Explore the stunning beauty of the Himalayas on our Gangotri-Auden's Col Trek, a tough trip that takes you through some of the most untouched places in Uttarakhand. This 16-day journey mixes spiritual sites with natural beauty, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and personal growth. You'll walk through different landscapes; from thick forests and green meadows to glaciers and high mountain passes.
Our well-planned route ensures a full experience, balancing physical challenges with proper rest and safety. The key moments of our trek include crossing the tough Auden's Col, visiting hidden mountain lakes, and seeing the sacred areas of Gangotri. This trek is perfect for those who want more than just a mountain walk.
Throughout our journey, we'll take care of every detail, providing comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and plenty of breaks. Our experienced team will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. You'll return home with unforgettable memories, stunning photos, and a newfound appreciation for the Himalayas.
The journey begins from Dehradun, the closest city with an airport, situated at a distance of approximately 245 km from Gangotri.
Gangotri is a serene mountain city in the Greater Himalayan Range, renowned as the origin of the holy River Ganga.
According to legend, this is the place where Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the river from his hairlocks.
Our team at Skyhike ensures a smooth travel experience for our clients.
Everyone will gather at the designated meeting point in Dehradun in the morning to commence the journey.
The drive to Gangotri takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on road conditions.
The scenic drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, mountain valleys, and quaint villages.
You will also have short breaks during the journey for refreshments and stretching.
Upon reaching Gangotri in the evening, you will check into a comfortable hotel arranged by us.
The hotel offers clean and cozy rooms to ensure a restful stay.
A delicious dinner will be served at the hotel, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate after the long drive.
Breakfast for the following morning is also included in your stay.
Rest well, as the following day marks the beginning of your trekking adventure.
The second day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization to help your body adjust to the high altitude of Gangotri.
This step is crucial for minimizing the risk of altitude-related health issues and ensuring a comfortable trekking experience in the days ahead.
After enjoying a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, you can take the opportunity to explore the vibrant market in Gangotri.
This mountain town offers a blend of culture, tradition, and spirituality.
You can visit local shops for last-minute purchases, ensuring you are well-prepared for the trek.
During the day, you may explore nearby landmarks and temples, including the renowned Gangotri Temple, a significant pilgrimage site located just a short walk from the market.
A little movement around the town is beneficial for acclimatization.
In the afternoon, we will gather for a group debriefing session.
This session is an essential part of the day, providing an overview of the trekking schedule, insights into the mountain environment, and guidelines for maintaining safety and environmental sanctity during the trek.
It's also a great time to connect with fellow travelers.
In the evening, a short acclimatization walk will be organized to help your body adapt further to the altitude.
This walk typically lasts around 1 to 2 hours.
After returning from the walk, a delicious dinner will be served at the hotel.
This is followed by a relaxing evening to unwind and prepare for the next day’s trekking adventure.
You will stay overnight at the same hotel, which ensures a comfortable and peaceful rest
The trek begins today as we move from Gangotri to Nala Camp, covering a distance of approximately 7 kilometers.
This day involves an altitude gain of around 350 meters, transitioning into the higher reaches of the Rudugaira valley.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we start trekking southwest from Gangotri along the main valley.
The initial stretch of about 2 kilometers is relatively easy and takes us through dense oak and birch forests, offering occasional openings to small grasslands.
Turning east into the Rudugaira Valley, the trail starts a gradual ascent.
As we continue, the dense tree line begins to thin out, revealing expansive meadows and grazing grounds.
These open landscapes provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Gangotri III and Jogin II.
The trek to Nala Camp usually takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on the pace and weather conditions.
On reaching the campsite, located amidst wide meadows, we take some time to rest and enjoy the serene surroundings.
A hot lunch is served at the campsite, giving trekkers the energy to recover from the day’s journey.
In the evening, an acclimatization walk is organized to help the body adjust further to the increasing altitude.
After the acclimatization walk, dinner is served at the camp.
This is followed by a relaxing evening under the stars, offering an opportunity to unwind and prepare for the next day.
Today’s trek takes us from Nala Camp to Rudugaira Camp, covering a distance of approximately 4 kilometers.
The day involves a significant altitude gain of 540 meters.
After an early breakfast at the camp, we set off on a steep ascent towards the upper grazing grounds.
This area is home to diverse Himalayan wildlife, and if you are fortunate, you may spot herds of Bharal (Himalayan Mountain Goats).
As we move ahead, the trail leads us across several streams, requiring careful footing.
The climb becomes steeper as we approach Rudugaira Base Camp.
