Kedarnath Temple, one of the Char Dhams.
Day 12: Kedarnath to Gaurikund
- Distance: 14 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Trail: Pilgrimage route down to Gaurikund.
- Exit point: Trek concludes here.
Key Takeaways of the Route
- Total Duration: 12–14 days (including acclimatization)
- Highest Point: Auden’s Col (5490 m)
- Main Challenges: Altitude, glacier crossings, technical climbs, isolation
- Final Exit: Kedarnath → Gaurikund (road head)
Tips for Following This Itinerary
- Take extra acclimatization days if required.
- Weather can delay crossing—keep 1–2 buffer days.
- Always travel with experienced mountaineering guides.
- Carry permits from Uttarkashi and forest department before starting.
Conclusion
The step-by-step route of Auden’s Col Trek shows why it is considered one of the most challenging treks in the Indian Himalayas. From lush forests of Gangotri to glaciers of Khatling and alpine lakes of Kedarnath valley, this journey is a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and raw Himalayan wilderness.
For those who follow the route with discipline and preparation, the reward is nothing short of legendary