One of the most dangerous and revered high-altitude mountain passes in the Himalayas, linking the sacred valleys of Gangotri and Kedarnath across heavily crevassed glaciers.
First crossed in 1939 by British surveyor John Bicknell Auden of the Geological Survey of India, Auden's Col (5,490m) connects the Jogin glacier basin with the treacherous Khatling Glacier. It is widely considered one of the most perilous non-climbing trekking expeditions in the entire Indian Himalayas.
Starting from Gangotri, the route ascends the wild Rudugaira valley to Jogin Advanced Base Camp before tackling the sheer ice wall and razor-sharp col between Jogin I and Gangotri III. Trekkers must negotiate hidden crevasses, ice bridges, and technical rope sections.
Descending from the col drops directly into the shattered labyrinth of Khatling Glacier, continuing down through remote moraines and gushing glacier snouts to Kalyani and Ghuttu. This expedition requires prior high-altitude technical experience, ice axe and crampon mastery, and extreme physical endurance.
Trekkers are reminded to stay properly hydrated with a minimum of 3-4 liters of water daily. Uttarakhand forest regulations strictly forbid single-use plastics and campfires outside designated grounds. Always pack out non-biodegradable waste.
Along the ridgelines and summit ascents of Auden's Col Trek, trekkers are treated to sweeping views of legendary Garhwal & Kumaon summits:
Drive via Uttarkashi and acclimatize at Gangotri shrine (3,100m).
Enter the wild Rudugaira valley through silver birch and cedar groves.
Ascend over alpine moraines facing Jogin and Gangotri peak massifs.
Crucial rest and rope-work practice for glacier traverse.
Steep climb over scree and terminal moraine.
Trek on frozen snowfields beside the heavily crevassed Jogin glacier.
Epic 10-12 hour technical push. Fixed ropes on 65° snow slope, cross the col, and negotiate Khatling crevasses.
Navigate treacherous lateral moraines down the Khatling glacier.
Cross boulder fields to reach the scenic grassy meadow of Chowki.
Long descent through remote Garhwal valleys.
Trek completion.
Proper layering and alpine gear are critical for comfort and survival at high altitudes:
The trailhead for Auden's Col Trek originates from Gangotri in Uttarkashi & Tehri district (Garhwal region).
Extremely technical. Requires crampons, mountaineering boots, ice axes, fixed ropes, and harness rescue systems.
5,490 meters (18,011 feet) above sea level.
Only seasoned mountaineers and trekkers who have completed high pass treks above 5,000m previously.
IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) registration, forest permits from Uttarkashi, and comprehensive insurance.
Deep hidden crevasses on the Khatling glacier, sudden blizzards, and rockfalls.
Never. Requires certified mountain guides, high-altitude porters, and satellite tracking gear.