Auden’s Col is a 5490 meters high pass that connects Rudugaira Valley (Gangotri) to the Bhilangna Valley (Kedarnath). Our itinerary & route of Auden’s Col trek includes 3 passes and the infamous Khatling glacier. This formidable Col (saddle-shaped pass joining two surrounding peaks) connects Jogin I (6465 m) to Gangotri III peak (6580 m).
Auden’s Col
The Col is about 5400 meters high. It connects two glaciers: the Khatling Glacier and the Jogin-I glacier.
Named after geologist J. B. Auden — brother of the celebrated Anglo-American poet W. H. Auden — the pass was first crossed in 1939–40, and has since become one of the most coveted high-altitude traverses in the Indian Himalayas.
⚡ Auden’s Col Expedition 2026 Rundown
| Region | Gangotri-Garhwal Himalayas |
| Trip Span | 12 trek days and 11 nights |
| Difficulty level | Strenuously long tough terrain |
| Apex Altitude | 5490 m (Auden’s Col) |
| Best time | Between June to September |
| Trail length | ~ 150 km |
| Highlights | Kedartal lake, Kedar Ganga valley, crevasse-ridden Khatling glacier, Patangani Dhar, Mayali Pass, Thalay Sagar, Brighupant, Jogin peaks and Kedar dome peak, Vasuki Tal and Masartal lake, Gangotri town and Kedarnath. |
| Departure Date | 5 June 2026 |
| Group size | 10 |
| Starts from | Gangotri |
| Ends at | Kedarnath |
| Activity | Camping, walking, hiking, climbing, crevasse and stream crossing. |
Auden’s Col, The 3 Pass Expedition
Starting from the last human habitation of Bhagirathi valley, Gangotri town, the route encompasses three distinct passes — Patangini Dhar, Auden’s Col, and Mayali Pass — and traverses the notoriously crevassed Khatling Glacier before concluding at the revered Kedarnath shrine.
The summit is at 5490 m altitude, and it connects the ridge coming from Gangotri III (6580 m) peak on the north-west and the ridge coming from Jogin I (6465 m) on the east and also binds a glacier coming from Jogin I on the north side of Rudugaira valley, and infamous Khatling glacier on the south side of Bhilangna valley.
![Approaching KedarTal. [Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36488222_10155693230602843_8138627086463008768_o-1050x520_c.jpg)
![The day after Auden's Col on khatling glacier[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36440012_10155693230662843_2871571346914017280_o-1050x520_c.jpg)
You can read more about the 3-Pass Trek on the blog written by Neelima Vallangi. Anshul Chourasia and Sridevi Nair have also written a blog about Auden’s Col trek of June 2017 and Auden’s Col Trek expedition of 2018.
Rudraganga stream or Rudragairu (gairu means deep) or Rudugaira Gad (a small stream is English interpretation of Gad) drains Rudugaira glacier and eventually flows into the Bhagirathi River near Gangotri, and Bhilangna river originates from Khatling glacier and meets the Bhagirathi near Old Tehri in Garhwal region.
Permit for Auden’s Col
A permit is mandated by the local administration of Uttarkashi for all trek and adventure operators. Entry into Gangotri National Park is allowed only if one has a copy of the entry permit authorized by the office of the director of Gangotri National Park at Uttarkashi. Our Auden’s Col trek cost includes charges incurred to obtain the permits.
Route from Gangotri to Kedarnath (via Auden’s Col)
The adventure begins with a rewarding side excursion to Kedartal, a pristine glacial lake perched at 4,780 metres. From there, we’ll ascend Patangini Dhar (4,900 m) before dropping into the Rudugaira Valley, the gateway to Auden’s Col.
After negotiating the Col and the labyrinthine Khatling Glacier, we’ll descend to the Chowki campsite. From Chowki, the route veers left and climbs toward Mayali Pass (5,050 m) over two days, with a camp beside the ethereal Vasuki Tal lake.
The final descent to Kedarnath marks the triumphant conclusion of our pursuit of the Himalayan horizons.
What is a Col?
The word ‘Col’ is a geographical term for a saddle-like depression in a ridge between two peaks.
Auden’s Col lies between Gangotri III (6537 m) & Jogin I (6465 m) and the crossing is one of the finest high altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas.
₹ Trek Cost
Auden’s Col trek prices starts from 55,000 INR. The final price will be determined by factors such as group size, pick-up location (Dehradun or Uttarkashi), departure date (pre-monsoon in June or post-monsoon in September), and add-ons such as backpack offloading, gear (crampons and gaiters), hotel accommodations before and after the trek, and drop-off location (Rishikesh or Haridwar).
