Trek difficulty
Difficult
Trek duration
16 Days
Trek altitude
5490 M.
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
95 km
Basecamp
Gangotri
Best Time
May and June|September
Pickup Point
Dehradun
Audens Col is a tough trek in the Indian Himalayas. It is so tough that people often compare it to Kalindi Khal and some even think it is tougher. This trek is a test of how strong your body is and how strong you are on the inside. Audens Col is very high up at 5,490 meters , it is a pass between the huge Gangotri and Jogin mountain ranges. It connects the valleys of Gangotri and Kedarnath. Audens Col is a challenge , because of its high altitude and it is a very famous trek. People talk about Audens Col a lot because it is so difficult to complete.
The journey starts in the town of Gangotri. This town is really special. It is one of the best places to start a high altitude trek in India. From Gangotri the trail goes up into the Garhwal Himalayas , it follows the Bhagirathi River as it comes down from the glaciers of Chaukhamba.
As you do the trek the terrain is always changing. You walk through oak and birch forests. Then these forests. You see big open alpine meadows. Eventually the meadows. You have to walk on harsh moraine fields and glacial stretches. There are also snow slopes that you have to climb. The Garhwal Himalayas and the Bhagirathi River are always there, as you trek.
The climb to Audens Col is really the part of the trek and it is also the toughest. When you get to the side of the pass you will be on the Khatling Glacier which is very icy and has a lot of deep cracks , the Khatling Glacier is one of the icy and hard to reach glaciers in the country. Then the path goes back to ground and valleys with trees, which takes you to beautiful lakes like Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal that are very high, up. You will see Audens Col and the Khatling Glacier. Then you will cross Mayali Pass and go down towards Kedarnath.
This route was first done by a geologist named J.B. Auden in 1939. It is still one of the attempted treks in India. The reason is that it has tough things like traveling on glaciers and camping in remote places. You also have to deal with high altitude and walk long distances every day. That is why Audens Col is for very experienced trekkers. These trekkers should be okay, with terrain and long trips. Audens Col is not easy to do.
This trek is really tough. There are no days at all. But for people who are ready to take on the challenge of Audens Col, Audens Col offers amazing Himalayan beauty, complete solitude and a real test of the mountaineering spirit of Audens Col.
Auden’s Col is one of the toughest high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas.
The trek reaches an extreme altitude of 5,490 meters, testing endurance and mental strength.
It connects the sacred valleys of Gangotri and Kedarnath.
The route includes glaciers, moraines, snow slopes, and remote camping.
The Khatling Glacier crossing is one of the most challenging glacier sections in India.
High-altitude lakes like Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal add to the expedition experience.
The trek offers complete isolation and true wilderness.
Suitable only for highly experienced trekkers looking for a serious Himalayan challenge.
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Drive to Gangotri
Day 2: Rest and acclimatization at Gangotri
Day 3: Gangotri to Nala Camp
Day 4: Nala Camp to Rudugaira Base Camp
Day 5: Acclimatization day at Rudugaira Base Camp
Day 6: Rudugaira Base Camp to Auden’s Col Base Camp
Day 7: Auden’s Col Base Camp to Khatling Glacier Camp via Auden’s Col
Day 8: Khatling Glacier to Zero Point
Day 9: Rest day at Zero Point
Day 10: Zero Point to Chowki
Day 11: Chowki to Masar Tal
Day 12: Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass
Day 13: Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath
Day 14: Kedarnath to Gaurikund
Day 15: Gaurikund to Dehradun (Drive)
Day 16: Buffer / Reserve Day
The best time to try to climb Audens Col is in May and June and in September. These months are good because the weather is pretty calm and the snow is safer to walk on
Trekking Gear:
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Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Drive to Gangotri
Your trip starts when you arrive in Dehradun , this is the city that has an airport and trains coming in. You need to get up early in the morning , we will then start our drive to Gangotri. This is a drive but it is very pretty. Gangotri is a town , that is on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Gangotri is a special place for spiritual people. This is because people believe that Goddess Ganga came down to Earth at Gangotri. They think that Lord Shiva let the river out of his hair , and that is how Goddess Ganga got to Earth. Gangotri is all about Goddess Ganga , and people go there to visit the place , where Goddess Ganga is said to have come down.
Since this is a long travel day , starting early helps us reach Gangotri well before nightfall allowing enough time to rest and recover from the journey. Upon arrival in Gangotri, check in to your accommodation and relax for the night. preparing your body for acclimatization and the trekking days ahead.
Day 2: Rest and Acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415 m)
Today is about getting used to the place. We can take it easy. Walk around the town. Visiting areas that are close by and doing things that keep us moving without getting too tired helps our body get comfortable, with the altitude of the place. The body needs time to adjust to the altitude.
We have a group briefing to talk about the route we , will take the safety rules we need to follow and what we should expect from the mountain trek. The group briefing also covers mountain ethics. After the group briefing in the evening we go for a walk to get used to the high altitude which is a short acclimatization walk , then we go back to rest for the night to prepare for the mountain trek ahead.
Day 3: Gangotri to Nala Camp (3,760 m)
Distance: 7 km
The trek starts in the valley. Then it turns into the Rudugaira Valley.
The trail goes up slowly through oak and birch forests. Sometimes it opens up into areas.
When you cross a mountain stream the Rudugaira Valley landscape becomes more open. The Rudugaira Valley trek has more space to walk around.
When you are at the campsite you get to see Gangotri III and Jogin II from a great angle.
The day comes to an end, with some rest a meal , then you go for a short walk to get used to the high altitude of Gangotri III and Jogin II.
