Sachin Lama
Founder & Lead Expedition Leader
NIM Advanced Mountaineering (Grade A) · Wilderness First Responder · guiding since 2013
REMOTE JOURNEY STANDARD
Auden's Col Trek (5,490 m)
If you’re ready to push beyond standard high-altitude treks and explore one of Uttarakhand’s most thrilling glacier crossings, Auden’s Col offers an unmatched adventure.
Published price₹ 99,999 + 5% GSTFinal amount for your dates confirmed in a written quote
Reply within 24 hoursNo payment to enquireWritten quote before you pay
Altitude5,490 m
Duration16 Days
SeasonMay to June & September to October
GradeDifficult
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
Who the Auden's Col Trek suits
A committed Himalayan journey for experienced trekkers who value remote terrain, sound preparation and a capable field team.
What you need to join
- Previous multi-day Himalayan treks, ideally with a night above 4,500 m.
- Strong endurance for long days on loose moraine and snow.
- A signed medical fitness certificate before your booking is confirmed.
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
THE ROUTE
Auden's Col Trek route overview
The Auden's Col Trek is a 16-day expedition-style high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand that reaches 5,490 m. Kailasa grades it Difficult. The best time to go is May to June & September to October. The published price with Kailasa Treks is ₹ 99,999 + 5% GST.
If you’re ready to push beyond standard high-altitude treks and explore one of Uttarakhand’s most thrilling glacier crossings, Auden’s Col offers an unmatched adventure. Situated in the heart of the Garhwal Himalaya at an elevation of 5,490 meters, Auden’s Col is a spectacular high-altitude pass that links the Gangotri and Kedar Valley regions. Its icy slopes, rugged ridges, and sweeping glacial terrain command respect from the very first glance.
Auden’s Col lies along the route to several iconic Garhwal peaks and glacial systems, including peaks like Nilkanth and Thalay Sagar. Unlike typical trekking trails, the Col demands precise navigation, steady acclimatization, and the ability to tackle crevasses, seracs, and unstable snowfields. Its dramatic ice walls, knife-edge ridges, and unpredictable weather conditions make it a dream for trekkers and mountaineers seeking a serious challenge.
This high-altitude pass has long been a testing ground for trekkers who want to experience the true spirit of Himalayan expeditions. The route is technically moderate to advanced and requires endurance, careful teamwork, and respect for the fragile glacier environment. First crossed in the mid-20th century, Auden’s Col continues to challenge adventurers with sudden storms, deep snow, and shifting glacier terrain that changes every season.
Due to its demanding nature, the Auden’s Col Expedition is suitable only for experienced trekkers. Participants should have prior high-altitude trekking experience (preferably above 4,500–5,000 meters), confidence with glacier travel and rope techniques, and a strong physical and mental preparation for long, high-altitude days.
Explore this page to learn everything about the Auden’s Col Expedition —routes, itinerary, difficulty level, essential skills, FAQs, and eligibility criteria.
| Region | Uttarakhand |
|---|---|
| Starts from | Dehradun |
| Highest point | 5,490 m |
| Duration | 16 Days |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Best season | May to June & September to October |
| Price | ₹ 99,999 + 5% GST |
Route details last reviewed 23 September 2026. Terrain, weather and permits can change the plan on the mountain.
DAY BY DAY
16 Days Auden's Col Trek itinerary
Tap a day to see the route, distances and camps. The schedule can change with acclimatisation, weather and team safety.