What’s included in Auden’s Col Expedition?
- All arrangements for overnight stays during the trip.
- Camping, Climbing, and Communication (two-way radios) gear.
- All food expenses.
- Food will usually consist of morning breakfast, lunch, evening high tea, and dinner.
- All food will be vegetarian.
- Trained & certified guides who have long experience of trekking & climbing high altitude Himalayan terrains & in handling emergency situations.
- Local guides and support staff with in-depth knowledge about the terrain, trekking trails & routes.
- One luggage per person will be carried & transported by the porters.
- Inner line permits (ILP) and other permit arrangements en route will be arranged by the operator.
- All stays and lodging on a twin sharing basis shall be provided.
Garhwal Himalayas ⛰
The valleys of Garhwal and Kumaon border China and Nepal and are the most famous for their holy shrines including Gangotri — the source of India’s most sacred River Ganga.
Positioned at the very center of the great Himalayan chain, Garhwal and Kumaon contain a host of 7,000-meter peaks such as Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Trishul, and sub-7,000-meter expedition peaks such as the stunning Shivling, as well as over 250 peaks above 5500 meters.
The Garhwal Himalayas are characterized by unsurpassed mountain scenery with soaring ridges, deep valleys, and huge glaciers and this trek takes us right into the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas.
⚐ Auden’s Col Trek Itinerary
Kedar Kharak is one of the most beautiful campsites of the 3 Passes Trek i.e. Patangini Dhar, Auden’s Col & Mayali Pass. We’ll reach this site on the day 2 of our Auden’s Col trek itinerary.
This camp-site serves as a basecamp site for two magnificent treks of Gangotri National Park:
- Kedartal (4614 meters) trek.
- Patangini Dhar (5085 meters) trek.
With magnificent views of Brigupanth Peak, Thalay Sagar peak and other surrounding peaks at Gangotri National Park, this campsite will become a memorable lifetime experience for any adventure seekers for sure!
- Day 0: Arrive in Gangotri (2,940 m). Acclimatization walk; visit the temple.
- Day 1: Trek to Bhoj Kharak (3,415 m)..
- Day 2: Trek to Kedar Kharak (4,270 m).
- Day 3: Excursion to Kedartal (4,760 m) and return to Kedar Kharak.
- Day 4: Trek to Patangini Dhar base camp (4,540 m).
- Day 5: Cross Patangini Dhar (5,085 m); descend to Dhabba Camp in the Rudugaira Valley (4,685 m).
- Day 6: Trek to the Auden’s Col Advanced Base Camp (4,975 m).
- Day 7: Cross Auden’s Col (5,490 m); traverse the Khatling Glacier and camp at the glacier campsite (4,970 m).
- Day 8: Continue across the Khatling Glacier; negotiate the waterfall section (4,300 m); reach Khatling Base Camp (3,765 m).
- Day 9: Cross the Bhilangna River (3,480 m); arrive at Chowki campsite (3,630 m).
- Day 10: Trek to Masar Tal (4,550 m)
- Day 11: Climb to Masar Top (4,695 m); cross Mayali Pass (4,990 m); camp near Vasuki Tal (4,335 m).
- Day 12: Visit Vasuki Tal (4,210 m); ascend Vasuki Top (4,480 m); descend to Kedarnath (3,530 m).
- Day 13 (Buffer Day): Reserved for weather delays. An additional charge applies if this day is utilized.
NOTE: Trekkers must reach the base camp of the trek (i.e. Gangotri town) at their own expense and everyone should keep two buffer days in an unforeseeable event (Heavy rain/snow or landslips etc.).
Khatling — one of the most notoriously difficult glaciers to negotiate in the western Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
The landform is strikingly similar to the Khumbu Icefalls of the Everest region.
Captured this surreal landscape while walking on Khatling Glacier during the noon hours of June 10th, 2018. Location: Khatling Glacier, Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Prerequisites for Auden’s Col & Mayali pass expedition.
This expedition is not for beginners. Prior experience on high-altitude passes is mandatory, and trekkers must arrive in excellent physical condition. At elevations approaching 5,500 metres, the thin air and unforgiving terrain will test even seasoned mountaineers. A medical fitness certificate is required at the start of the trek.
Physical preparation should begin well in advance. Sustained cardio training — hiking, cycling, swimming — builds the aerobic base essential for prolonged exertion at altitude.
Equally important is mental fortitude; the ability to remain composed and determined through fatigue, adverse weather, and demanding glacier crossings is what ultimately separates those who summit from those who turn back. Remember: these treks are not races. A measured pace, regular rest, and disciplined acclimatization are far more valuable than raw speed.
