Auden's Col an Introduction Col is a mountain pass which connects Jogin I (6465m) and Gangotri III (6580m) peaks and is reportedly situated at a height of around 5400m. It also binds two glaciers on the opposite sides. One is Khatling glacier and the other one looks like the glacier belonging to Jogin I. Auden's Col is approachable from Gangotri and one can trek up to Kedarnath following Auden's Col and Khatling glacier. Auden's Col gets its name from J B Auden, who first crossed it in 1939-40.
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport meet our executive and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
At 0650 hrs take the AC train to Haridwar. Transfer by car to Rishikesh. Upon arrival at Rishikesh meet our representative and check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the area. The famed Ganga Arti on the banks of the holy river Ganga is a must see! Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Rishikesh.
Day 03 : Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (170 kms/ 4-5 hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Uttarkashi (1150 mts), which takes 7-8 hrs drive following the course of the narrow river Ganga valley, followed by the Bhagirathi river valley. Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Uttarkashi- situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi is a town of great religious significance, and has innumerous old temples and Ashrams. India’s famous Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is strategically located here, as this is the gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in the Gangotri area.. Evening free to explore the surrounding on your own. Overnight stay at hotel in Uttarkashi.
Day 04 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 m/ 10,000 ft) Drive (95 kms).
After breakfast set out for Gangotri via the beautiful hamlet of Harsil- the home of the famous “Wilson Apple” & Bhairon Ghati the course of the Bhairav Ganga river spanned by a steel girder bridge overlooking a very fascinating and deep gorge. The drive takes 4-5 hrs to reach the small town of Gangotri- thought to be established the at the mouth of the Gangotri Glacier centuries ago. On arrival check-into Hotel. By evening visit the Gangotri temple. Overnight stay.
Gangotri : Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from the locks of Lord Shiva- the spot marked by a Goddess Ganga temple where millions of devotees throng to pay homage every year.
The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by Cedar and Pine trees. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and Dharamshalas are located on the far side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock known as "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.
Day 05 : Gangotri (Rest day for acclimatization)
After a leisurely breakfast you will explore the holy town of Gangotri. In the first half of the day you will trek towards Pandava caves, which reminds one about the famous epic of Mahabharata. It's a 4 kms hike both ways from Gangotri. On the second half of the day it is a real pleasure to visit the Ashrams showcasing culture and traditional Hindu practices. Evening will be well lighted and cherished with the famous Arti of mother Ganges. Overnight and dinner in the hotel.
Day 06 : Gangotri - Nala Camp (8 km Trek 5 - 6hrs trek)
Prepare the gear to commence the adventure journey. The trail start on the true left of the valley and a continuous ascend to the Nala camp. The beautiful walk through a Pine and Birch forest, finally gets transformed into a picturesque walk with views of some of the Himalayan peaks i.e. Jogin and Kedartal range. On arrival set the campsite by Rudragaira River. Overnight in tents.
Day 07 : Nala Camp to Rudra Gaira Base Camp (7 km -5 hrs trek)
The day’s trek commences with an ascent taking one to a ridge and continuing to a side stream. Thereafter, it is a arduous climb to the base camp, Apart from the strenuous stretches of hike during the day there are rewarding views of Rudragaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col pass. On arrival at the Rudra Gaira base camp (Rudragaira BC) a refreshing cup of Tea is well deserved! Overnight in the tents.
Day 08 : Rudugaira BC - Rest day and acclimatization
The day is spent at this location and altitude for rest and acclimatization. One can relax in the camp or involve himself/herself in hike round the route which takes you towards Rudragaira peak. Explore and enjoy the surroundings surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. Overnight in tents.
Day 09 : Rudugaira BC - B C Gangotri Group (6 kms/5 hrs app)
The day’s hike involves negotiating moraine and technical surfaces! The ascending path is gradual throughout, but challenging at times. Approach towards the camp makes you feel refreshed with the rewarding views of Gangotri I, II & III peaks. Overnight in tents.
Day 10: B C Gangotri Group - Auden Col BC (6 km/5-6 hrs)
The hike for the day is as challenging as the previous day. The path continues on moraine and finally takes you to the Auden Col base camp. The campsite is not well marked or distinguished but gives an opportunity to camp within a rocky surroundings. Overnight in tents.
