Max Altitude
18,000 FT
Grade
Difficult
Duration
15 Days
Trekking KM.
95 KM
Suitable for: | 15+ years |
Experience: | Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 1 treks of 5,000m/16,400ft. |
Fitness: | Sufficient stamina to cover 6 km of distance in 30 minutes |
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Trek Info
Audens Col might not be as popular but is prominent in Indian Literature and Mountaineering. It has an elevation of 5242m which separates Jogin I and Gangotri III peaks. It also connects Rudragaira and Bhilangna valley. Not only that, the Col lies between huge glacier namely Khatling and Jogin I. The Pass was discovered by John Bicknell Auden, a geologist and explorer. He was the first to cross the pass from Rudragiara side and descended to Kedarnath in 1939. Hence, the pass got its name. With such abundance around it, one gets to witness the thrill of going on a Mountaineering expedition. It also has a importance in Mountaineering world.
After crossing the pass if one continues then the trek ends at Kedarnath. Yes, the Char Dham and one of 12 Jyotirlingas. Therefore, Audens col is not only high pass crossing trek but it literally the pass between one Char DhamGangotri to the other Kedarnath. In doing so, there come stunning crystal lakes namelySukhatal, Masar Tal, Vasuki Tal. If there are lakes how can meadows lag behind? All the early campsites are a marvelous setup on vast grasslands beside Rudragiara and Bhilangna rivers.
And the astonishment does not end here. While the spectacles are out of the world, one has to negotiate deep fears when it comes to walking on the high ridge, knee-deep snow and big crevasses. The route is most of the time steep and involves walking through thick snow carpet and loose rocks. The descending path from the Audens col towards Khatling glacier is considered dreadful, with huge crevasses to dry out your throat.
Yes, Audens col is the toughest trek. But with each challenge, the trek promises to astound with remarkable views. It has all the elements of a good Himalayan trek and a Mountaineering expedition.
Note:-
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.
Gangotri is also situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi. It is one of the Char Dhams, hence, it sees a huge crowd of pilgrims in March and April. There are also many foreigners visiting. You can also roam in the market and get acquainted the locals. But, leave that for the next day and rest in your hotel.
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.
After good acclimatization stay in Gangotri get walking towards Nala Camp. The trek will of 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.
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 crossing and landslide crossing. 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 Rudragaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col pass. After a strenuous day rest in your tents at Rudragaira camp.
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.
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 a 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 descend ahead.
Now climb down to Gangotri Base camp. After a climb, you will be welcomed by SukhaTaal. It is a surprise element of the trek. Base Camp is on flat moraine surface. From the camp, you can see the gully leading to Auden's Col.
Today will be the longest, toughest and exquisite. Since days you were hoping of crossing Auden's col and today it will be done. Start by walking on the moraine, you can see Rudgragaira glacier on the right. There is 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.
The flat ground that comes next is used as Advanced camping site. The climb up henceforth requires roping up. When you are the Auden's pass you can see many crevasses, you might have to cross over a one or two. Therefore, follow your guide's footsteps. The snow level also may increase to knee-deep. At this height, it becomes difficult to walk. With Jogin and Gangotri peaks towering on the sides the Auden's col looks exceptional.
The views on the other side are even more stunning. You can see Khatling Glacier and its crevasses giving an instant wave of fear. The climb down is extremely steep with 70 degrees slope. The descend is scary after comes a flat glacier ground. You will be camping on this moraine land of Khatling glacier.
Another longest 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 steep descend. 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 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.
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 unfavourable situations.
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.
Today you will gain a little height to reach the crystal, Masar Tal. The day will be rejuvenated by clear views of Thalaysagar peak. The trail begins with a small ascend 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.
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 ice bergs 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 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.
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 a ascend to Vasuki Tal top. The trail is boulder filled ridge walk.
After this point there is a steep descend continuously. You will be excited to finally see the greenland. The Kedarnath village beside Mandakiniriver looks serene. Enjoy your evening with the blessing of Lord Shiva.
This is the final stroll of the thrilling day. It is a complete long climb down of 14kms. The trail is an easy and well-marked. Try to engulf the most from the last day in the mountains.
Note:-
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.
First of all everyone has to reach Dehradun, after that TTH will take care of your further travel plan.
Our pick-up location is Dehradun Railway Station at 06:00 AM
The distance from Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) to Railway Station is 6 km, without traffic it will take 15 minutes.
Options to reach Dehradun
1. Take an overnight train/bust to Dehradun, and then take a cab to the pickup point.
We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am positively.
2. Take flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) (25 km, 50 min), if coming by flight then come one day early.
Trekkers will be dropped at Dehradun Railway station by 06:00 PM, for onward journey from Dehradun it is advised to make arrangements after 08:00 PM.
The distance from Railway Station to Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) is 6 km, it will take approx 25 minutes.
1. Accommodation: (as per the itinerary).
• Guest houses on Day 1, Day 2, Day 13 and Day 14 (twin/triple sharing basis).
• Camping during the trek (Day3 to Day 12).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
• All meals Gangotri to Gaurikund
• Day 1 Dinner to Day 14 Dinner.
3. Trek equipments:
• Sleeping bag, Mattress, Utensils.
• Trekkers tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dinning tent, Toilet tent, Ropes, Micro spike.
4. First aid:
• Medical kits.
• Stretcher.
• Oxygen cylinder.
5. Support:
• 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader.
• Guide (Number of guides depend on the group size).
• 1 High Altitude chef.
• Support staff.
6. Transportation: (as per the itinerary)
• Dehradun Railway station to Gangotri (Day 1).
• Gaurikund to Dehradun Railway station (Day 15).
7. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals.
8. Porters to carry the central luggage.
9. Services from Dehradun railway station and return.
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Insurance.
3. Food during the transit.
4. Any kind of emergency evacuation charge, hospitalization fee or etc.
5. Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:
INR 13,600/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance.
INR 14,000/- if you inform us after reaching Base Camp.
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kg. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at info@trekthehimalayas.com At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek
Refund options
If by a rare consequence TTH calls off/cancels a trek:
At TTH, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that prevents a safe trekking experience, TTH will issue a voucher summing up to the same amount as your trek fee. The voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.
Note
In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:
As we mention always, weather conditions at high altitudes are extremely unpredictable and can change at any time of any day. Also, situations like natural calamities or political unrest, pandemics and lockdowns, etc are out of our control and if an event cannot run under any such circumstances that we do not directly have control over then we will try to give you an alternative trek, which means your trek will be shifted from one trek to another, which will be safer and more favourable.
In these cases, a voucher is issued to mitigate the difference in cost between the two treks. You can redeem the voucher at any time over a period of one year from the date of issue. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.
Note:
Cash Voucher Terms:
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
T-shirts | 4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Moisturiser |
Hand sanitizer | Antibacterial powder |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Lip balm / Chapstick |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
Neck-gaiters | 2 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Fitness regime for:
Difficult |
Calculate Your BMI :
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
BMI Range | Category |
---|---|
Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 25 | Normal |
25 - 30 | Overweight |
Customise Trek
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