- Stage: Drive from Dehradun (~245 km) or Rishikesh (early start recommended, assemble at 7 AM)
Trek begins at Gangotri, a mountain city on the banks of River Bhagirathi and the origin of the holy Ganga
Check-in at guest house/hotel upon arrival
Evening free to explore local market and temples
Full day for rest and acclimatization
Light movement around town for adaptation
Evening acclimatization walk
Group briefing on trek, mountain rules, and environment conservation
- Distance: 7 km
- Altitude gain: ~350 m
Trek through dense oak and birch forests, opening to meadows
Views of Gangotri III and Jogin II
Evening acclimatization walk at campsite
- Distance: 4 km
- Altitude gain: 600 m
Steep ascent through grazing grounds, streams, and rocky spur
Campsite surrounded by Gangotri I, II, III and Jogin III
Acclimatization walk to nearby ridges for first views of Auden’s Col
Early day end for optimum rest
- Distance: 8 km
Trek past Gangotri Base Camp, high-altitude lake Sukha Tal
Enter moraine and snow terrain to reach Auden’s Col Base Camp
- Distance: 5 km
- Stage: Challenging glacial and moraine terrain
Rope-up steep ascent of 1.5 km to cross Auden’s Col (30–50° gradient)
Descend steep, narrow gully (70–75° incline) to glacier and camp
- Distance: 10 km
- Stage: Longest day
Navigate 10 km of Khatling Glacier with hidden crevasses and moraine
Reach Zero Point campsite at glacier snout
Full day rest to recover from demanding glacier crossing
- Distance: 7 km
Trek along river and meadows to reach grassy campsite at Chowki
- Distance: 8 km
Trek to high-altitude lake Masar Tal
Initial steep ascent with views of Thalay Sagar (6,904 m)
Camp by scenic lake
- Distance: 12 km
Steep ascent to Masar Top, then glacier climb to Mayali Pass
Descend via fixed ropes to Vasuki Tal campsite
- Distance: 7 km
Trek to Kedarnath, visit the temple in the evening
Overnight stay in hotel
- Distance: 14 km
- Stage: Easy downhill trek
Overnight stay in guesthouse/hotel
- Distance: 252 km drive
- Stage: Drive along the Ganga River to Dehradun (~9 hours)
Reach Dehradun by late evening
Reserved for bad weather or unforeseen circumstances
Optional usage: INR 4,500 + 5% GST per person (collected by trek leader)
FROM THE ROUTE
Auden's Col Trek in pictures
UNDERSTAND THE PRICE
What the ₹ 99,999 price includes
The published price is ₹ 99,999 + 5% GST. Here is what it covers and what it does not, so nothing surprises you later. Your written quote confirms the final amount for your dates and nationality.
Included
- Meals During the Expedition (Starting lunch on Day 2 till Dinner on Day 13)
- Hotel Stay in Gangotri, Kedarnath & Gauri Kund on twin/triple sharing basis
- Services of a English Speaking Trek Leader certified in AMC (Advance Mountaineering), special rescue course from NIM, Emergency wilderness Responder course
- Forest fee, permits & Camping Charges (Upto the amount specified for Indian Nationals)
- 4 season camping tent, Thermal rated sleeping bags & mattress
- Micro spikes, Ice Axe, Gaiters, Carabiners, Harness, and Helmet, as required
- UIAA Safety Equipment like Static Rescue Rope, Harnesses, Carabiners & pulleys with the Leader
- First Aid Certified Local Trek guide with extensive trek experience of the route, Cook, Helper
- Services of Porters for carrying common camping equipment like tents (twin sharing basis), sleeping bags & Services of kitchen stuff
- Exhaustive first aid kit with a portable oxygen cylinder of 5 ltrs capacity
Not included
- Forest Charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
- Meals during hotel stay & any kind of road journey
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc
- Travel Insurance, if any
- Anything which is not mentioned in Inclusions list
GETTING THERE
How do you reach the start of the Auden's Col Trek?
The expedition starts in Dehradun. Day 1 of the itinerary: Make Your Way to Gangotri (3,415 m).
- Most Garhwal and Kumaon expeditions begin in Dehradun. Fly into Jolly Grant Airport (DED), or take an overnight train or bus from Delhi.
- From the start point, the team drives you to the roadhead (for example Uttarkashi, Gangotri or Joshimath, depending on the route).
Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed in your trip briefing.
PACKING LIST
What should you pack for the Auden's Col Trek?
Technical gear listed under “Included” is provided by Kailasa; bring your own only if you prefer it.
Clothing
- Base layers (synthetic or merino), top and bottom
- Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
- Waterproof, breathable shell jacket and trousers
- Insulated gloves plus thin liner gloves
- Warm hat, buff or neck gaiter, sun cap
- Trekking socks and warm wool socks (3–4 pairs)
Footwear
- Waterproof, ankle-high trekking boots (crampon-compatible)
- Gaiters for snow and scree
- Camp sandals
Warmth & carry
- Down jacket rated for −10 °C
- Sleeping bag rated to −10 °C
- 50–60 litre rucksack with rain cover
- Trekking poles
Personal
- Sunglasses (UV400, category 3–4) and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two 1-litre water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Personal medicines and a small first-aid kit
- Quick-dry towel, toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Original photo ID and copies of permits and insurance
WHO CLIMBS WITH YOU
Led by people who live in these mountains
Every Auden's Col Trek team is led by certified Kailasa guides. You meet your assigned expedition leader at the technical briefing three weeks before departure.
Pasang Sherpa
Sherpa & fixed-rope team leader
22+ years on Himalayan expeditions · 16 Everest summits · Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri
CANCELLATION
What happens if you need to cancel?
What you get back depends on how long before the start date you cancel. You can take a refund or a credit for a future Kailasa trip, valid for one year.
| Before start | Refund | Future credit (same participant) | Future credit (another participant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 85% | 100% | Not stated |
| 60 to 30 days | 70% | 85% | 75% |
| 30 to 10 days | 40% | 70% | 65% |
| Less than 10 days | No refund | 50% | 40% |
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
Auden's Col Trek questions
What is Auden’s Col?
Auden’s Col is a high-altitude glacier pass in the Garhwal Himalaya, connecting the Gangotri and Kedar valleys. It offers breathtaking alpine scenery and a true expedition experience.
What is the difficulty level of this trek?
This trek is moderate to advanced, suitable for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience, glacier trekking skills, and good physical fitness.
What is the best time to attempt Auden’s Col?
The ideal months are June to early July (pre-monsoon) and September to early October (post-monsoon) when the weather is most stable.
How long is the trek?
The standard route covers around 65–75 km round trip, usually completed in 12–15 days including acclimatization and buffer days.
What is the highest altitude reached?
The trek crosses Auden’s Col at ~5,490 meters (18,000 feet). for more info Kailasa Treks.
YOUR EXPEDITION STARTS HERE
Speak to the team before you decide.
Share your preferred dates, nationality and climbing history. Kailasa can assess route fit, then confirm the current itinerary, field support, permits, equipment and final amount in writing.
Published base price₹ 99,999 + 5% GSTPrice last reviewed 23 September 2026. It is not a final quotation.
- STEP 1Share your plansSend your preferred dates and climbing history on WhatsApp or email.
- STEP 2Readiness call & quoteThe team checks route fit and sends the final amount in writing.
- STEP 3Confirm your seatBook once you have read the quote and the booking terms.
Reply within 24 hours · No payment to enquire · Written quote before you pay. Review the cancellation, privacy and booking terms before paying.
KEEP EXPLORING
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THE KAILASA STANDARD
A serious mountain deserves
a serious plan.
No blind checkout. No one-size-fits-all promise. Your enquiry begins with the route, your experience and the questions that matter before you commit.
Start a private planning conversationFit before booking
Your climbing history and readiness are discussed before the team recommends a route.
Safety before summit
Acclimatisation, conditions and field decisions take priority over a fixed summit promise.
Clarity before payment
Ask for the current itinerary, inclusions, equipment plan and written final quote.
Team around the objective
Confirm your expedition leader, support team and departure-specific safety arrangements.