Auden's Col
One of the most technically demanding named crossings in the Garhwal Himalaya, linking the Gangotri and Kedarnath valleys over a high glaciated col — reputationally among the hardest treks in India.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Auden's Col Trek Overview
One of the most technically demanding named crossings in the Garhwal Himalaya, linking the Gangotri and Kedarnath valleys over a high glaciated col — reputationally among the hardest treks in India.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Gangotri · Estimated trip duration: 12 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation information
Catalogue altitude reference
This is a catalogue figure without a route-specific linked elevation source. It is not a verified GPS maximum, starting altitude or total ascent.
A measured walking-route profile is not available. Have a reliable published route or GPX file? Send a correction or source.
Auden's Col Trek Planning Guide
Auden's Col is a difficult trek in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand. Panth records the route as approximately not specified over 12 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 17,700 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Auden's Col
The Panth catalogue currently lists Sep as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
A complete verified day-by-day itinerary is not yet available in the catalogue. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
A permit or ILP is listed in the catalogue, but current rules must be confirmed. The recorded base location is Gangotri, and the nearest listed rail connection is Rishikesh (via Haridwar), then a road journey to Gangotri. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A difficult rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Auden's Col. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Requires roped glacier travel, technical mountaineering skill, and a highly experienced team — this is not comparable in difficulty to any other entry in this record and Success rates are low even for well-prepared teams; treat any fixed date as provisional on conditions. The current packing notes include NA — full mountaineering kit required, specified by the expedition leader. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Uttarakhand
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Auden's Col with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Full itinerary is expedition-specific and depends heavily on team experience and weather windows; not a standard fixed-departure trek.
Safety notes
- Requires roped glacier travel, technical mountaineering skill, and a highly experienced team — this is not comparable in difficulty to any other entry in this record
- Success rates are low even for well-prepared teams; treat any fixed date as provisional on conditions
What to pack
- NA — full mountaineering kit required, specified by the expedition leader
Frequently asked questions about Auden's Col
Where is Auden's Col located?
Auden's Col is listed in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, within the Uttarakhand trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Auden's Col trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Difficult. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Auden's Col?
Panth currently lists Sep. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Auden's Col?
A permit or ILP is currently recorded as required.
How long is the Auden's Col trek?
The catalogue records 12 days and approximately NA. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.