Along the way, we are treated to our first views of Auden’s Col, an awe-inspiring sight.
On arrival at the base camp, we'll pitch our Swiss tents. This will be our base for the next two nights.
A warm, freshly prepared dinner is served at the campsite, providing much-needed nourishment after the grueling day.
The rest of the evening is for relaxation and soaking in the magnificent mountain surroundings.
Overnight stay is in trekking tents, ensuring a secure and restful night’s sleep.
Day 5 is designated for rest and acclimatization to allow your body to adapt to the significant altitude gain over the last two days and the challenging high-altitude terrain of Rudugaira Base Camp.
After breakfast, the day begins with an acclimatization walk.
This short trek involves climbing a few hundred meters above the campsite, providing a breathtaking vantage point of the surrounding landscape.
From here, you get your first clear and awe-inspiring view of Auden’s Col, a dramatic snow-clad col flanked by the towering ridges of Jogin I and Gangotri III.
The acclimatization walk, lasting about 2 to 3 hours, helps your body adjust to the altitude while offering an opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of the Himalayan peaks around you.
After the walk, the rest of the day is reserved for relaxation and preparation for the next leg of the trek.
A wholesome and freshly prepared dinner is served in the evening, ensuring you are well-nourished.
Overnight accommodation is in tents at the base camp, where you can enjoy the stillness of the mountains.
On Day 6, we proceed from Rudugaira Base Camp to Auden's Col Base Camp via Gangotri Base Camp, covering a challenging distance of 8 kilometers.
After an early breakfast at the campsite, we begin the trek.
The trek to Gangotri Base Camp typically takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on trail conditions and group pace.
The trail quickly transitions from the valley's grassy slopes to rugged and desolate moraine terrain, requiring steady and careful movement.
The combination of the high altitude, uneven terrain, and snow makes this section of the journey physically demanding.
Along the way, we come across Sukha Tal, a serene high-altitude lake.
After approximately 4 to 5 hours of trekking, depending on the pace, we reach Auden's Col Base Camp.
On arrival at the base camp, you will have time to rest and recover from the day’s exertions.
A hot meal prepared at the camp provides much-needed warmth and energy.
The evening is reserved for relaxation and preparation for the demanding trek to Auden’s Col the following day.
Today is one of the most challenging and significant days of the trek as we cross the iconic Auden’s Col.
This high-altitude mountain pass is a confluence of four massive glaciers: Jogin I and Gangotri III on either side, with the Jogin Glacier behind us and the Khatling Glacier ahead.
The distance for the day is 5 kilometers, but the altitude gain and technical terrain make it a strenuous journey.
After an early breakfast at the base camp, we set out on moraine-covered paths leading to the glacier.
Shortly into the trek, we begin the steep ascent toward Auden’s Col, which features gradients ranging from 30 to 50 degrees.
To ensure safety, we rope up for the 1.5-kilometer ascent, which typically takes around 3 hours.
The climb to the col is challenging but rewards us with unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Reaching the top of Auden’s Col at 5,490 meters is a moment of triumph, but the descent ahead is the true challenge of the day.
The downward journey involves a steep and narrow gully with an incline of 70 to 75 degrees.
Once past the gully, the terrain flattens out as the glacier broadens, revealing awe-inspiring views of massive icefalls, glacial landscapes, and towering Himalayan peaks.
The remainder of the trek involves a gradual descent down the Khatling Glacier.
After 6 to 7 hours of trekking, we reach our campsite on the Khatling Glacier at an altitude of 5,000 meters.
Here, you can relax and take in the pristine surroundings while enjoying a hot, freshly prepared meal.
The night is spent in tents at the glacier camp.
Day 8 marks one of the most demanding days of the expedition as we traverse the formidable Khatling Glacier.
This challenging journey covers a distance of 10 kilometers and involves navigating one of India’s most heavily glaciated and moraine-rich terrains.
After an early breakfast at the glacier camp, we begin our trek across the expansive Khatling Glacier.
Extreme caution is necessary as there are no marked trails, and each step demands focus and care.
The glacier is characterized by steep ascents and descents, adding to the difficulty of the trek.
The moraine fields and unsteady terrain require patience and endurance.
The glacier, stretching for nearly 10 kilometers, and the challenges it presents make this day both exhausting and exhilarating.
After several hours of passing through the glacier, we finally reconnect with a marked trail toward the end of the journey.
This path leads to the campsite at Zero Point, located at an altitude of 3,870 meters near the snout of the Khatling Glacier.
