Auden's Col is the ultimate Himalayan traverse — a 14-day journey from Gangotri to Kedarnath crossing a 18,010 ft col named after the geologist who first surveyed it. One of the most technically demanding treks in the Indian Himalayas.
Founder-Led Adventure Series
Once a month, MonkTrekker personally leads one small-group Himalayan journey — not a standard package, but a route chosen for what it teaches, not just where it goes. Expect backpacking over marked trails, unscheduled stops in villages most itineraries skip, campfire conversations that run late, and a pace built for actually being there, not just getting through it.
September 2026
A 7-day backpacking route to Roopkund, capped at 12 trekkers so the group actually gets to know each other — and MonkTrekker. No fixed camps, no rush between checkpoints, and long enough away from signal that you'll notice it.
Coming Soon
Dates open for applications roughly 4–6 weeks before departure — follow along or check back here for updates.
The ultimate Himalayan traverse — one of the hardest and most rewarding treks in India
Starting from
₹32,000
About the Trek
Auden's Col is the ultimate Himalayan traverse — a 14-day journey from Gangotri to Kedarnath crossing a 18,010 ft col named after the geologist who first surveyed it. One of the most technically demanding treks in the Indian Himalayas.
Our Honest Take
We've done this trek multiple times. Here's what we actually think.
Elite trekkers and mountaineers seeking an extreme, raw, and highly technical expedition.
September for the best chance of clear weather and stable snow conditions.
You don't have extensive high-altitude and technical snow/ice experience.
June and September-early October.
Why This Trek
Gallery
The Route
Expedition start point.
First camp along the Rudragaira river.
Acclimatization camp.
Camp before the pass.
The daunting 18,010 ft pass.
Camp on the glacier.
Alpine lake camp.
Camp before Kedarnath.
End of the expedition.
Day by Day
14 days · All meals and accommodation included · Select a batch to view exact dates
A 10-12 hour drive from Dehradun to the holy town of Gangotri.
Rest well, the journey ahead is long and demanding.
Spend the day acclimatizing. Visit the Gangotri temple and take short walks in the surrounding pine forests.
Drink plenty of water and sort out your expedition gear.
Start the trek through dense forests alongside the Rudragaira river.
Pace yourself, the initial ascent is quite steep.
Trek over moraines and rocky terrain to reach the base camp of Rudragaira peak.
The terrain gets rugged here. Walk carefully over the loose boulders.
A crucial rest day to help your body adjust to the high altitude before pushing further.
Go for an acclimatization walk towards Rudragaira peak and return to sleep low.
A demanding trek over glacial moraines to reach the base of Auden's Col.
Expect freezing temperatures. Keep your warm layers handy.
The D-Day. A grueling climb to the 18,010 ft pass followed by a dangerous, roped descent onto the Khatling Glacier.
You must remain roped up. Follow your expedition leader's instructions exactly.
Navigate a maze of deep crevasses on the Khatling Glacier to reach the moraine field.
Crevasse negotiation is slow and exhausting. Stay alert.
Leave the glacier behind and walk on green meadows after days of ice and rock.
Enjoy the feeling of walking on solid, green earth again.
A steep climb to the beautiful alpine lake of Masar Tal.
The views of the surrounding peaks from the lake are stunning.
Cross another high pass (Mayali Pass at 16,400 ft) and descend to the sacred Vasukital lake.
This is a long day, but crossing Mayali pass brings a sense of completion.
A steep descent into the Kedarnath valley, ending the trek at the revered Kedarnath Temple.
Pay your respects at the temple and celebrate the end of a massive expedition.
Walk down the pilgrim trail to the road head at Gaurikund.
The trail is paved but hard on the knees after a long expedition.
Drive back to Dehradun from Gaurikund.
You can expect to reach Dehradun by late evening. Book onward travel accordingly.
Pricing
Starting from
Includes all meals, accommodation, guide & permits
USD shown as approximate reference only. Payment processed in INR.
Traveling as a group? Save more — Small Group: 5% off.
No hidden charges · Cancel up to 30 days before
Extras
Customise your trek experience.
What You Get
Preparation
What your body needs to be ready for this trek.
Daily Walking
6-12 hours on trekking days
per day
Week 1
Start with 10 km runs 3 times a week.
Week 2
Intense stair climbing with a 15kg weighted vest.
Week 3
Strength training: squats, lunges, core.
Week 4
Endurance hikes on rough terrain.
Are You Ready?
5 quick questions to gauge your readiness for Auden's Col Trek.
Note: This is a general guidance tool, not a medical assessment. Consult a doctor before trekking if you have pre-existing health conditions, heart or respiratory issues, or are pregnant.
Answer 5 questions in 60 seconds and we'll tell you exactly how prepared you are.
Climate
| Month | Experience | Snow | Crowds | Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | Deep snow on the passes, technical but stable ice. | High | Low | -15° – 10° |
| September | Crevasses are exposed but weather is generally clearer. | Medium | Low | -10° – 12° |
| October | Extreme cold, high winds, short weather windows. | High | Low | -20° – 5° |
What to Carry
0/3 items packed
On the Trail
Photos coming soon — check back before your trek.
Cancellation
Flexible cancellation options
Up to 90% refund · Batch transfer option
Questions
2 questions
We strictly evaluate the fitness and trek history of every applicant. Participants should ideally be between 20 and 50 years old with peak physical fitness.
Yes. While it is classified as a trek, the technical difficulty of crossing Khatling Glacier and ascending the Col requires knowledge of roping up, crampon usage, and ice axe arrest.
Stories
Be among the first to trek Auden's Col Trek with Mountthrill and share your story with thousands of future trekkers.
Ready to Go?
Starting from ₹32,000/person