Auden's Col Trekking Expedition

Drive from Rishikesh/Dehradun to Uttarkashi. There we will receive you and stay overnight at either Kuflon, near Uttarkashi. You can do last minute trek essential shopping from Uttarkashi or drive to Gangotri on same day for better acclimatisation.

Drive to Gangotri in the morning. Check in to the hotel. We will go for acclimatisation hike near Gangotri and also visit Gangotri temple.

As you trek towards the Rudu Valley, you will be accompanied by dense pine and deodar forests and come across interesting spots like Pandu Gufa (where the Pandavas took refuge during their years in exile) and Rudu Gard. 

The entire stretch of Rudu Valley offers a  beautiful sight with its lush greenery and the Ruduganga River flowing beside you throughout the trek. 

The Nala campsite is set amidst meadows and offers mesmerizing views of Jogin and Kedartalranges. 

You will stay there for overnight in the tents beside the Rudragaira River.

The trek to Rudugaira Base Camp goes through lush green open meadows. After many ascents and descents through high altitude grazing grounds and small streams on the way, you reach the camp in  5-6 hrs. The camp offers an exceptional picture of the Gangotri and Jogin ranges.

The trek route from Rudugaira Base Camp to Gangotri Base Camp is challenging and goes through glacial moraines and moraines. Camp with the Gangotri peaks looming grandiosely in the backdrop. The sunrise and sunset at this spot is worth capturing over and over.

This trek will be quite challenging for you and also it gradually becomes tougher at times. After we reached our destination for the day you can see the picturesque views of the beautiful Gangotri 1, 2 & 3 peaks.  You will stay there overnight at Gangotri in a tent.

After passing through rocky terrains, moraines, and the beautiful Sukha Tal, you will reach Auden’s, Col Base Camp. From here, the Auden Col peak can seem to loom in the backdrop. This day is challenging and demanding day of the trek and you need to maintain your energy level strong while staying acclimatised. Jogin Group of Peaks will be visible from here.

On this day you have to wake up early in the morning. The hikes involve technical aspects on this part of the trek on the glacier which will continue till we reach the pass. It will take about 4-5 hours to cross about 5 km trek. Rope fixing on both sides will be required to cross the pass safely. 

You will also require to use ropes to climb through Auden Col glacier with an inclination of about 50°. After climbing for about 3 hrs, you will reach the peak which offers breathtaking views of the mountain ranges right in front of you. You will descend through the steep and narrow snow tracks of the glacier which gives way to the surreal valley of Khatling Glacier set at an elevation of 5,000mts range.

The trek on this day is a challenging and technical one, therefore, for this part of the trekking, technical gears will be supplied. We will pass through the glacier stretch and the trail leads to the moraine, from where the trail moves downwards to the campsite located beside the river. 

The trail to Zero Point (3,870 m) is challenging and an arduous one. From Zero Point, you can see Khatling Glacier up close. 

Surrounded by snow-clad mountains, Khatling  Glacier stands tall at an elevation of 3,900 m at an extremely picturesque location. You can choose to go beyond Zero Point and explore the glacier but you will need at least 2 days to complete a thorough tour of the glacier.

We will pitch tents on Khatling Glacier and make a halt at Zero Point.

You will start your trek to Chowki early in the morning. The route goes through a river valley and grassy meadows. Chowki is a beautiful grassland set at an elevation of 3,580 m and offers picture-perfect views and an ideal spot for camping.

On this day you will trek about 3 km along the river-side and reach an extensive meadow. afterward, you will trek for another 4 km that will take you to Chowki a verdant and beautiful spot ultimate for camping.

On this day trek is a switchback journey that heads towards a ridge located in a scenic valley. The ascent to Masar Tal goes through ridges with the captivating views of Thalay Sagar accompanying you. The pristine lake of Masar Tal is surrounded by dense forests and is seated amongst meandering meadows.

The trek from Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal (4,135 m) is a long arduous one which goes through Mayali Pass (5,400 m). You will traverse through Mayali glacier, Painya Tal, Teen Tal, boulders, loose moraines, and finally reach the tranquilizing lake of Vasuki Tal.

Vasuki Tal is a holy lake and resembles the snake Vasuki of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu bathed in this lake during the auspicious occasion of Rakhsbandhan. 

Vasuki Ganga River which joins River Mandakini at Sonprayag emerges for Vasuki Tal. The campsite at Vasuki Tal is surrounded by lush greenery and various flora including the legendary Brahmakamal.

The trek from Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath starts with an ascent till Vasuki Top and then continues with descent throughout Kedarnath. The magnificent Kedarnath peak, Kedarnath Temple, Meru, Manda, and Sumeru Parbat are clearly visible from Vasuki Top. 

Kedarnath Temple which literally means  “Abode of Lord Shiva” is a highly revered Hindu Temple and forms one of the 12  Jyotirlingas. Relish the divine experience of visiting Kedarnath Temple and stay overnight at Kedarnath.

Today will be your last day of trekking. You will trek down to the road head of Gaurikund. The place of Gaurikund is dedicated to Goddess Parvati as it is believed that Goddess Parvati meditated at this very place to gain Lord Shiva as her husband. Gauri is another name of Goddess Parvati.

This is the last day of your trip. Departure from Gaurikund.