Upon arrival at the campsite, you will have time to rest and recover from the trek.
A hot meal is served at the campsite, providing nourishment and energy after a long day.
The night is spent in tents at Zero Point, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible challenges and accomplishments of the day.
After the physically demanding last few days, Day 9 is a rest day at Zero Point.
This day is crucial for recovery, allowing both your body and mind to recover from the strain.
The day begins with a leisurely breakfast prepared at the campsite, which allows you to enjoy the serene surroundings without the rush of trekking.
The Zero Point campsite, located near the Khatling Glacier, provides a tranquil atmosphere.
If you feel up to it, a short, optional walk around the area may be beneficial for maintaining circulation and flexibility without exerting yourself too much.
Use this time to check and organize your gear, ensuring everything is in place for the expedition's final stages.
This is also an opportunity to connect with fellow trekkers, share experiences, and prepare mentally for the next leg of the journey.
A freshly prepared hot lunch is served midday, and a wholesome dinner awaits in the evening.
The rest day ensures you are rejuvenated and ready for the challenges ahead.
On Day 10, we begin our descent from the high-altitude terrain and head towards the warmer reaches of the valley.
The trek will cover a distance of 7 kilometers and will provide a welcome change from the snow-covered landscapes.
After a hearty breakfast at camp, we start the day by walking along the river for the first 3 kilometers.
The path here is relatively gentle as we leave the snow behind.
As we continue, the landscape transforms from rocky, glacial surroundings to lush meadows.
The remaining 4 kilometers lead us to Chowki, our campsite for the night.
Upon reaching the campsite, you can relax and enjoy the warmth of the surroundings.
A hot lunch is served, followed by some relaxing time.
In the evening, a wholesome dinner is provided, offering nourishment after a day of moderate descent.
The accommodation for the night is in Swiss tents, ensuring a safe and restful environment to unwind after the day's trek.
On Day 11, we set off to Masar Tal, one of the most isolated lakes in the Garhwal region.
Situated at an altitude of 4,135 meters, this pristine lake lies to the east of the snowy Khatling Glacier.
After a nutritious breakfast at camp, we begin our trek with a steep ascent.
The climb offers stunning views of Thalay Sagar, a majestic peak standing at 6,904 meters, located about 10 kilometers southwest of Gaumukh, a revered holy site.
The first section of the trek is challenging, but after the initial ascent, the route begins to level out.
From here, the trail takes us directly to Masar Tal.
As we reach the lake, the surrounding landscape becomes even more picturesque, with snow-capped peaks reflecting in the tranquil waters of Masar Tal.
This high-altitude lake, known for its isolation and natural beauty, serves as the perfect campsite for the night.
After setting up camp, you’ll have time to relax and take in the serene atmosphere of the lake.
A delicious hot lunch is served at the campsite, and a wholesome dinner is prepared in the evening to refuel your body for the next leg of the journey.
The accommodation for the night will be in tents, ensuring a comfortable stay by the serene lake.
The trek today is 8 kilometers long. Although the ascent is challenging, the stunning views and the arrival at Masar Tal make it a rewarding day on the trail.
On Day 12, we'll begin the challenging trek towards Vasuki Tal, another high-altitude glacial lake, located at 4,135 meters.
The total distance covered today is 12 kilometers, with significant altitude changes and a variety of terrain.
After a hearty breakfast at camp, we begin the day with a steep ascent over boulders towards Masar Top.
This section of the trail is strenuous but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Once we reach Masar Top, the path slightly descends before we begin the climb up the glacier towards Mayali Pass, located at 5,000 meters.
The descent from Mayali Pass is steep and challenging, requiring utmost care.
After the descent, we'll continue our journey, walking down the glacier until we finally reach Vasuki Tal.
This serene lake, surrounded by towering peaks, will be our campsite for the night.
Upon arrival, we take time to settle in and rest.
A warm lunch is served, followed by a hearty dinner to replenish your energy after the challenging trek.
Tonight, we will camp near the lake, with tents providing shelter and warmth.
The scenic beauty of Vasuki Tal makes it an ideal resting point as we prepare for the final stages of our trek.
The trek today is both physically demanding and rewarding, with significant ascents and descents.
The total time taken will be approximately 7-8 hours, depending on the pace of the group.
On Day 13, we begin our descent from Vasuki Tal towards Kedarnath, a journey of 7 kilometers.
Kedarnath is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a significant pilgrimage destination for devotees.
As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it attracts numerous pilgrims, especially during the months when the area is not covered in snow.
After a nutritious breakfast at the campsite, we begin our trek towards Kedarnath.
