- 7302380854, 9541760884
- explore@alpinesummiters.com
Menu
Audens Col Expedition
Overview
Region
Uttarakhand
Base Camp
Gangotri
Duration
15 Days
Difficulty Level
Difficult
Maximum Altitude
18000 Ft
Age
15 years to 60 years
Trekking Km
95 Km
Trail Type
A cross over trail through forest and glaciers
Service from
Dehradun to Dehradun
Best Season
Summer Treks (April , May, June)
Autumn treks (September, October, November)
Autumn treks (September, October, November)
Trek Charges: Rs. 1,10,599/- Per Person (Including Transport)
Itinerary
DAY 1
Dehradun to Gangotri
Once you arrive at Dehradun, get all ready to start your long drive to Gangotri. As you know it is the most religious place of India. You will cross Uttarkashi, the place having NIM mountaineering institute. Uttarkashi is a town located on the banks of river Bhagirathi. The drive goes through temples and dense forests until you reach in the evening. Altitude: Gangotri 3,100m/10,200ft, Drive 240 km, Stay in Guest House,
Once you arrive at Dehradun, get all ready to start your long drive to Gangotri. As you know it is the most religious place of India. You will cross Uttarkashi, the place having NIM mountaineering institute. Uttarkashi is a town located on the banks of river Bhagirathi. The drive goes through temples and dense forests until you reach in the evening. Altitude: Gangotri 3,100m/10,200ft, Drive 240 km, Stay in Guest House,
DAY 2
Rest and acclimatization at Gangotri. Day visit to Gartang gali
Wake up in the religious land. Today try to utilize the day to know about Gangotri. You can visit temples, caves, walk in the woods, meet Sadhus, etc. Together with the group, you can visit Surya Kund, PandavGufa and GauriKund also. Try not to miss the Aarti. Today is acclimatization day so stay outdoors and get used to the height. We will visit the new and famous Gartang gali also today and head back to Guest House,
Wake up in the religious land. Today try to utilize the day to know about Gangotri. You can visit temples, caves, walk in the woods, meet Sadhus, etc. Together with the group, you can visit Surya Kund, PandavGufa and GauriKund also. Try not to miss the Aarti. Today is acclimatization day so stay outdoors and get used to the height. We will visit the new and famous Gartang gali also today and head back to Guest House,
DAY 3
Gangotri to Nala Camp
After good acclimatization stay in Gangotri get walking towards Nala Camp. The trek will be 8-9 hours through the moderate and steep trail. You begin by going down the main valley. You will be walking along the Bhagirathi river. After 2 km cross the log bridge on the river then take a right to enter towards Rudragaira valley. You will be walking through dense Pine, Cedar, Rhododendrons and Birch trees.
The trail then suddenly climbs up. You may also have to pass through the rockfall zone, so be careful. You will cross BhojKharak campsite. As you gain height you can see the forests becoming less visible. Later you can find grasslands bloomed with flowers then come into eyesight. You can also see a glimpse of Gangotri III and Jogin II. The camping is on the wonderful meadows beside Rudragairariver. So, enjoy it while your night stays in tents.
Altitude: Nala Camp 3,750m/12,300ft, Altitude gain: 650m/2,100ft, Stay in tent.
After good acclimatization stay in Gangotri get walking towards Nala Camp. The trek will be 8-9 hours through the moderate and steep trail. You begin by going down the main valley. You will be walking along the Bhagirathi river. After 2 km cross the log bridge on the river then take a right to enter towards Rudragaira valley. You will be walking through dense Pine, Cedar, Rhododendrons and Birch trees.
The trail then suddenly climbs up. You may also have to pass through the rockfall zone, so be careful. You will cross BhojKharak campsite. As you gain height you can see the forests becoming less visible. Later you can find grasslands bloomed with flowers then come into eyesight. You can also see a glimpse of Gangotri III and Jogin II. The camping is on the wonderful meadows beside Rudragairariver. So, enjoy it while your night stays in tents.
Altitude: Nala Camp 3,750m/12,300ft, Altitude gain: 650m/2,100ft, Stay in tent.
DAY 4
Nala Camp to Rudugaira Camp
Today will be a short yet difficult day. The entire trail is a steep and strainful climb. There will be no water sources on the way. Make sure you carry enough water.
