Audens Col

After breakfast we drive to Gangotri via Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri). We can take a halt at Harsil, which is a small hamlet known for the Wilson’s cottage. We reach Gangotri early and can visit the famous pilgrimage. We stay in a guest house at Gangotri.

A picturesque gradual Climb amidst pine and birch wooded landscapes will end at the campsite at Nala. The campsite is Picturesque and is juxtaposed by the banks of River Rudragaira. This is our first spot for overnight camping that also gives us our first Glimpse of the Gangotri III peak.

This Day we start our Trek towards the Rudragaira Basecamp crossing some beautiful green meadows along the trail towards the camp site. The highlights of this part of the trek are its Rocky trails sometimes challenging, crossing gurgling river and some steep climbs. Camp site offers views of Rudugaira peak, Gangotri I, Gangotri II, Gangotri III, and Jogin I.

The trail continues to be intermittently challenging till the Gangotri Group Basecamp. As the name suggest this campsite offers one of the most Stunning views of The Group of Gangotri Peaks I, II and III. We camp here overnight. During the days of clear skies one can get a Glimpse of Auden’s Col from this point.

The day has been reserved for rest and acclimatisation.

This trail is extremely challenging with Moraine making it more difficult for trekking. A moraine is any glacially formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris ( regolith and rock) that occurs in both currently and formerly glaciated regions on Earth. We need to nourish our body for facing the challenge for this day’s trek. Camping overnight.

We start early by 5:00am, as the first part of the trek to Auden’s Col is the most challenging trails on this route. However the trails offers some magnificent views at the pass. Rope are required to be fixed to cross this part of the pass. Descend to Khalting and covered with scre and ice so might require rappelling. At the base of the descent, a deep crevasse runs all along and a couple of snow bridges. After descend, it is a long roped walk through crevasse infested Khatling glacier. Khatling Glacier Camp site offers amazing views of virgin unknown pass and valley on the west side. We camp overnight here.

The trails remains full of Moraine and gradually decends towards riverside. As it is a difficult decend requires technical equipment and Professional supervision. We camp by the river tonite. The sound of water sooths the tired body and mind as we recuperate for the next day. We camp by the riverside overnight.

The trail runs along the river-side for about 3-4 kms before it reaches an open green meadow. Chowki if further 4 kms approximately from here that leads to a beautiful campsite. We camp here overnight.

Masar Tal is one of the most isolated lakes in Garhwal region in Tehri , Bhilangana river being the source of its survival. The lake has been surrounded with mesmerizing meadows, snow clad mountains and dense green woods. Overnight camping besides the lake.

This trek from one Tal ( Lake) to the other is a rather interesting one. Vasuki Tal is a sweet water Glacial Lake near Kedarnath. One can witness some exclusive Himalayan Flora and fauna around the placid Lake , Brahma Kamal being one of them. Vasuki Tal is located in Kedarnath Widlife Santuary. We camp here for the night.

Kedarnath is one of the most worshipped and popular divine destinations in the Himalayan ranges. The temple of Kedarnath is the highlight of this place. The name “Kedarnath” means “the lord of the field”: it derives from the Sanskrit words “kedara”(field) and “natha”(lord). Close to the source of River Mandakini and open green field pastures set against the backdrop of the Snowclad Himalayan peaks is an experience of a lifetime. There are options for Guest houses and Hotel stay as this place sees a lot of tourists and piligrims. Enjoy the visit to the temple and spend a relaxing night in a hotel with spectacular views.

Gaurikund is the basecamp for Kedarnath. The decent has a well defined path however the distance is more hence we need to start early in the morning. Gaurikund also is the last road access point for Kedarnath trek. We board the vehicle to Drive towards RudraPrayag. Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag(five confluences) of Alaknanda River, the point of confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Stay overnight at a Hotel enjoying picturesque views of the town along the river banks.

We start our drive towards Dehradun , the concluding destination for this TrillingAdventure of Auden’s Col Trek. We arrive to Dehradun early evening.