Auden’s Col Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

This beast of a trek links up the Rudugaira and Bhilangana valleys by hauling yourself over the infamous Auden’s Col Pass, named after some British guy, Auden, who thought, “Yeah, let’s walk here,” back in 1939. What you sign up for: glaciers, scree, high ridges, meadows that don’t look real, and a whole lotta rocks that’ll make you question your life choices. It kicks off in Gangotri, which is a holy spot for pilgrims and also the last bit of civilisation you’ll see for a while. Forests so thick you half-expect to see mystical creatures, trails that are more suggestion than path, icy crossings that’ll freeze your toes off, then finally that brutal, glorious Col.

Once you drag yourself over the pass, you tumble down towards the insane Khatling Glacier and finally into the wild Bhilangana Valley. This isn’t a Sunday stroll. The terrain is nasty, the weather loves to mess with people, and you’re gonna need ropes, ice axes, and the kind of fitness that probably requires a small army of protein shakes. But if you’ve got the guts, the skills, and the stamina, Auden’s Col delivers like nothing else. It’s remote, it’s breathtaking, and it’ll leave you with stories that make you sound like a Himalayan superhero at parties.

History of Auden’s Col Trek

Auden’s Col Trek is like the secret boss level of the Indian Himalayas; half the world doesn’t even know it exists, and honestly, most locals give it a respectful side-eye. Picture this: tucked away in the Garhwal bit of Uttarakhand, Auden’s Col links up the Rudugaira and Bhilangana valleys, sandwiched between two absolute beasts, Jogin I and Gangotri III. You’d think with mountains that tall (we’re talking 6,400+ meters), it’d be all over Instagram by now, but nope. Still kinda mysterious. Some British dude named John Bicknell Auden, yeah, he’s related to the poet W.H. Auden, because apparently, talent runs in that family like bad hairlines do in mine. Anyway, John was with the Geological Survey of India back in the day (the 1930s, think Indiana Jones but more paperwork). He was out there poking around, mapping God-knows-what, and just found this insane pass. His notes cracked open a whole new chapter in Himalayan geography, but let’s be real, nobody rushed out there to check it out. The place is remote as heck, and the route’s not exactly a Sunday stroll. Fast-forward to post-independence India. The mountaineering scene’s picking up, and suddenly people are like, “Hey, what about that Auden’s Col thing?” A few brave (or maybe just bored?) souls start giving it a shot, usually the kind of trekkers who think Everest Base Camp is for babies and want to combine it with a jog up Jogin peaks or a wander into the Khatling Glacier. It’s still no joke, though glaciers with more crevasses than my grandma’s face, weather that flips moods in minutes, and you better know how to use an ice axe.

Auden’s Col isn’t just about flexing your mountaineering muscles. It’s got this spiritual vibe too, starting from Gangotri, one of the Char Dhams, where people believe the Ganga river touched down on Earth. The trail itself steals old shepherd paths and routes sadhu-types have been using since forever. So, you’re walking in the footsteps of holy wanderers and goat herders. hardly anyone cared about trekking out here till like, the 2000s, when “adventure travel” became a thing and people started swapping city stress for Himalayan hypoxia. Now, you’ve got folks showing up with all the gear, GPS, satellite phones, freeze-dried everything, but Auden’s Col still eats amateurs for breakfast. You gotta be fit, sharp, and just a little bit crazy. At the end of the day, Auden’s Col is a wild tribute to the OG explorers like Auden himself. It’s one of those rare places where history, spirituality, and pure, untamed nature all smash together. If you’re the sort who lives for stories and scars, this trek’s basically legendary.

Nearby Places to Explore Around Auden’s Col Trek

• Gangotri: This place just hits different. It’s like the universe mashed up a sacred pilgrimage pit stop with a straight-up adventure HQ. You roll in, and this weird mix of pilgrims is buzzing around, all spiritual and serious, and then trekkers are hyped for the wild stuff beyond. Supposedly, this is where the Ganga just crash-landed on Earth (pretty dramatic, right?), and honestly, the whole scene feels charged. Snowy peaks everywhere, ancient conifers doing their thing, and then the Gangotri Temple just chilling in the middle like some ancient VIP.

