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Auden’s Col (via 3 passes)
Uttarakhand
Trip Highlights
Crossing a high-altitude pass (≈ 5,490 m) — one of the highest in Garhwal.
Walking from the sacred valley of Gangotri to the shrine of Kedarnath, merging adventure and culture.
Glacier terrain: traversing the formidable Khatling Glacier with deep crevasses.
Remote alpine lakes like Masar Tal & Vasuki Tal that many trekkers skip.
Dense rhododendron/birch forests, vast meadows, shifting terrain from forest to moraine to snow.
Spiritual flavour: the journey moves through sacred geography and ancient Himalayan culture.
Small groups, raw wilderness, low crowd-factorm, less “tourist trail”, more “Himalayan immersion”.

If you imagine the Himalayas as a long conversation between earth and sky then this trek is where they whisper secrets. Starting from from the sacred land of Gangotri, where the Bhagirathi flows like a wild hymn, you climb through forests of Bhojkharak making your way upto Kedaratal, a journey in itself and then to the meadows and glacial ridges towards Auden’s Col. Once you climb the pass, you walk through one of the most heavily glaciated regions in India - the crevassed Khatling glacier. Then back onto moraine and through dense forests once again before visiting the holy Vasuki Tal lake and the snow-covered Mayali Pass.


The pass sits between massive peaks (Jogin I, Gangotri III) and leads down into the glacier-strewn Bhilangna valley and eventually to Kedarnath.


Along the way you’ll see lakes skirted by snow, the simple lives of mountain villages, and the kind of solitude that teaches something about yourself.

We’re not just ticking off peaks. We’re walking through landscapes that hold myths, ice that remembers millennia, and valleys that still whisper old ways. You’ll go from pine and birch forests, to mossy meadows, to scree and snow. And down into a sacred valley at the end. It’s hard. It demands respect, focus and heart. But you’ll come out changed. Knowing the mountains a little better. And maybe yourself, too.

Day 1 Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri (Base village)

The drive to Gangotri is a pilgrimage in itself. As you trace the Bhagirathi River, pine forests give way to deodar valleys and snow-dusted ridges. You reach Gangotri by evening, a small spiritual town at 10,000 ft. The sound of temple bells and rushing water will set the tone for the next two weeks of mountain life. It's also a perfect place to get acclamitized for the journey ahead.


Day 2 Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak (3415 m)

Trek distance: 9 km Trek time: 5 hrs


The trail dives straight into Gangotri National Park, a steep start through birch and pine forests. Bhoj Kharak is a small clearing that sits on a ridge overlooking the Bhagirathi valley. You’ll camp surrounded by cliffs and the sound of the river far below. A short but demanding first day to warm up your legs and lungs


Day 3 Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak (4315 m)

Trek distance: 4.5 km Trek time: 3 hrs


The landscape opens up dramatically. Trees thin, meadows appear, and Mt. Thalaysagar dominates the skyline. The trail follows a moraine and ends at one of the most scenic campsites in Garhwal. Kedar Kharak, a wide valley ringed by snow peaks. The night sky here will test how long you can stay awake just staring.


Day 4 Acclimatization Hike to Kedartal (4760 m) & back

Hike distance: 7 km Hike time: 4 hrs


A steady climb over boulders takes you to the sacred Kedartal, shimmering beneath Thalaysagar. Spend time soaking in the silence and cold wind. This side hike is essential for acclimatization and spirit, few spots in the Himalayas feel this pure. Return to Kedar Kharak by noon and rest well.



Day 5 Kedar Kharak to Patangini Dhar Base Camp (4540 m)

Trek distance: 6.5 km Trek time: 5 hrs


The trek begins with a gradual walk before you hit snow patches and moraine stretches. You’ll start to feel the altitude today. Camp near Patangini Dhar base, wild winds, crisp air, and a sense of being deep in the mountains. We will cook dinner early tonight.

Day 6 Cross Patangini Dhar (5085 m) to Dhabba Camp (4685 m)

Trek distance: 8 km Trek time: 8 hrs


Your first big pass crossing. The climb is steep and exposed, but the views from the top are jaw-dropping as you see both the Kedar valley behind and the unknown terrain ahead. The descent is tricky with snow and loose rocks. Dhabba Camp sits in a bowl surrounded by ice walls. Expect a tough but glorious day.


Day 7 Dhabba to Auden’s Col Base Camp (4975 m)

Trek distance: 7 km Trek time: 5 hrs


A gradual but continuous climb through moraine fields and small snow ridges. You’re now in the shadow of Jogin peaks and Auden’s Col itself. Camp on glacier ice tonight that surreal and silent. Instructors will brief and check gear for the next day’s crossing. Keep yourself warm, hydrated, and calm.

Day 8 Cross Auden’s Col (5490 m) → Traverse Khatling Glacier to Camp (4970 m)

Trek distance: 7 km Trek time: 7 hrs


The big day. Rope up early morning, crampons on, and climb steadily to Auden’s Col, a razor-sharp saddle between Gangotri III and Jogin I. The view from the col is surreal: one side Gangotri glacier, the other side the massive Khatling icefield. The descent is long and technical as you move slowly, one careful step at a time. Camp safely after crossing the main crevasse zones.


