Auden's Col Expedition
14-15 Days
Private Camps & Hotels
ACCOMODATION
Up to 12 people
GROUP SIZE
18,010 ft
MAX. ALITTUDE
Technical Mountaineering Expedition
DIFFICULT
Beyond the Icefall: The Legendary Auden’s Col Expedition
Route / Key Stops
Dehradun – Gangotri – Nala Camp – Rudugaira Base Camp – Auden’s Col Base Camp – Auden’s Col Pass (~5,490 m) – Khatling Glacier Camp – Chowki – Masar Tal – Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Guptkashi – Rishikesh
The Auden’s Col Expedition is widely regarded as one of the most extreme, dangerous, and rewarding high-altitude glacier-crossing expeditions in the Indian Himalayas. Reaching a staggering elevation of 5,490 meters (18,010 ft), this 15-day technical expedition connects the holy valley of Gangotri with the revered shrine of Kedarnath. Named after John Bicknell Auden of the Geological Survey of India, who first discovered the pass in 1939, the trail leads trekkers through wild birch forests, across the Rudugaira Nala, and onto raw glacial moraines before tackling the pass itself.
Designed strictly for veteran trekkers and experienced high-altitude enthusiasts, the expedition demands exceptional physical stamina, mental resilience, and technical climbing adaptability. Climbers must negotiate heavily crevassed ice zones, icefalls, and steep snow slopes on the Khatling Glacier using fixed ropes, crampons, and ice axes. Traversing pristine high-altitude lakes like Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal before descending to Kedarnath, the Auden’s Col Expedition is the ultimate badge of honor for Himalayan adventurers.
Starting from
₹58,000
per person
ESSENTIAL REMINDERS
May to June & Sept to Oct
BEST SEASON
No network coverage beyond Gangotri until Kedarnath
NETWORK
Carry down suits, technical double boots & extreme cold weather gear
BE PREPARED
Avoid littering and keep the trails clean
RESPECT NATURE
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Experience Highlights
Traverse the legendary Auden’s Col Pass (5,490 m), connecting the sacred valleys of Gangotri and Kedarnath across one of the most treacherous mountain passes in the Himalayas.
Navigate the heavily crevassed Khatling Glacier, negotiating technical icefalls, moraines, fixed ropes, and snow bridges.
Visit sacred high-altitude alpine lakes, including the serene blue waters of Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal.
Trek past iconic, high-altitude mountain shrines, starting from the holy town of Gangotri and descending into the revered temple town of Kedarnath.
Enjoy dramatic close-up views of legendary peaks, such as Mount Jogin group, Gangotri group, Kedarnath Peak, Kedar Dome, and Auden’s Col itself.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Dehradun | Gangotri
We begin our expedition with a long, scenic mountain drive from Dehradun along the Bhagirathi River up to the holy shrine town of Gangotri (3,415 m).
DAY 02
Gangotri | Acclimatization Day
A dedicated acclimatization day in Gangotri. Take gentle hikes around the temple complex and riverbanks to help your body adapt to the elevation.
DAY 03
Gangotri | Nala Camp
Begin our trek leaving Gangotri behind, entering a pine and birch forest along the Rudugaira Nala stream to pitch our tents at Nala Camp.
DAY 04
Nala Camp | Rudugaira Base Camp
A steep ascent over alpine grasslands and mountain ridges, opening up views of the Jogin peaks as we reach Rudugaira Base Camp.
DAY 05
Rudugaira Base Camp | Acclimatization Day
A crucial acclimatization and training day. Practice rope coordination, fixed-rope movement, crampon techniques, and ice-axe handling.
DAY 06
Rudugaira Base Camp | Auden's Col Base Camp
Trek over rugged moraine terrain, boulder fields, and glacier ice to establish our camp at the foot of Auden’s Col.
DAY 07
Base Camp | Auden's Col Pass (5,490 m) – Khatling Glacier Camp
The most technical and challenging day. Negotiate steep snow slopes, crevasse fields, and fixed ropes to reach the summit of Auden’s Col (5,490 m) before descending carefully onto the heavily crevassed Khatling Glacier.
DAY 08
Khatling Glacier Camp | Zero Point – Chowki
Trek down off the icy expanse of Khatling Glacier toward Zero Point, exiting the moraine section onto the lush, open meadows of Chowki.
DAY 09
Chowki | Masar Tal
Ascend steeply away from the river valley over high mountain ridges to reach the secluded, pristine waters of Masar Tal.