The route is a steady descent, and we make our way through beautiful, varied landscapes, with the iconic Kedarnath peak visible in the distance.
The trek will take approximately 3-4 hours to complete, depending on the pace of the group.
Upon reaching Kedarnath, we visit the revered Kedarnath Temple and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site.
After the temple visit, we head to our hotel stay in Kedarnath, where we will enjoy the comfort of a warm bed after several days of trekking on challenging terrain.
The hotel provides a cozy atmosphere to relax and recharge.
A hot and delicious dinner is served at the hotel, giving us the opportunity to enjoy a hearty meal after the long trek.
The total trek distance for today is 7 kilometers, and the terrain offers a relatively easier descent compared to the previous days.
This day serves as a beautiful conclusion to the challenging trek.
On Day 14, we begin our trek from Kedarnath, heading towards Gaurikund, which is situated at a much lower altitude of 1,985 meters.
The trek today spans 14 kilometers and follows a well-marked, easy-to-navigate trail, which makes for a more comfortable descent.
After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, we begin our descent, enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as we make our way downhill.
The path takes us through picturesque landscapes, with lush greenery gradually replacing the snow and rocky terrain of the higher altitudes.
The trek will take approximately 5-6 hours to complete, depending on the pace of the group.
Once we reach Gaurikund, we settle into our guesthouse or hotel for the night.
Gaurikund is a small town that serves as the base for pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath.
After a long and rewarding day of trekking, we can unwind in the comfort of the hotel.
Dinner will be served at the hotel, providing a hearty meal to replenish our energy after the descent.
The evening will be spent relaxing in Gaurikund, preparing for the next steps in our travel.
On Day 15, we begin our journey back to Dehradun after an early breakfast at the hotel in Gaurikund.
The drive from Gaurikund to Dehradun covers approximately 252 kilometers, following the course of the Ganga River.
This scenic drive will take around 9 hours. The route offers breathtaking views of the river, hills, and valleys, making it a memorable journey.
As we approach Dehradun, the landscape gradually changes from the rugged mountains to a more developed urban environment.
We are expected to reach Dehradun by late evening.
Once in Dehradun, we head to the designated hotel for the night.
After checking in, you can relax and enjoy a warm dinner, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.
Day 16 is set aside as a reserve day to account for any unforeseen delays or challenges that may arise during the course of the expedition.
This day will only be utilized if unexpected circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions or other difficulties, disrupt the planned schedule.
It is a precautionary measure to ensure that we can still complete the trek safely, even if we face unforeseen setbacks.
If this reserve day is required, an additional charge for this day will be required.
On this day, if the schedule is unaffected, you will have a chance to relax and enjoy your time in the local area, making sure that your body is fully rested after the strenuous days of trekking.
This day acts as a buffer, providing flexibility to the overall itinerary, but will not involve any trekking or significant travel unless needed for scheduling adjustments.
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👉 We recommend avoiding going on adventure trips with young children below the age of 7 years including Dham Yatra. The Dham Yatra has a demanding itinerary that can be challenging for young children.
👉 Children under 5 years old are free of charge. However, Please note that this typically applies to one child per paying adult. Additional children under 5 Y/O may require a separate seat or pay a discounted fare.
👉 Children between 6 and 12 years old will be charged 70% of the adult travel cost (per person).
👉 Children 13 years and older will be charged the full adult travel cost.
👉 Please be sure to provide the accurate age of all traveling children at the time of booking.
👉 Documentation proving a child's age may be required during check-in (e.g., birth certificate, Adhar Card/Passport).
👉 If cancellation is made 30 days or more before the Date of Travel, 25% of the total Booking Cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
👉 If cancellation is made between 29 days to 16 days before the date of travel, 50% of the total Booking Cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
👉 If cancellation is made between 7 days to 15 days before the date of travel, 80% of the total Booking Cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
👉 If cancellation is made within 7 days before the date of travel, the total booking cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
👉 If payment is not made as per the schedule provided in the first booking confirmation Email, Sky Hike reserves the right to cancel the booking after attempting to get in touch with you. Refunds will be issued as per the package cancellation policy.
👉 Transfer your Trek/Trip (any Trek/Trip, within 2 months of your Date of Travel) to your friend before 15 days of your Date of Travel.
👉 You can only Transfer your Trip or Trek to those friends or People who haven’t booked any trip with us in a given time period.