Trekkers are required to bring a medical certificate deeming them fit for high-altitude trekking at the start of the trek.
Raacho Trekkers
Backpack carrying: A porter will carry your backpack, please do not bring extra items but only the essentials needed for high altitude trek. Besides detailed planning, taking care of all the logistics, food, and good equipment, packing a backpack efficiently and carrying essential things play a key role in the success of an expedition.
Auden’s Col trek bare essentials
- A pair of good quality waterproof trekking boots.
- Three pairs of socks.
- Two pairs of waterproof hiking pants.
- A pair of shorts
- Two pairs of fleece jumpers.
- Two pairs of thermal tops and bottoms
- One down jacket.
- Headgear (1 beanie/skull cap, 1 buff, and 1 trekking cap).
- A pair of thick gloves
- Personal hygiene essentials (alcohol-based gel, hand sanitizer, soap, towels, toilet paper, baby wipes, etc.)
- UV-block sunglasses.
- First aid kit.
- Water purifier and filtration bottle.
![Kedartal and ThalyaSagar. Gangotri National Park.[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36463909_10155693232312843_3350963957132165120_o.jpg "Kedartaal and ThalyaSagar")
![The day after Auden's Col on khatling glacier[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36440012_10155693230662843_2871571346914017280_o.jpg "The day after Auden's Col on khatling glacier")
![Manda range from Kedar Kharak campsite[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36437196_10155693229227843_3562638632881750016_o.jpg "Manda range from Kedar Kharak campsite")
![The magnificent Kedartal and Thalaysagar peak[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36427083_10155693229872843_899166431508168704_o.jpg "The magnificent Kedartal and Thalaysagar peak")
![Audens Col 5490 m[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36421926_10155693228822843_8307819239960477696_o.jpg "Audens Col 5490 m")
![Huge icefalls near Khatling Glacier [Auden's col trek]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19400193_10158920664995593_274628646501295022_o.jpg "Huge icefalls near Khatling Glacier")
![Sheer vastness of the Khatling Glacier [Auden's col trek]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19400492_10158920664330593_9025951396601337183_o.jpg "Sheer vastness of the Khatling Glacier")
![Descending Auden's col [The three passes trek Auden's col - Mayali pass - Patangini Dhar ]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19221663_10158894760125593_4802079861456107054_o.jpg "Descending Auden's col")
![First view of Mayali Glacier [Auden's col trek]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19466638_10158943491540593_3630682493985820266_o.jpg "First view of Mayali Glacier")
![Bhrigupanth and Thalay Sagar [ Gangotri National Park ]](https://cdn.raachotrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19095473_10158881056595593_3068284195308430507_o.jpg "Bhrigupanth and Thalay Sagar [ Gangotri National Park ]")
![Kedartal and ThalyaSagar. Gangotri National Park.[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36463909_10155693232312843_3350963957132165120_o.jpg)
![The day after Auden's Col on khatling glacier[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36440012_10155693230662843_2871571346914017280_o.jpg)
![Manda range from Kedar Kharak campsite[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36437196_10155693229227843_3562638632881750016_o.jpg)
![The magnificent Kedartal and Thalaysagar peak[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36427083_10155693229872843_899166431508168704_o.jpg)
![Audens Col 5490 m[Three passes trek : Audens-Mayali-Patangini Dhar]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/09/36421926_10155693228822843_8307819239960477696_o.jpg)
![Huge icefalls near Khatling Glacier [Auden's col trek]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19400193_10158920664995593_274628646501295022_o.jpg)
![Sheer vastness of the Khatling Glacier [Auden's col trek]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19400492_10158920664330593_9025951396601337183_o.jpg)
![Descending Auden's col [The three passes trek Auden's col - Mayali pass - Patangini Dhar ]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19221663_10158894760125593_4802079861456107054_o.jpg)
![First view of Mayali Glacier [Auden's col trek]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19466638_10158943491540593_3630682493985820266_o.jpg)
![Bhrigupanth and Thalay Sagar [ Gangotri National Park ]](https://raachotrekkers.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/19095473_10158881056595593_3068284195308430507_o.jpg)
Trek FAQs
Our guides are certified and have been trekking the Himalayas for decades (all are local guides). They are well-equipped and well versed with the terrain, the route, the people, the Himalayan wildlife and its culture. We were featured in the National Geographic Traveler magazine for the 3 passes expedition(i.e. Patangini – Auden’s Col – Mayali pass) of June 2017.
The guides and porters are adequately trained and skilled in handling emergencies. You will get immediate first aid and all necessary help if required. In case of a medical emergency, the porters u0026 guides will carry you to a lower altitude and will contact the rescue authority by satellite phone.
