Audens Col

Audens Col

TREK DIFFICULTY

Difficult

TREK DURATION

14 Days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

18,000 Feet

GROUP SIZE

12

TREK DISTANCE

96 Km

BASECAMP

Auden's Col, Uttarakhand

BEST TIME

June to September

PICKUP POINT

Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

Auden's Col Trek Overview

A challenging trekking destination that qualifies onto every Trekker's bucket list is Auden's Col Trek. Auden's Col is one of the Highest Mountain passes . It spans between the valleys of Rudragaira and Bhilangana in Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 5490 meters. The pass is named after John Bicknell Auden of the Geological Survey of India, who first discovered it in 1935 and crossed it in 1939. This Trek tests ones Physical Endurance and bodily limits and hence falls under the category of one of the most difficult treks to conquer. It is ideal to have a prior trekking experience not just to accent toward high altitude but also to have Physical fitness to acclimatize to the high Altitude.

Auden's Col trek promises one of the most rewarding and spectacular views of the Himalayan Ranges for the adventure seekers. The trek to Auden's Col starts from Gangotri situated in Uttarkashi District in the State of Uttarakhand. As per the lengend, Lord Shiva is said to have released the almighty Ganga free from his Hair Locks at this point, thus the origin of Ganga. However, the river is called Bhagirathi at its source. It acquires the name Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda . Gangotri serves to be a Major pilgrimage location for Hindus as it houses Gangotri Temple believed to be the seat of Goddess Ganga. Gangotri forms an important starting point for Auden's Col Trek for body acclimatization at an altitude of 3100 meters.

The Route towards Auden Col's Trek follows the series of basecamping destinations in the order of Nala -Rudragaira-Gangotri Group and Auden's Col. While the path keeps getting tougher as one ascends towards the Pass, it sure offers some difficult trekking terrains encountered with steep and rocky climbs, Moraine landscapes and Crevasses needing Professional guidance to cross. The Views along this trail are beyond what words could describe. With Auden's Col being the highlight amongst the Group of Gangotri Peaks I, II and III being visible and slowly unfolding their magnificence to the approaching trekker. The Campsite during the Descend from Auden's Col pass is extremely rewarding with some of the Main highlights being the campsites along Masar and Vasuki Tal and visit to the famous Kedarnath Temple. The experience is packed with encounters with some wild Himalayan Flaura and Fauna, Green meadows and some Breathtaking Himalayan views. Thanking Lord Shiva for his blessings that help you endure and Conquer this challenging terrain, this trek gradually culminates and adapts you comfortably back to the road well-travelled as you hail goodbye to the witnessed Journey of a Lifetime!!

Trekker On Auden's Col Trek
Trekker On Auden's Col Trek

​Best Time To Visit The Auden’s Col Trek

Auden’s Col Trek From Late May To June

This is the best time to plan your Audens Col Trek. The snow starts melting, and the lower altitude trails open to the trekkers. The glaciers remain stable and firm. The weather usually remains clear, and the meadows start turning green. This is a good time as the days start getting warmer.

​Auden’s Col Trek From July To Early September

Monsoon is not a good time for trekking to Auden’s Col Pass. You can face landslides in various locations. River crossings also become dangerous, and the glaciers become unsafe to trek.

​Auden’s Col Trek From Mid-September To Early October

Post-monsoon is also a good time for Audens Col Trek. The trail starts drying, and the sky remains clear. Visibility is excellent in autumn. You will see less snow, and the glacier crossing will become safer.

​Auden’s Col Trek From November To April

A winter trek to Audens Col is not possible. The pass became inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. The temperature remains very low even in the daytime. Winter is not a good time for this trek.

Travel Tips And Safety Guidelines

Prepare Yourself

Start building your stamina at least 2 months before the trek. You should do regular running and good cardio exercises. Do squats and lunges to strengthen your legs. Practice walking on stairs with a backpack. Plan small hikes every weekend.

Trekking Experience

Auden’s Col Trek is not easy. You should only plan Auden’s Col Trek when you have good experience in 4500 m Himalayan treks. Basic mountaineer training can be very helpful to cross the technical sections.

Pack Smartly

The trek is two weeks long, and you may need lots of items. Pack your bag smartly, as you have to carry your bag on your own on the trek. You can share items if you are trekking with friends. Pack only essentials to keep your bag manageable.

Proper Acclimatization

You must spend 1-2 days for proper acclimatization. Enjoy the Harsil valley and a good rest. Keep yourself hydrated and do not drink alcohol. Take a good nap at night and do some basic exercise in the morning before starting trekking.

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