👉 70% cash voucher in the form of 'HikeCoin' for any other Trip/Trek for one year, If we are informed before 20 days of the date of travel. (1 Rupees = 10 HikeCoin)
👉 80% cash voucher in the form of 'HikeCoin' for the same Trip/Trek for one year. If we are informed 20 days before the date of travel, (1 Rupee = 10 HikeCoin)
👉 The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.
👉 We recommend avoiding going on adventure trips with young children below the age of 7 years including Dham Yatra. The Dham Yatra has a demanding itinerary that can be challenging for young children.
👉 Children under 5 years old are free of charge. However, Please note that this typically applies to one child per paying adult. Additional children under 5 Y/O may require a separate seat or pay a discounted fare.
👉 Children between 6 and 12 years old will be charged 70% of the adult travel cost (per person).
👉 Children 13 years and older will be charged the full adult travel cost.
👉 Please be sure to provide the accurate age of all traveling children at the time of booking.
👉 Documentation proving a child's age may be required during check-in (e.g., birth certificate, Adhar Card/Passport).
Gangotri - The origin of the holy River Ganga, renowned for its spiritual significance and serene mountain surroundings.
Gangotri Temple - A significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Ganga, located in the heart of Gangotri town.
Rudugaira Valley - A picturesque valley offering expansive meadows, grazing grounds, and views of the surrounding mountains.
Jogin Peaks (I, II, III) - Majestic Himalayan peaks with distinct shapes, including the shark-fin-like Jogin II, visible from various points along the trek.
Auden’s Col - A dramatic mountain pass, known for its snow-covered terrain, connecting the ridges of Jogin I and Gangotri III.
Sukha Tal - A serene high-altitude lake nestled in the moraine, offering striking views with its azure waters against the rugged landscape.
Khatling Glacier - A vast glacier offering a challenging trek through moraine fields, crevasses, and extreme conditions, providing stunning glacial views.
Zero Point - A campsite at the snout of Khatling Glacier, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glacial and mountain landscapes.
Rudugaira Base Camp - A base camp offering panoramic views of prominent peaks such as Gangotri I, II, III, and Jogin III, and a vital stop on the journey towards Gangotri Base Camp.
Thalay Sagar (6,904M) – A stunning peak visible during the ascent to Masar Tal, adding to the dramatic mountain views of the trek.
Masar Tal (4,135M) – A pristine and isolated lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering a peaceful retreat in the wilderness.
Mayali Pass (5,000M) – A high-altitude pass providing panoramic views of Uttarakhand's rugged terrain, adding excitement to the trek.
Vasuki Tal (4,135M) – A tranquil lake nestled amidst towering peaks, serving as a peaceful campsite after a challenging day.
Kedarnath Temple – A revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located amidst the majestic Kedarnath mountain range.
Kedarnath Peak – An iconic peak visible from the temple, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Ganga River Valley – The scenic route from Gaurikund to Dehradun follows the course of the Ganga River, offering breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful journey.
Dehradun is well-connected by all modes of transportation, including flights, trains, and buses. Here's how you can reach Dehradun from anywhere in India:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
Dehradun has its own airport, Jolly Grant Airport, which is about 25 kilometers from the city center. You can take a flight to Dehradun from major cities in India. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation to reach your destination in Dehradun.
By Train: Dehradun Railway Station (DDN)
Dehradun Railway Station is well-connected to major cities across India. Trains are a convenient and budget-friendly option to reach Dehradun. Several express and superfast trains connect Dehradun to major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Bus: Dehradun ISBT
Dehradun is well-connected by buses to major cities and towns in North India. You can take a government or private bus from your starting point to Dehradun. Government buses are generally cheaper, while private buses may offer more amenities and comfort.
👉 While entering passenger names during the booking process, Do ensure that they exactly match the names on the travel documents (e.g. Aadhar Crad/PAN card/ Passport/Voter ID card/Any Identity Card) that you will be carrying for the Trip/Trek.
👉 The passenger names in the booking form should be exactly as per Adhar Card. Sky Hike will not bear any liability for the name change fee if incorrect names and ages have been added at the time of booking.
👉 In case your package needs to be canceled due to any natural calamity, weather conditions, etc. SkyHike reserves the right to deny a refund request in the event of a disaster, depending on the nature of the disaster and its impact on the organization.
👉 Sky Hike reserves the right to modify the itinerary at any point, due to reasons including but not limited to Force Majeure events, strikes, fairs, festivals, weather conditions, traffic problems, cancellation rescheduling, closure of /entry restrictions at a place of visit, etc. While we will do our best to make suitable alternate arrangements, we will not be held liable for any refunds/compensation claims arising out of this.
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