The packing list for Auden’s Col trek are as follows:
Clothing
Trekking pants and jackets.
Rainproof pants and jackets.
Thermals underwear.
A pair of gloves.
Short-sleeved trekking shirts.
Long-sleeved trekking shirts.
Woolen cap/ beanies.
Insulating jackets.
Fleece-lined jacket.
Lightweight Sweaters.
Trekking boots.
First Aid.
Sanitary pads/ Tampons.
Toiletries.
Sunscreen.
Hand sanitizer.
Water Bottle.
Sunglasses.
Chargers.
Headlamp
Important Documents
Photo-ID (Passport/Driving License/Voter ID/Aadhar).
Fitness certificate.
Trekking Permit.
Many people assume that they need to have athletic strength to complete a trek like Auden’s Col, which is not completely true. The athletic strength is needed, but mental strength matters equally. Anyone with average physical strength and strong mental strength can negotiate the long stretches of Auden’s Col/Khatling glacier and complete the Auden’s Col trek.
To boost the physical strength, cardio (aerobic) exercises, including hiking, cycling, swimming, can help you gain fitness before the start of your trek. One important thing to consider is that the treks are not a race, so you need to maintain a gentle pace with sufficient breaks and acclimatization.
Many people assume that they need to have athletic strength to complete a trek like Auden’s Col, which is not completely true. The athletic strength is needed, but mental strength matters equally. Anyone with average physical strength and strong mental strength can negotiate the long stretches of Auden’s Col/Khatling glacier and complete the Auden’s Col trek.
To boost the physical strength, cardio (aerobic) exercises, including hiking, cycling, swimming, can help you gain fitness before the start of your trek. One important thing to consider is that the treks are not a race, so you need to maintain a gentle pace with sufficient breaks and acclimatization.
The best time for trekking Auden’s Col trek is from May (from 4th week) to September (barring monsoon period). During spring (in May u0026 June month), wildflowers, including pink rhododendrons, Bhrama Kamal bloom in Gangotri valley in Uttarakhand. The clear skies and stable weather is the major attraction of the trek.
The autumn month of September is famous for its soothing climate and favorable temperatures. The Autumn month is good for the night or dawn/dusk photography. The monsoon and the winters are generally avoided because of the risks and the challenges posed by the Gangotri group of mountains.
During the trek, numerous mountain streams originating from Gangotri glaciers (like Kedar Ganga, Bhilangana, and Vasuki Ganga etc.) are the main source of drinking water and water for cooking. Mountain stream water u0026 snowmelt water is perfectly safe to drink, though the problem of silt mixed water may arise during the rainy days. We filter water through a sedimentation process. We also recommend trekkers to carry a water bottle fitted with a filter. You can get filter-fitted bottles easily in the market.
While trekking, it is extremely important to stay hydrated. During the trekking on sunny days, you will be thirsty more often. You can add hydration salts or glucose to the drinking water that keeps you healthy while improving the taste of the water.
The trekking hours are not fixed. The prevailing weather conditions, terrain and walking pace will determine the daily trekking hours. In general, we plan the trek for five to six hours of daily walking on average. In a group trekking expedition, it is essential for us to gauge every individual’s stamina level and plan our journey ahead accordingly. Starting the trek early is key to avoiding the midday heat and arriving at your destination early. This leaves with enough time to rest, acclimatize, and explore the Gangotri Nationa Park region.
There will be toilet tents. Our crew will dig a hole in the ground, then erect a toilet tent around it for privacy. We brief our guides to locate the toilet tent away from water sources and on departure the next morning the hole will be filled and covered with earth. We recommend you always keep a roll of toilet paper u0026 a hand sanitizer in your day pack.
The rule of thumb is to use several thin layers rather than just one or two thick layers. This allows you to peel layers off or put them on, depending on the weather and the time of day. For your base-layer, choose a fabric that soaks moisture away from your skin and dries quickly. Your outer layer should be fully wind and rainproof. We recommend you carry good quality thermals, woolen socks u0026 a waterproof jacket. A windproof outer layer is essential to combat wind-chill (essential for altitudes like Auden’s and Mayali). Pick a thermal base-layer and fabrics that wick sweat away from your skin to avoid getting wet and cold. You need to protect your hands and feet with high-quality thermal gloves and socks, also a hat to protect your head and a balaclava to protect your face.
If you have no prior experience of walking long stretches of glaciers, you should bring crampons. Crampons fitted trekking boots help you get past the snow with ease. Many people prefer walking on the glaciers without crampons. Auden’s Col trek route has a long glacier stretch that is riddled with crevasses and moraines. We recommend crampons for such terrain.
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