Moving through Nala the trail will go up towards high meadows. There will be many stream crossings and landslide crossings. Take your steps carefully. Ahead you may find some snow patches and the trail getting even steeper. In spite of all the difficulty, your day will be cheerful with the stunning sights of Rudugaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col pass. After a strenuous day rest in your tents at Rudragaira camp. Altitude: Rudugaira Camp 4,350m/14,300ft, Altitude gain: 600m/2,000ft, Stay in tent.
Today will be a short yet difficult day. The entire trail is a steep and strainful climb. There will be no water sources on the way. Make sure you carry enough water.
Moving through Nala the trail will go up towards high meadows. There will be many stream crossings and landslide crossings. Take your steps carefully. Ahead you may find some snow patches and the trail getting even steeper. In spite of all the difficulty, your day will be cheerful with the stunning sights of Rudugaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col pass. After a strenuous day rest in your tents at Rudragaira camp. Altitude: Rudugaira Camp 4,350m/14,300ft, Altitude gain: 600m/2,000ft, Stay in tent.
DAY 5
Rest and Acclimatization
Since you are at 14800 feet it is necessary to give your body the time for acclimatization. Explore around the campsite. Make the most of this stunning campsite that is between huge peaks on meadows beside a gushing river. If you wish to, you can go for a small hike on a ridge near the campsite. Try to stay out of the tents to boost the process of acclimatization.
Since you are at 14800 feet it is necessary to give your body the time for acclimatization. Explore around the campsite. Make the most of this stunning campsite that is between huge peaks on meadows beside a gushing river. If you wish to, you can go for a small hike on a ridge near the campsite. Try to stay out of the tents to boost the process of acclimatization.
DAY 6
Rudugaira Base Camp to Auden's Col Base Camp via Gangotri Base Camp
Today will be an exciting day with a lot of surprises. First, start by walking on moraines. Once you cross a landslide area you will reach the top of the ridge. Keep walking on the ridge and climb down till Bakriwala camp. After crossing a stream another ridge will come ahead. This ridge is flat, like a walk for more than an hour. The walk is tricky owing to loose scree, hence, be careful. Once you finish the ridge you will have a descent ahead. Altitude: Auden’s Col BC 4,750m/15,600ft, Altitude gain: 400m/1,300ft, Stay in tent.
Today will be an exciting day with a lot of surprises. First, start by walking on moraines. Once you cross a landslide area you will reach the top of the ridge. Keep walking on the ridge and climb down till Bakriwala camp. After crossing a stream another ridge will come ahead. This ridge is flat, like a walk for more than an hour. The walk is tricky owing to loose scree, hence, be careful. Once you finish the ridge you will have a descent ahead. Altitude: Auden’s Col BC 4,750m/15,600ft, Altitude gain: 400m/1,300ft, Stay in tent.
DAY 7
Auden's Col Base Camp to Khatling Glacier Camp via Auden's Col
Today will be the longest, toughest and exquisite. For days you were hoping to cross Auden's col and today it will be done. Start by walking on the moraine, you can see Rudgragaira glacier on the right. There are a couple of snow-laden ridges following. Based on the snow level you might be instructed to wear crampons. After crossing the last ridge you will climb up a little to enter the gully. Altitude: Auden’s Col 5,490m/18,000ft, Altitude: Khatling Glacier 5000m/16,400ft, Altitude gain: 750m/2,500ft, Stay in tent.
Today will be the longest, toughest and exquisite. For days you were hoping to cross Auden's col and today it will be done. Start by walking on the moraine, you can see Rudgragaira glacier on the right. There are a couple of snow-laden ridges following. Based on the snow level you might be instructed to wear crampons. After crossing the last ridge you will climb up a little to enter the gully. Altitude: Auden’s Col 5,490m/18,000ft, Altitude: Khatling Glacier 5000m/16,400ft, Altitude gain: 750m/2,500ft, Stay in tent.
