'Fixed departures' are assured departures that will start on the given date as per the given itinerary.
Early in the morning we start our drive from Dehradun to reach Gangnani. This place is famous for its natural hot water spring baths. Guests can take bath in them. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.
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.
When humans set their feet and eyes on the Himalaya, it is a romantic meeting between the Earth´s youngest species and the earth´s youngest mountain. As the Himalayan mountains have developed on Earth, the evolution of humans has also been accompanied by the making of an inner Himalaya. Every human has a Himalaya within himself or herself. It is the peak of human potential and challenge as well as a place of silence and peace. Our Journey started in the humble roots & persistent efforts of an authentic mountain trek leader, Bachan Rana, who founded Himalaya Shelter, after he had to forego his long journey as a Trek Leader at one of the finest Outdoor Activities organizer in India, in 2013, following Kedarnath Disaster which led to dwindling tourist influx, crippling the tourism sector in Uttarakhand.
A. Booking Terms
1. If booked more than 30 days before the trip start date, advance of 10% of the total booking value is payable at the time of booking. Balance amount shall be paid no later than 30 days before the trip start date.
2. If booked less than 30 days prior to the trip start date, the full booking value is due at the time of booking.
3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
1. If cancelled more than 30 days before the trip start date, the advance shall be refunded net of a 5% transaction fee.
2. If cancelled after full payment between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
3. If cancelled less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, the booking amount shall not be refundable.
In the event you opt for Refundable Booking, click here to read the terms and conditions for claiming a refund.
C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package 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 the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
The Auden’s Col expedition is unarguably one of the most difficult and least-explored treks across the Garhwal Himalayas. So, if you wish to challenge your limits and embark on a difficult yet non-technical journey in the Himalayas, Auden’s Col Trek is the perfect one for you. The treacherous terrain consisting of massive boulders, endless glaciers and moraines, deep crevasses, narrow cliffs, and rugged mountain ridges will challenge trekkers with considerable high-altitude expedition experiences. But all these hardships will be meaningful once you reach the Auden’s Col pass and get the unearthly views of the Khatling Glacier and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Gangotri, Jogin, and Bhagirathi group. Camping amidst the wilderness and greenery of the Bhilangana valley is also worth a lifetime’s chance.
The most crucial consideration for Auden’s Col Trek is your experience and expertise in high-altitude mountain expeditions. To accomplish this level of difficulty, you should have enough understanding of such challenging expeditions.
Next in line comes your fitness level. The crossover trail through passes has a maximum altitude of 5490 meters, and the total distance is 95 kilometers. This difficult trek is also quite long, with a duration of 15 days. Every day, you need to cover at least 7 to 8 kilometers and gain a good amount of altitude - around 2500 meters within five days. To keep up with the terrain that is full of surprises at each step, you need to be immensely fit, both physically and mentally. Therefore, you should prepare ideally for this high-altitude expedition with a combination of distance and speed targets.
To increase your cardiovascular endurance for this trip, you should start with brisk jogging, skipping, running over undulating terrain, cycling, swimming, and gradually increase your stamina. Stair climbing for hours also helps build cardiovascular endurance, stamina, balance, and lower body strength. Try reaching a target of climbing three storeys with ten reps within 15 minutes by the 3rd week of the stair climbing regime. Before the start of the trek, you should be able to cover at least 10 kilometers within an hour or less on foot or cycle at the pace of 25 kilometers per hour. Strength training for your core and legs is critical since you will be doing all the hard work with backpacks. Thus, start with three sets of squats with eight squats per set and try reaching a target of 4 sets of squats with 20 squats per set within three weeks. Since it is crucial to arrive at the slopes with your muscles relaxed, you should work on your flexibility by stretching your shoulders, hamstrings, lower back muscles, quadriceps, hip flexors regularly.
But one of the essential criteria of training is the mental part, which most people miss out on. Since the Auden’s Col expedition is a high-altitude one with a tremendously challenging terrain full of hazards at each step, there could be unexpected problems springing up every now and then. Also, there is the possibility of AMS. Thus, your mental resolve should be rock-solid. One good way of keeping yourself motivated in the time of difficulty is thinking about the accomplishments that lie ahead. Regular meditation and restorative practices like yoga help with both physical and psychological conditioning.
Your gear guide and packing list are also essential for the Auden’s Col Trek. The bare necessities are a pair of high-quality and sturdy hiking boots with good grip as there will be a lot of loose soil, moraines, rocks, and boulders on your path. Good quality and robust walking sticks or poles and a 50-60 liter backpack with a strong frame, comfortable straps, and rain cover come next in the list of essential equipment.
You should have four layers of warm clothes consisting of thermal inner, full-sleeve, quick-dry t-shirts, two light fleece jackets, and one heavy, padded shell jacket. Carry extra pairs of quick-dry hiking pants and full-sleeve, quick-dry t-shirts for the trek. Since the climatic conditions in these high altitudes are prone to change drastically, carry a waterproof poncho. Your mandatory pieces of accessory should include sunglasses, suncap, synthetic, water-resistant fleece or woolen hand gloves, extra pairs of socks, balaclava, headlamps, torches, etc., apart from the trekking poles and backpacks.
Carry water bottles to avoid littering the Himalayas with disposable plastic. You can refill these at suitable places. Women should bring back the sanitary wastes like sanitary napkins in ziplock pouches to the plains or use menstrual cups instead. Amongst the other essential toiletries, you should carry lip balm, sunscreen, moisturizers, hand sanitizers, extra toilet papers and wet wipes, light and quick-dry towels, toothpaste and toothbrush, etc. Carry a personal medical kit as well as a first-aid box.
The best time to visit Auden’s Col is during the pre-monsoon/summers between May and June and post-monsoon/autumn between September and October. The latter has more reliable weather conditions and clear skies for good views. One of the most critical trip considerations is the Auden’s Col Trek cost. It is a very expensive trek, even if you travel with the most cost-effective tour operator or travel agency. Thus, you need to plan your finances in advance if you want to embark on Auden’s Col Trek.
If you face any emergency during any adventures in Uttarakhand and the northern parts of the country, you should contact the following:
- Uttarakhand Glacier burst helpline- 1070/9557444486
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 108/102
- Fire: 101
- Child helpline: 1098
- Women helpline: 1090
- NDMA (Disaster management): 1070/1078/9711077372
- Anti poison helpline- 011-1066 (Delhi)
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