• Gaumukh – Tapovan: This is, no kidding, the spot where the Ganga begins. Pilgrims, hikers, random mountain goats, everyone’s here for something. That’s where things get real. You’re having a staring contest with Mount Shivling, plus a bunch of other Himalayan beasts. It’s brutal, it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect way to make sure your legs don’t bail on you before attempting something as bonkers as Auden’s Col.

• Kedartal Trek: It’s this wild, glassy lake at 4,750 meters, hiding out under Thalay Sagar’s shadow like some secret boss level. The water’s so clear you’ll probably feel bad disturbing it. Hardly anyone bothers to slog up here, so you might just have the whole place to yourself. Alpine solitude: unlocked.

• Harsil: Before you even get to Gangotri, Harsil pops up just hanging out 25 km down the road, all casual. It’s a storybook village: apple orchards everywhere, pines for days, and the Bhagirathi River pulling the whole look together. If you need to catch your breath (or just your sanity) before the altitude smacks you, this is the place. Plus, nobody stops here, so you get that “hidden gem” bragging rights.

• Khatling Glacier: After you haul yourself over Auden’s Col, boom, you’ve arrived at Khatling Glacier. Whole different game out here. It’s harsh, it’s remote, and honestly, kind of daunting. This is where the Bhilangana River pops into existence, and you’ve got heavyweights like Thalay Sagar and Meru lurking in the background. wild, and just a tiny bit terrifying in the best way. Not a stroll in the park, but if you’re up for chaos, you’ll never forget it.

• Bhilangana Valley: Once you’ve survived the glacier circus, you drop into Bhilangana Valley, and it’s like, whoa, colour’s back. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by green meadows, tiny off-grid villages, and rivers doing their zigzag dance. The whole valley feels alive, plants, animals, people, everyone just vibing far from civilisation. Perfect place to let your legs recover and your brain catch up after the insanity of the pass.

Best Time to Visit Auden’s Col Trek

• Pre-Monsoon (May to mid-June): May rolls in, and the snow’s still hanging around at higher altitudes, so you get those wild, untouched white landscapes. Yeah, the days are pretty chill (as in, not freezing), but at night, we pack those woollies.

• Post-Monsoon (mid-September to October): The monsoon’s packed up and gone, so you get that sharp, post-rain clarity, no haze, just endless views of Jogin I, Kedar Dome, and all those beefy peaks.

• Monsoon (July to mid-September): The rain just buckets down, turning everything into a slip ‘n slide. Landslides are a legitimate concern, hidden behind a wall of grey clouds. River crossings get sketchy, and it’s just not worth the hassle or the risk.

• Winter (November to April): The whole trail’s just buried in snow, and it’s stupid cold, like, “why am I here” kind of cold. Most folks (read: everyone who likes their limbs intact) don’t even try. Leave this season to the hardcore expedition types and plan your trek for literally any other time.

How to Reach Auden’s Col Trek

• By Airport: If you're flying in, Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is your best bet. It’s about 250 km away from Gangotri, not exactly a quick jaunt, but hey, that’s the Himalayas for you. The airport’s got flights from big cities like Delhi and Mumbai, so you won’t have to jump through too many hoops. Once you land, brace yourself for a 10–12 hour road trip. Yeah, it’s a slog. Grab a taxi or hop on a bus (or just convince a friend to drive, if you’re lucky). Pro tip: try to land as early as you can, or you’ll end up racing daylight through some pretty wild mountain roads.

• By Train: Dehradun Railway Station is the closest you’ll get, about 240 km from Gangotri. Trains roll in from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, the usual suspects. After road trips (or just torturing yourself with long drives), you can reach Gangotri directly by road from places like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi. The journey’s all hairpin bends and dramatic scenery, so don’t expect to zoom through. Depending on how the roads feel about you that day, it’ll take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours. Pack snacks, queue up a killer playlist, and embrace the adventure.

• By Road: If you’re all about road trips (or just torturing yourself with long drives), you can reach Gangotri directly by road from places like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi. The journey’s all hairpin bends and dramatic scenery, so don’t expect to zoom through. Depending on how the roads feel about you that day, it’ll take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours. Pack snacks, queue up a killer playlist, and embrace the adventure.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Audens Col Trek with Kedarakantha from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.