DAY 10
Masar Tal | Vasuki Tal
Trek across high ridge trails and glacial boulder fields to arrive at the sacred, emerald-blue lake of Vasuki Tal.
DAY 11
Vasuki Tal | Kedarnath
Descend down from Vasuki Tal along a steep mountain trail to reach the holy temple town of Kedarnath. Pay homage at the ancient temple.
DAY 12
Kedarnath | Gaurikund
Trek down along the paved pilgrim route following the Mandakini River from Kedarnath to Gaurikund roadhead.
DAY 13
Gaurikund | Guptkashi
Board our vehicle for a short, relaxed drive down the valley to Guptkashi for a warm shower and celebration.
DAY 14
Guptkashi | Rishikesh
Drive down through winding mountain roads along the river confluences back to Rishikesh.
DAY 15
Buffer / Reserve Day
A dedicated reserve day kept for handling adverse weather conditions, glacier delays, or acclimatization needs during the col crossing.
Why travel with us
Safety is Our Priority
All our guides are highly train in first aid.
Expert Local Guides
Handpicked for their knowledge for our country and their dedication to creating unforgettable journeys.
Fresh Food
Our trained mountain chefs cook fresh, nutritious local dishes to help you recover after trekking.
Small Groups
Travel in groups of no more than 12, uniting solos, couples, families and friends in authentic adventure.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Hotel stays at Gangotri, Kedarnath & Guptkashi + high-altitude tents.
- High-calorie vegetarian meals during all trekking and climbing days.
- Expedition Leader, certified technical guides & support crew.
- Forest permissions, Inner Line Clearances & peak/pass fees.
- Technical climbing equipment (ropes, harnesses, helmets, crampons, axes).
- First aid, medical oxygen cylinders, and common equipment porters.
Not Included
- Transport to Dehradun on Day 1 (unless booked additionally)
- Personal climbing gear, down suits, and technical double boots.
- Personal expenses, bottled beverages, and snacks.
- Personal mountaineering insurance / emergency evacuation costs.
- Porter / mule charges for personal luggage overload.
- Anything not explicitly listed under inclusions.
Before You Go: Essential Information
Important Health Advice
Your safety on the trail is our top priority. Please review these high-altitude health guidelines before booking:
- Medical Contraindications: This trek is highly physically demanding and is strictly not recommended for individuals suffering from severe asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure issues, or serious knee injuries.
- Medical Check-up: We strongly recommend undergoing a basic medical check-up before arriving at the base camp to ensure your body is ready for high-altitude endurance.
Fitness & Training Requirements
To fully enjoy the breathtaking meadows without injury, you must prepare your body in advance. We recommend a training period of 6–8 weeks for beginners and 3–4 weeks for regular trekkers.
Your Target Physical Benchmarks:
- Be able to run 5 km within 30–35 minutes.
- Be able to walk continuously for 8–10 km carrying a backpack.
- Be able to climb stairs continuously for 30–40 minutes without major difficulty.
Recommended Weekly Exercise Routine:
- Endurance Practice: Dedicate 4–5 days per week to cardio training, incorporating regular long walks, small practice hikes, and walking on uneven trails while carrying a 5–7 kg backpack.
- Strength Training: Focus on lower body and core stability with 3 sets of 20 squats, 3 sets of 15 lunges, 1–2 minute planks, 15–20 push-ups, calf raises, and step-ups on stairs.
On-Trail Best Practices & Acclimatization
Once you reach high altitudes, physical strength must be balanced with smart mountain habits:
- Pacing: Walk slowly and maintain a steady, consistent rhythm; never rush your ascent.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body naturally adjust to the changing altitude.
- Rest: Ensure you take proper rest stops during steep ascents to prevent fatigue.
- Substance Avoidance: Strictly avoid smoking and alcohol consumption during the trek, as they hinder oxygen absorption and slow down acclimatization.
Important High-Altitude Health Advice
- Acclimatization: Walk slowly, maintain a steady rhythm, take proper rest during ascents, and drink plenty of water. Avoid smoking and alcohol completely.
- Medical Disclaimer: This trek is not recommended for individuals suffering from severe asthma, heart conditions, high blood pressure issues, or serious knee injuries. A basic medical check-up is highly recommended before arrival.
Book Your Adventure
₹58,000 / per pax
- Expedition Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Difficulty Level: Extreme Technical Expedition
- Max Altitude: ~18,010 ft (Auden’s Col Pass)
- Best Season: May to June & September to October
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The world will not narrow its horizons for your hesitation.
Step out while your legs are strong and the ridges are wide.