Day 4: Nala Camp to Rudugaira Base Camp (4,350 m)
Distance: 4 km
Today is going to be tough because we have to climb a long way up , even though the distance is not that far. The trail takes us through the grazing grounds where we can see Himalayan blue sheep. We have to cross a lot of streams. Then we have a steep climb up a spur and this brings us to Rudugaira Base Camp. The Himalayan blue sheep are really beautiful. We are lucky to see them on the way, to Rudugaira Base Camp.
The campsite is really pretty because it is surrounded by mountains, like Gangotri I, Gangotri II , Gangotri III and Jogin III , these mountains make one of the best parts of the trek. The campsite is very scenic.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Rudugaira Base Camp (4,350 m)
We have been going up fast over the past few days , so this rest day is really important. We do a hike to get used to the high altitude and it gives us our first good look at Audens Col, which gets us excited, for the days to come. The rest of the day , we just take it easy and try to save our energy for Audens Col.
Day 6: Rudugaira Base Camp to Auden’s Col Base Camp (4,720 m)
Distance: 8 km
The route first takes you to Gangotri Base Camp. Then you have to walk through tough terrain that is covered in moraine and snow. The Gangotri route is very tough. Along the Gangotri route you will see Sukha Tal, which's a really beautiful lake that is very high up. It is hidden behind rocks and moraines. The Gangotri route is famous, for this lake.
The campsite near Audens Col is really away, from everything and it feels very bare. This is the point where the landscape starts to change. You know you are getting into the high altitude terrain of the Audens Col expedition.
Day 7: Auden’s Col Base Camp to Khatling Glacier Camp via Auden’s Col (5,490 m)
Distance: 5 km
This day of the trek is really tough , we have to deal with glaciers and steep slopes that are covered in snow. There are also parts where we have to use ropes. It takes some time to get to Audens Col. After that we have to go down a steep and narrow path, which is basically a small gully. The climb, to Audens Col is very hard. It is a big part of the trek.
When you get past the col the land opens up. You see the huge Khatling Glacier. This is where the campsite is and it is surrounded by big ice formations and mountains that are even bigger. The Khatling Glacier is really something to see with the campsite in the middle of it and the ice formations and surrounding peaks are all, around the Khatling Glacier.
Day 8: Khatling Glacier to Zero Point (3,870 m)
Distance: 10 km
Today we have to walk a long way on the Khatling Glacier. The Khatling Glacier is very tricky because it has cracks, loose rocks and parts that can be really dangerous. We need to be super careful all day when we're on the Khatling Glacier.
As we near the end of the Khatling Glacier we will see a path that shows us the way. This path takes us to Zero Point which is, near the end of the Khatling Glacier.
Day 9: Rest Day at Zero Point (3,870 m)
This rest day is really good for the body after two tough days. The body needs to recover before we can keep going into the valley. The rest day gives the body a chance to get better. We are going into the valley. We need to make sure the body is ready, for it.
Day 10: Zero Point to Chowki (3,580 m)
Distance: 7 km
The trail goes down slowly next to the river. You do not see as much snow and ice anymore. You start to see meadows and the ground is not as rough as it was before. After being in places, for so long Chowki has a nice grassy place to set up camp.
Day 11: Chowki to Masar Tal (4,135 m)
Distance: 8 km
The path to Masar Tal is really tough because it goes up steeply. When you walk on this path it takes you to Masar Tal, which's a very beautiful and peaceful lake that is very high up. You get to see Thalay Sagar from the path. It looks really amazing. Then the path goes over a ridge. Suddenly you are right next to the lake. One of the things, about this trek is that you get to set up your camp right beside Masar Tal.
Day 12: Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass (5,000 m)
Distance: 12 km
The day starts with a climb to Masar Top. Then we do some travel to get to Mayali Pass. Going down from Mayali Pass is really tough. We have to use fixed ropes and rappelling sections. We keep going down until we reach Vasuki Tal, which's another really beautiful lake up in the mountains. The lake is so nice. It is, in a beautiful spot. We are talking about Vasuki Tal and Masar Top and Mayali Pass these are all places to see.
Day 13: Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath (3,590 m)
Distance: 7 km
When you walk down slowly to Kedarnath , it is really something. Kedarnath is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites in India. You have been walking for days in the middle of nowhere , So when you finally get to the temple town it feels amazing. You feel happy and relieved at the same time. You will stay in a hotel for the night.
Day 14: Kedarnath to Gaurikund (1,985 m)
Distance: 14 km
The path to Gaurikund is really nice and easy to follow. This day of walking is not too hard , so you have time to think about the expedition, to Gaurikund.
Day 15: Gaurikund to Dehradun (Drive)
Distance: 252 km
A long drive alongside the Mandakini river and the Ganga river is really nice. The Mandakini river and the Ganga river are beautiful. This long drive alongside the Mandakini river and the Ganga river brings you back, to Dehradun by evening.
Day 16: Buffer / Reserve Day
This day is reserved as a contingency for bad weather or unexpected delays during the expedition.
During The Trek
Exclusion
Auden’s Col is not suitable for first-time trekkers. It is a highly demanding and technical high-altitude expedition. Prior experience in difficult treks and glacier travel is esse
Audens Col is really tough to climb. It has steep slopes that are covered in snow.
The best time to try to climb Audens Col is in May and June and in September. These months are good because the weather is pretty calm and the snow is safer to walk on
he Audens Col expedition is a tough trek. It usually takes around ten to fifteen days to complete the Audens Col expedition. The Audens Col expedition is very long and challenging so people need that days to finish the Audens Col expedition.
Auden’s Col is located in Uttarakhand , connecting the Gangotri and Kedarnath regions. It lies in the Garhwal Himalayas at a very high altitude.
Testimonials
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