Day 9 Glacier Camp to Zero Point (3870 m)

Trek distance: 8 km Trek time: 6 hrs


Today’s trail winds through the lower part of Khatling glacier: shifting ice, boulders, melt streams. Slowly, green returns. Camp at Zero Point that is the first grass in days. The sound of streams and the sight of vegetation feel unreal after days on snow.

Day 10 Zero Point (3870 m) to Masar Tal (4560 m)

Trek distance: 16 km Trek time: 10 hrs


An easier walk through meadows and moraine edges. Chowki is a large flat expanse with views of Thalay Sagar and the entire Khatling valley. It’s a place to rest, dry gear, and breathe again. You’ll feel alive in every sense of the word. From Chowki we resume our trek to Masar Tal. Switchbacks through high alpine terrain to the turquoise Masar Tal. A peaceful lake set between ridges. Cold winds, thin air, and unbelievable silence. You’ll camp beside the lake with reflections of the peaks dancing on the surface.

Day 11 Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal (4367 m) via Mayali Pass (5150 m)

Trek distance: 12 km Trek time: 9–10 hrs


Second major pass. Long, sustained ascent to Mayali Pass, another world of snow ridges and wind. From the top, you can see the entire Kedarnath range. Descend to Vasuki Tal and camp by its emerald waters. This is a long and rewarding day, often the most emotional day of the expedition.

Day 12 Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath (3595 m) and Gaurikund (1990 m)

Trek distance: 19 km Trek time: 8 hrs


The final descent. You’ll touch civilization again as you reach the Kedarnath temple, a moment of silence and gratitude hits every trekker here. Continue to Gaurikund, the road head. Hot food, phone signals, and soft beds feel unreal tonight.

Day 13 Drive to Rishikesh/Dehradun (10 hrs)

The journey back along the Mandakini valley feels lighter. You’ve walked across glaciers, passes, and two great river valleys. Now it's time to head back, enjoy the drive and reach Rishikesh or Dehradun by 5pm on Day 13.

Plan your return on Day 15

Day 14 Buffer day

Kept for weather, delays, or acclimatization needs.


Our Expectations from Participants

This is a true backpacking expedition, not a supported trek.

There are no mules, no kitchen team, no fixed camps. It’s just us, carrying our own load, setting up our tents, cooking together, and managing every little thing as a team.


You’ll be expected to:

  • Carry your own backpack with all personal gear and a share of group equipment.
  • Take turns cooking, cleaning, and managing the camp kitchen as teamwork is everything here.
  • Learn how to use and care for your gear- tents, stoves, sleeping systems, and filtration kits.
  • Be disciplined about weight management and know what’s essential and what’s not.
  • Help divide rations and plan meals to stay light and efficient.
  • Stay hands-on and proactive- a lazy teammate slows down the entire group.
  • Practice the Leave No Trace principle- we take back every bit of waste and leave camps cleaner than we found them.


This is a Backpacking-style expedition where self-reliance, awareness, and team spirit matter more than comfort.

If something breaks, we fix it.

If the weather turns bad, we adapt.

If someone slows down, we lift them up.

That’s what being part of an Odyssey expedition means.



Minimum Fitness Requirement

Backpacking requires more than strength, it needs endurance, balance, and mental resilience.

Here’s what we expect:

  • You should comfortably walk 10–15 km with a loaded backpack (10–12 kg) during your training hikes.
  • Maintain a weekly volume of 25–30 km on trails or stairs.
  • Include strength training (legs, core, shoulders) and mobility workouts 3–4 times a week.
  • Practice hill climbs, stair workouts, or interval runs to build uphill stamina.
  • Stay mentally prepared to face cold, long days, and high passes — risk and discomfort are part of the experience.


Inclusion

Accommodation in Gangotri
All meals during camping days: nutritious and freshly prepared as a team
Certified trek leader and local guide
All necessary forest and local permissions
All backpacking gears: tents, sleeping bags, mats, medical kits, communication equipment tested for high-mountain safety
Pre-departure guidance and gear support: detailed call and packing list, fitness preparation, clothing advice, what to expect

Exclusion

Travel to/from Dehradun (we will arrange transport from Dehradun — this is not included in the trek fee)
Meals during transit (food/beverages on journey to/from trek)
Personal trekking gear: trekking shoes, backpacks, jackets, poles, or other personal equipment (we’ll guide you on what to bring and where to rent or buy)
Insurance or evacuation expenses
accommodation on last day (Day 13)
₹ 95,299 + 5% GST
Trip Category :
backpacking
Difficulty Rating :
Altitude :
18120 ft
Pickup & Drop :
Dehradun- Dehradun/Rishikesh
Solitude Rating :
Distance :
104 km
We’re here to help. If you have any questions, call 928-639-2846 or contact us.
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₹95,299 + 5% GST

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