DAY 8
Khatling Glacier Camp to Zero Point/Waterfall Camp
Another long and tough day. Today we will continue on the rest of the Khatling glacier to arrive at Zero Point camp. The initial 50 m is a steep descent. Watch your steps. The trail will be covered with snow. Climb down the glacier for another 2 km to reach moraines. The trail is filled with loose rocks and scree. The route is also exposed and you can see black ice, icefall and big ice formations. You will also have to find a way through crevasses. From the end of Khatling glacier from the snout, Bhilangnariver originates. Cross the last section of the rockfall and boulder section to reach the campsite. Altitude: Zero Point 3,900m/12,800ft, Altitude loss: 1,100m/ 3,600ft, Stay in tent.
Another long and tough day. Today we will continue on the rest of the Khatling glacier to arrive at Zero Point camp. The initial 50 m is a steep descent. Watch your steps. The trail will be covered with snow. Climb down the glacier for another 2 km to reach moraines. The trail is filled with loose rocks and scree. The route is also exposed and you can see black ice, icefall and big ice formations. You will also have to find a way through crevasses. From the end of Khatling glacier from the snout, Bhilangnariver originates. Cross the last section of the rockfall and boulder section to reach the campsite. Altitude: Zero Point 3,900m/12,800ft, Altitude loss: 1,100m/ 3,600ft, Stay in tent.
DAY 9 Rest Day
This is a purposefully added day for resting. After all the strainful and amazing trek experiences, take rest for this day. This day can be also used as a buffer day in case of unfavorable situations.
DAY 10
Waterfall Camp/ Zero Point to Chowki
After the rest day, you will be full-energized to start a wonderful day. Today will be a nice and pleasant walk through meadows. Continue walking along the valley for 3 km. You will be crossing a wooden bridge on the fiercely flowing Bhilangariver. After that, the lush meadow will welcome you. You can take a break here to relax on the beautiful meadows. Keep walking for another 4km to the next campsite. The Chowki campsite is a beautiful setup on the huge grasslands between big mountains.
Altitude: Chowki 3,500m/11,500ft, Altitude Loss: 400m/1,300ft, Stay in tent.
After the rest day, you will be full-energized to start a wonderful day. Today will be a nice and pleasant walk through meadows. Continue walking along the valley for 3 km. You will be crossing a wooden bridge on the fiercely flowing Bhilangariver. After that, the lush meadow will welcome you. You can take a break here to relax on the beautiful meadows. Keep walking for another 4km to the next campsite. The Chowki campsite is a beautiful setup on the huge grasslands between big mountains.
Altitude: Chowki 3,500m/11,500ft, Altitude Loss: 400m/1,300ft, Stay in tent.
Day 11 Chowki to Masar Tal
Today you will gain a little height to reach the crystal, Masar Tal. The day will be rejuvenated by clear views of Thalay Sagar peak. The trail begins with a small ascent showing sights of Thalaysagar. You cross another few ridges. You will also cross a stream until you reach the beautiful Masar Tal. The lake reflects the scenery around it thousand times. You will be lucky to camp beside this lake.
Altitude: Masar Tal 3,750m/12,300ft, Altitude gain: 250m/800ft, Stay in tent
Altitude: Masar Tal 3,750m/12,300ft, Altitude gain: 250m/800ft, Stay in tent
Day 12
Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass
Be excited because today you will visit another and the last pass of the trek, Mayali pass. The trail starts with a climb up over boulders to the Masar top. A climb up for another 45 minutes is needed to reach the base of the pass. This point is outstanding in terms of beauty. There is a lake which is at times semi-frozen with icebergs floating on its surface. After this a long walk is followed. The trail is somewhat flat and gradual. You will also be crossing crevasses just like at Khatling but a lot easier. The top of the pass gives a feeling of victory. Enjoy for a moment then start to descend. The climbing down trail is filled with boulders and is steep. Before this you may spot the Peenya Tal twin lakes. Keep walking ahead to reach the Vasuki Tal.
Altitude: Mayali Pass 5,000m/16,400ft, Altitude: Vasuki Tal 4,200m/13,800ft, Altitude gain: 1,250m/4,100ft, Stay in tent.