Day 11 : Auden Col B C - Khatling Glacier (12 km 10 hrs approx)
An early start is a must for the day! The walk involves technical aspects on the glacier, which continues to the pass. It is a trek of about 5 km to the pass, which takes about 4 hours. A rope is fixed on both sides to negotiate the pass. Looking back at the day’s events, one feels immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement , as one hangs up the trekking boots for the day, with a stunning view of the greater Himalayas all around. The view is a feast for the eyes, well deserved and worth it. A cautious descent with help of technical gear is made on the other side of the pass. After the descent, the day still continues for another 5-6 km on the glacier till finally, the camp is established for the day. Lots of rest and deep sleep energizes one for another grueling day. Overnight in tents.
Day 12 : Khatling Glacier - Waterfall Camp/Zero Point (12 km/10 hrs approx)
The trek on the glacier continues for another 8 kms. The walk is technical and requires useof technical gear. After the glacial stretch, the path goes to the moraine continuously descending to the campsite by the river. Overnight in tents.
Day 13 : Waterfall Camp/ Zero Point - Chowki (8 kms/4-5 hrs)
After a trek of 3 km along the river valley, the river is over crossed leading to an open meadow. Trekking further for another 4 km , one reaches Chowki, with a grassy and comfortable place to set campsite. Overnight in the tents.
Day 14 : Chowki - Masar Tal (8 kms/6-7 hrs)
The trek for the day involves a steep ascend with switch backs leading to ridge overlooking the valley. The trail is well defined and with presents a picturesque surrounding leading to Masar Tal. Upon arrival camp, near the beautiful lake. Overnight in the tents.
Day 15 : Masar Tal - Vasuki Tal (12 kms/6-7 hrs)
The day continues with the ascend of 3 km to reach the ridge, followed by a series of switch backs , finally descending and bringing one to the picturesque lake of Vasukital. Camp by the lake. Overnight in the tents.
Day 16 : Vasuki Tal - Kedarnath (5 kms/3 hrs)
Trek towards one of the famous and much revered temple pilgrimage centers in India. The descent of 5 km takes approximately 3 hours. On arrival one can feel the spiritual environment of Hindu religion and culture. The Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and established by the famous Hindu reformist and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya around 800 CE.boasting an unparalleled architecture. Evening temple visit. Overnight in the hotel at Kedarnath.
Day 17 : Kedarnath - Gaurikund (14 kms/3-4 hrs) - Rudraprayag
Awake in the morning full of religious hustle bustle- chiming temple bells, and aromatic incense! Descend the well laid 6 ft wide trail for the next 14 km till Gaurikund teeming with religious tralellers (Yatris) of all ages and regions of the subcontinent. En route pass through the village of Rambara having several makeshift restaurants serving food to pilgrims. Continue to descend further to reach Gaurikund. Board the vehicles on a 4 hours drive to reach Rudraprayag, another revered religious place, on the flanks of confluence of river Mandakini and Alaknanda. Overnight in hotel at Rudraprayag.
Day 18 : Rudraprayag - Rishikesh
Early in the morning take a holy dip at the confluence and later after having breakfast drive towards Rishikesh via another confluence Devprayag (Alaknanda & Bhagirathi Rivers) from here the holy Ganges begins. In the evening one can visit the Ashrams & temples at Rishikesh. Explore Rishikesh: "haven of saint and Sadhus"This town is, situated on the banks of river Ganga and flanked on three sides by high mountain ranges is the epicenter of religion and culture of the region. The evening “Arti” held on the Triveni Ghat on the river bank is most fascinating to watch, involving prayer and songs offered by pilgrims lighting a butter lamp with fresh flowers and offering it to the river – setting it adrift! Overnight in hotel.
Day 19 : Rishikesh - Delhi
Early in the morning check out from the hotel and transfer to railway station to arrive at the Delhi railway station. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 20 : Delhi Departure
Early morning check out from the hotel and transfer to airport in time to take your flight to your destination.
Tour & Service End.
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