Auden’s Col Expedition

Auden’s Col Expedition: The Ultimate Gangotri to Kedarnath Traverse

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri

• Distance: ~250 km | 9–10 hours drive
• Early morning departure from Dehradun
• Drive along Bhagirathi River with deep valley views
• Pass Uttarkashi, Harsil, pine forests, and river gorges

Experience:

• Gradual altitude gain from plains to high Himalayas
• First Himalayan cold exposure and river valley ecosystems

Arrival at Gangotri (3,415 m):

• Check-in and acclimatization walk near temple zone
• Gear sorting and expedition briefing

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

Day 2: Gangotri → Nala Camp

• Altitude: 3,750 m | Distance: 8 km | 6–7 hours trek

Route:

• Entry after Gangotri forest permits
• Leave pilgrimage trail into Rudugaira Valley
• Pine and birch forests dominate early sections

Terrain:

• Gradual ascent with river crossings
• Narrow forest trails and rocky patches

Experience:

• First wilderness camping away from civilization

Accommodation: Alpine tents

Day 3: Nala Camp → Rudugaira Camp

• Altitude: 4,350 m | Distance: 7 km | 7–8 hours trek

Terrain shift:

• Forest ends → alpine zone begins
• Moraine ridges, boulder fields, glacial streams

Experience:

• Snow peaks dominate skyline
• Cold winds and reduced oxygen levels begin affecting pace

Accommodation: Alpine tents

Day 4: Acclimatization at Rudugaira Camp

• Full rest + active acclimatization

Training:

• Rope handling and knots
• Ice axe arrest practice
• Crampon walking techniques
• Crevasse safety awareness

Health checks:

• Oxygen saturation monitoring
• Hydration and energy intake tracking

Accommodation: Alpine tents

Day 5: Rudugaira Camp → Auden’s Col Base Camp

• Altitude: 4,750 m | Distance: 8 km | 6–7 hours trek

Terrain:

• Loose moraine, steep ridges, unstable scree
• Entry into permanent snow zone approaches

Experience:

• Base Camp set below Col wall
• Weather-dependent route planning begins

Accommodation: Expedition alpine tents

Day 6: Auden’s Col Summit Push → Khatling Glacier Camp

• Col: 5,500 m | Camp: 5,000 m
• Distance: 12 km | 10–12 hours trek

Technical climb:

• Midnight start (1–2 AM)
• Rope teams move in fixed intervals
• Steep ice wall ascent with crampons

Hazards:

• Crevasses hidden under snow bridges
• Avalanche-prone slopes
• Whiteout risk

Summit experience:

• 360° Himalayan panorama (Gangotri–Kedarnath ranges)

Descent:

• Technical down-climb into Khatling Glacier
• Exhausting glacier crossing to camp

Accommodation: Glacier expedition tents

Day 7: Khatling Glacier → Waterfall Camp

• Altitude: 3,900 m | Distance: 11 km | 9–10 hours trek

Terrain:

• Massive glacier field
• Ice pinnacles, crevasses, moraine debris

Experience:

• Transition from extreme ice to mixed valley terrain
• Waterfall Camp offers relative warmth and safety

Accommodation: Alpine tents

Day 8: Rest Day at Waterfall Camp

• Mandatory recovery day

Activities:

• Muscle recovery and hydration
• Equipment inspection
• Route briefing for second pass (Mayali Pass)

Mental reset:

• Preparation for second technical crossing

Accommodation: Alpine tents

Day 9: Waterfall Camp → Chowki

• Altitude: 3,500 m | Distance: 8 km | 5–6 hours trek

Terrain:

• Bhilangna River valley
• Alpine meadows replace glacier terrain

Experience:

• Easier walking phase begins
• Gradual oxygen improvement

Accommodation: Alpine tents

Day 10: Chowki → Masar Tal

• Altitude: 3,750 m | Distance: 8 km | 5–6 hours trek

Route:

• Steep ridge ascent
• Narrow alpine paths with valley drop views

Arrival:

• Sacred high-altitude lake Masar Tal

Experience:

• Peaceful campsite surrounded by peaks

Accommodation: Alpine tents near lake

Day 11: Cross Mayali Pass → Vasuki Tal

• Pass: 5,000 m | Camp: 4,200 m
• Distance: 12 km | 7–9 hours trek

Climb:

• Snowfields and rock slabs
• Final steep push to Mayali Pass ridge

Summit:

• Panoramic Himalayan view of Garhwal ranges

Descent:

• Long downhill to Vasuki Tal
• Sacred alpine lake environment

Accommodation: Alpine tents

Day 12: Vasuki Tal → Kedarnath

• Altitude: 3,500 m | Distance: 7 km | 3–5 hours trek

Route:

• Final descent into Kedarnath valley
• First view of Kedarnath temple from distance

Experience:

• Emotional completion of trans-Himalayan crossing
• Spiritual conclusion at Kedarnath Dham

Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse (Kedarnath or descent zone)

Day 13: Drive Sonprayag → Haridwar

• Long descent drive through Mandakini valley
• River confluences and pilgrimage towns en route

Trip ends:

• Arrival at Haridwar by evening
• Expedition completion and departure

Rental Gear List (Pre-booking required)

• Trekking Poles: ₹200 (adjustable) / ₹150 (fixed)
• RainPoncho: ₹200
• Flask: ₹300
• Gloves: ₹150/₹250
• LunchBox&Tiffin Boxes: ₹250
• Headlamps: ₹150
• Extra WarmJackets: ₹550
• Trekking Shoes: ₹550
• Trekking Pants: ₹450

Note: Reserve rental gear in advance. Rental fees may apply.

Inclusions

• Transport: Dehradun – Harsil – Gangotri – Dehradun
• Accommodation: 2 nights in Harsil Cottage, 3 nights in tents (Double/Triple sharing)
• Meals as per itinerary (veg only)
• Certified trek leader, guides, support staff
• Camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, mattresses
• All necessary permits and forest fees
• First aid kit, oxygen cylinder
• Mules/porters for common gear

Exclusions

• Personal expenses (tips, shopping, etc.)
• Bottled water or aerated drinks
• Insurance, emergency evacuation, and rescue
• Any meals not mentioned above
• Personal trekking gear (available on rent)
• Porter for personal luggage (available at extra cost)
• Anything not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’