Be excited because today you will visit another and the last pass of the trek, Mayali pass. The trail starts with a climb up over boulders to the Masar top. A climb up for another 45 minutes is needed to reach the base of the pass. This point is outstanding in terms of beauty. There is a lake which is at times semi-frozen with icebergs floating on its surface. After this a long walk is followed. The trail is somewhat flat and gradual. You will also be crossing crevasses just like at Khatling but a lot easier. The top of the pass gives a feeling of victory. Enjoy for a moment then start to descend. The climbing down trail is filled with boulders and is steep. Before this you may spot the Peenya Tal twin lakes. Keep walking ahead to reach the Vasuki Tal.
Altitude: Mayali Pass 5,000m/16,400ft, Altitude: Vasuki Tal 4,200m/13,800ft, Altitude gain: 1,250m/4,100ft, Stay in tent.
Day 13 Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath
Finally the day has arrived that will end at the mighty Kedarnath. It is one of the Char Dhaams and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It has a lot of prime importance in Indian religion. First, start with an ascent to Vasuki Tal top. The trail is a boulder filled ridge walk.
Altitude: 3,550m/11,600ft, Altitude loss: 1,450m/4,800ft, Stay in guest house.
Altitude: 3,550m/11,600ft, Altitude loss: 1,450m/4,800ft, Stay in guest house.
Day 14 Kedarnath to Gaurikund
This is the final stroll of the thrilling day. It is a complete long climb down of 14kms. The trail is easy and well-marked. Try to engulf the most from the last day in the mountains.
Altitude: Gaurikund 1,950m/6400ft, Altitude loss: 1,450m/4,800ft, Stay in guest house.
Altitude: Gaurikund 1,950m/6400ft, Altitude loss: 1,450m/4,800ft, Stay in guest house.
Day 15 Gaurikund to Dehradun
The last day of the trek has arrived. You will be boarding your vehicle taking you back to Dehradun. Collect a lot of memories and promise to come back again.
What's included and What's excluded
What's included
- Accommodation – Guest House, Homestay,Camping
- Meals - 3 times a day; veg./egg only (includes freshly-cooked meals, snacks, tea /coffee/soup, etc.)
- Permit Charges in National Parks and Sanctuaries as part of the experience
- Camping Equipment - sleeping bags, mattresses
- Technical and Safety Equipment - Wilderness Medical Kit, Ice Axe, Microspikes,Climbing Rope, Climbing accessories, Oxygen Cylinder, BP Meter,oximeter,thermometer etc.
- Highly Experienced Outdoor Instructor : Grade A in Advanced Mountaineering course
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified from NOLS
- Mules to carry group equipment
- Transport from Dehradun to Dehradun
What's excluded
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
- If anyone leaves the trek against the schedule (unable to complete or dropping out for any reason)
- Any extra demand like personal guide, personal porter, personal vehicle
- Food during transit to and from the base camp
- During travelling from Dehradoon breakfast and lunch is not included
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “What's included”.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- All participants are expected to have a fitness level, stamina and the ability to sustain harsh environments.
- Every trekker will have to undergo a temperature and other vitals check every day.
- Do weigh your gears post packing. It should not exceed the range of 10-12 kg – preferably on the lighter side.
NOTE
- Normally we expect you to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don't wish to carry it ,you can opt for offloading.
- Offloading charges : Rs.650/ day / 10kg bag
- Incase buffer day is used, Rs.2800 per person / day will be charged.
- The backpack cannot weigh more than 10 kgs. Backpack should have a waterproof cover. Suitcases/ strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
How to reach
Rail Head
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi
Nandadevi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival - 5:40am)
Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure - 9:10pm; Arrival - 5:00am)
Bus
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trustworthy.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station
You will reach Gangotri by 5:00 pm
Airport
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun.
Trek essentials
PREPARATION GUIDE
- Have some previous trekking experience.
- Weight train the body. Walk uphill or stairs steps with a weighted back pack.
- Strength training for the lower body and core. Do planks, crunches and cycling.
- Trekking to Audens Col requires a fit body and a conscious mind. One needs to be exercising regularly for the past 3-4 months.
- Any high altitude trek requires you to build a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. Jogging is the best exercise to increase your stamina.
- You need strong legs to successfully finish a high altitude trek. Squats are the best way to build leg strength quickly,especially your thighs, glutes and knees.
- For detailed advice and coordination, we’ ll have a WhatsApp group.
Our Gallery
