Glacier Crossover • Connecting Gangotri & Kedarnath Valleys • Serious Expedition Terrain
Auden’s Col is one of Uttarakhand’s toughest high-altitude crossings, linking the Rudragaira Glacier to Khatling Glacier through a steep, exposed and highly committing pass at ~5,490 m.
The trail moves across broken moraine fields, crevasse-risk zones, ice slopes and long glacier traverses where judgement, rope movement and acclimatization discipline are critical. Weather shifts quickly and the terrain remains harsh & isolating.
Camps feel raw and powerful — cold winds, long silent valleys and vast glacier walls on every side. This trek is suitable only for **high-altitude experienced trekkers**.
The trek begins from Gangotri with gradual acclimatization before entering the Rudragaira glacier approach.
Route:
Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Nala Camp → Rudragaira Base →
Auden’s Col → Khatling Glacier → Chowki → Ghuttu / Kedarnath Corridor
⏱ Drive Time — 6–7 hours from Uttarkashi
Day 1 — Dehradun → Uttarkashi
Drive along Bhagirathi valley • Team briefing • Gear check • Overnight stay
Day 2 — Uttarkashi → Gangotri (3,100 m)
Scenic mountain drive • Temple visit • Short acclimatization walk
Day 3 — Acclimatization Day at Gangotri
Rest and short hikes • Essential altitude preparation
Day 4 — Gangotri → Bhojbasa (3,800 m)
Gradual trail along Bhagirathi river • Easy acclimatization pace
Day 5 — Bhojbasa → Nandanvan (4,300 m)
Cross Gangotri glacier • Moraine and ice terrain • Camp near Shivling views
Day 6 — Acclimatization Day at Nandanvan
Rest • Hydration • Short altitude walks • Health monitoring
Day 7 — Nandanvan → Rudugaira Base / Upper Basin
Enter remote glacier valley • Boulder and moraine terrain
Day 8 — Move to Auden’s Col Base Camp
Steady climb over moraine and snowfields • Early camp for pass preparation
Day 9 — Cross Auden’s Col (5,490 m) → Khatling Glacier Camp
Pre-dawn start • Steep snow/ice ascent • Technical descent into Khatling basin
Day 10 — Khatling Glacier → Zero Point / Lower Camp
Long glacier walk • Crevasse zones • Moraine exit
Day 11 — Lower Camp → Chowki
Transition from glacier to alpine meadows and valley terrain
Day 12 — Chowki → Masar Tal Area / Down Valley Camp
Gradual descent through remote valley landscape
Day 13 — Trek to Ghuttu (Roadhead)
Final descent through forest and village terrain
Day 14 — Drive to Uttarkashi
Buffer day for weather delays or slow glacier conditions
Day 15 — Uttarkashi → Dehradun
Return drive • Expedition concludes