Overview
Have you ever dreamed of crossing a far-off, high-altitude pass enclosed by pristine wilderness and scenic Himalayan peaks? That's precisely what our 13-day Auden’s Col Trek offers: an incredible journey through the Garhwal Himalayas. This is the most challenging trek as you hike the impressive Auden’s Col pass at 5490 meters above sea level through remote and stunning scenery. This adventurous trek requires prior high-altitude hiking expertise and a decent degree of fitness. Get ready to be challenged by the rocky trails and humbled by the Himalayas' immense size.
Trek Span: 12 Nights 13 Days
Locations Covered: Bhinlgana Range
Trek Details:
Day 1: Rishikesh to Uttarkashi Drive
Start your journey from Rishikesh, the Gateway to the Himalayas.” Today, you’ll travel deeper into the mountains. The road winds along the Ganges, offering a glimpse of its burgeoning flow. You’ll pass through bustling towns and gradually ascend into the quieter and more remote regions. Uttarkashi is an important town for Hindu pilgrims and will be your overnight stop. The journey allows you to acclimate to the increasing altitude and prepare for the trekking days ahead.
Day 2: Gangotri Transfer
It's another day of the journey, but this time, the destination is Gangotri, one of the Chardham sites and the origin of the Bhagirathi River. It is considered the primary source stream of the Ganges. The drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri is magnificent, with dramatic mountain scenery. Gangotri is a small town nestled amidst the towering peaks, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gangotri temple. This is the last point of the road journey before the trek starts.
Day 3: Gangotri to Nala Camp Trek
The trekking begins today; you’ll leave the bustling pilgrimage town behind and embark on the trail that follows the Bhagirathi River. The trek from Gangotri to Nala Camp is moderate, allowing you to be accustomed to the terrain and the altitude. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the river as it cascades down from the glacial source. Nala Camp is a scenic campsite, often located near a stream, offering a serene setting for your first night under the stars.
Day 4: Nala Camp to Rudergaira Trek
The day’s trek will proceed further into the heart of the Himalayas towards higher altitudes. The trail becomes more enjoyable and challenging, and you expect the rewards to be even greater. The landscape is more rugged and dramatic, with views of the snowy peaks and glaciers. Rudergaira is popular for its stunning natural beauty and offers a closer view of the peaks surrounding the Bhagirathi glacier.
Day 5: Day for leisure
A well-deserving rest day! You can spend the day relaxing at the Rudergaira camp, enjoying the breathtaking views, meditating or exploring the immediate surroundings. Proper acclimatization is essential for high-altitude trekking and this leisure day plays a role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek
Day 6: Rudergaria BC to Col BC Trek
This day’s trek takes you closer to the high-end passes and glaciers. You’ll likely trek on more challenging terrain, including rocky sections and steep ascents. The air gets thinner as you climb and becomes starker and more awe-inspiring. Col BC will be your campsite for the night, offering a base for the challenging climb to the Kalindi Khal pass.
Day 7: Trek Col BC to Khatling Glacier Camp trek
This is the most demanding day of this trek. You’ll be crossing the high-altitude and Kalindi Khal Pass, requiring navigation through steep slopes, potentially snowfield and challenging terrain. The scenic views from the pass are spectacular, offering panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The camp provides a unique perspective on the glacier and its surrounding peaks.
Day 8: Khatling Glacier Camp to Waterfall Camp Trek
Keep walking along the glacier for the crevasses and reach the moraine. By afternoon, you’ll get an icy landscape with steep falls, and a waterfall is visible on the left. Head to the waterfall and camp just before it next to a water source. Stay in tents.
Day 9: Waterfall Camp to Chowki Trek
Enjoy a walk along the trail behind the first waterfall and then negotiate the broken slanting rock with all the care they deserve. Thereafter, cross the second waterfall also with care using a rope. Move on to the glacier and descend to the glacier. Keep moving and cross the vast boulder section. Stay in tents.
Day 10: Chowki to Kharsoli Trek
After breakfast, move steadily, as the initial stage of the trail may not be very clear. Thereafter, you’ll be on a good enough trail, and you can keep moving with the river flowing on your left. Head on to the glacier and start moving down and to the right of it. Move down with the intention of reaching the trail next to the river. Stay in tents.
Day 11: Kharsoli to Gangi Trek
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. At one point, the wider trail moves up. Following it in the dense jungle for 45 minutes takes one to Kalyani, from where you get breathtaking views of the Kush Kalyani Bugyal. Take rest for a while and then move towards the left. Moving along by the village. Stay overnight in the tents.
Day 12: Gangi to Ghuttu Trek
Enjoy a trek to the village of Reeh, from high up to the trail and before it, to the GMVN’s TRH, where you can have breakfast. Stay overnight at the village.
Day 13: Ghuttu to Rishikesh Trek & Departure
Today, drive from Ghuttu to Rishikesh via Ghansali after a wholesome breakfast.