Auden's Col Trek FAQs

Auden’s Col is situated in Gangotri National Park. It comes in the Uttarkashi district of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state.

Ans:- Auden’s Col is located at a breathtaking altitude of 5,490 mts above the sea level.

Ans:-Auden's Col Expedition is a difficult trek by all means and often classified as an expedition considering its length and terrain. Auden’s Col should be approached by experienced trekkers/mountaineers who have prior high altitude experience and a team of experienced organizers who have done this trek. You need to have strong physical endurance and mental strength to complete this expedition.

Ans:-Experience of at least 2-3 challenging treks ranging from 4500-5500mts and basic knowledge of using technical equipments will do you good while approaching Auden’s Col. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital and insurance of the team and porters is highly recommended for an expedition of such kind.

Here is the list of some important skills to do Auden’s Col trek.

• How to use an Ice Axe
• How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
• How to rope up & follow queued  climbing/descending
• How to self-arrest using an ice axe
• Knowledge of Basic First aid
• Understanding acclimatization

Yes, most experienced high altitude guides who have done both these expeditions consider Auden’s Col as more notorious and challenging. That being said, KalindiKhal is in no way to be treated lightly.

There is a very short window every year to do Auden’s Col successfully. June and September are the best months to do the Auden's Col Trek and the most successful pass crossings have been done during these 02 months only.

Gangotri and Kedarnath network coverage of BSNL, JIO and at times Airtel. There will be no network in the wilderness and on glacial terrains.

There are some  attraction points which you can explore when in Gangotri, which simultaneously acclimatizing for the trek:

• Gangotri  Temple: Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage  circuit
• BhagirathShila is believed to be the holy rock where King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva.

PandavaGufa, located 1.5 km from Gangotri, is the place where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated and rested en route Kailash. Pilgrims will have to trek up to the PandavaGufa.  

Ans:-The minimum age limit is 18 years for an expedition of such kind. However, prior high altitude experience is very much required.

This trek offers magnificent views of peaks such as Rudragaira, Gangotri I, II and III, Jogin I, II and III, Bhagirathi group of peaks, Kedar Dome, Bharti Kuntha, Thalaysagar, Mandani Peak, KirtiStambh and more.

Ans:- Even seasoned hikers take atleast 12 days to complete this trek. We recommend keeping buffer days extra in case of bad weather.

Yes, permits are very much required for you to venture into Rudragaira Valley to complete Auden’s Col Trek as it comes inside the delicate ecology of Gangotri National Park.

Yes, we do organise Auden’s Col Expedition in accordance with safety standards and with a team of experienced staff.

Gangotri is the base of Auden’s Col trek.

Auden’s Col Trek begins from Gangotri in any case, but there are multiple  itineraries you can follow:

Gangotri – Kedar Tal – PatanginiDhar – Auden's Col –  Khatling Glacier – Mayali Pass – Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath – Gaurikund(This being a triple pass expedition and one of the  most rigorous itinerary you can follow) (14 days)

Gangotri – Rudragaira BC – Auden's Col – Khatling  Glacier – Chowki – Ghuttu (This trek  ends in Tehri Garhwal region following the Bhilangana River) (10 days)

The trekkers will stay in a guesthouse at Gangotri and during treks, we need to camp on diverse terrains. 3 to 4 Season tents are recommended for Auden's Col Expedition.