Auden's Col and Mayali Pass Trek – A Challenging Himalayan Expedition in Uttarakhand

Auden's Col and Mayali Pass Trekking Expedition, Uttarakhand

The Auden’s Col Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand is one of India’s most challenging and awe-inspiring high-altitude expeditions. At the height of 5490m (18012 ft), Auden’s Col pass and the Khatling glacier are heavily infested with crevasses (deep, open cracks in the glaciers), making it a dangerous pass to cross. Mayali pass further adds to the challenges. Auden’s Col and Mayali Pass trek route connects the sacred towns of Gangotri and Kedarnath, offering a journey across vast glaciers, steep ridgelines, and pristine alpine valleys. Not for the faint-hearted, this trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking raw Himalayan adventure, solitude, and unmatched natural beauty. Auden's Col and Mayali Pass expedition promises a journey of a lifetime through some of the most untouched regions of the Indian Himalayas.

The pass, named after John Bicknell Auden of the Geological Survey of India, was first discovered in 1935 and crossed in 1939. It remained unexplored until the late 1980s. Years ago, when I read about this pass, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to ascend it. Our dear trekker friend, a doctor, became obsessed with this trek and managed to convince “Team7” just a month before the plan. To ensure our safety, we needed a highly experienced guide who could lead us through the crevasses and prevent falls that could lead to futile search operations.

Auden's Col and Mayali Pass Expedition

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​Difficulty  level: Demanding
Route: Gangotri - Nala Camp - Rudragaira BC - Gangotri BC - Auden's Col BC - Auden's Col - Khatling Glacier - Waterfall Camp/Zero Point - Chowki - Masar Tal - Mayali Pass - Vasuki Tal - Kedarnath - Gaurikund
Total distance covered: 115 km
Passes crossed: Auden's Col (5490m/18010 ft), Mayali Pass (5000m/16400 ft)
No. of trekking days: Planned - 12 days, Actual - 11 days.
Dates we trekked on: 1st Jun 2015 - 11th Jun 2015
Best time to attempt Auden's Col trek: June and September
Prior Trekking Experience: Strongly recommended. There are crevasses, technical descends, and high altitudes to deal with. This trek should not be attempted by beginners. I would recommend prior experience of trekking to 5000-5500m before attempting Auden's Col.
Physical Preparation: Very good stamina and endurance is required for this trek. One needs to walk long distances and elevations almost everyday.

This trek begins at a temple and ends at another, completing two temples of the Chardham. I didn’t realize I was on a religious trip until I arrived—a trip I would have avoided altogether, except for the trek.
Our road trip to the base commenced in Rishikesh. After traversing picturesque valleys of Uttarkashi, Bhaironghati, and Harsil Valley, we reached our base at Gangotri.

Gangotri - base for Auden's Col trek

Day1: Gangotri (3048m/10000 ft )  to Nala Camp (3760m/12335 ft)

The trek commenced with prayers at the Gangotri Temple.

Team7 at Gangotri temple - Auden's Col start point

​The beautiful walk took us through the forests of Gangotri National Park, where we could see Pine, Cedar, Rhododendron, and Birch trees. 

Gangotri National Park on Auden's Col trek

Bhojpatra - bark of the Birch tree was used for writing scriptures in ancient times.

Bhojpatra - bark or Birch trees - Auden's Col Trek

​On our journey ahead, we encountered glaciers, and our walk on the snow began unexpectedly on the first day! The snowfall had also started. The glacier on the river and the snow on the moraine made crossing the rough patch easier, I must admit! 

The glaciers and snowfall near Nala Campsite on Auden's Col trek

Trek for Day1 concluded at a campsite called “Nala Camp.” It was the only day we could find suitable soil to pitch our tents. The relentless snowfall dropped the temperature to a bone-chilling -2 degrees during the night, making it extremely challenging for us to acclimate to the freezing conditions on the first day.

Nala Camp site on Auden's Col trek

​Day2: Nala Camp (3760m/12335 ft) to Rudragaira BC (4350m/14270 ft) - 7 km / 4 hr

After a steep ascent from Nala Camp, we crossed the stream and ascended to another mountain. It was a challenging day, with steep and strenuous climbs. Finally, we reached Rudragaira BC. 

Towards Rudragaira BC on Auden's Col trek

Steep ascend to Rudragaira BC on Auden's Col Trek

​We encountered snowfall again during the last section of the climb. The tents kept getting frosty, so we had to clear the roof every few minutes to prevent them from freezing.

Frosted tents at Rudragaira BC on Auden's Col Trek

Day3: Rest and acclimatization day at Rudragaira BC (4350m/14270 ft)

It was crucial for us to spend an acclimatization day at this altitude to prepare for our subsequent ascents. However, this night was extremely cold due to high wind flow and snowstorms. The skies were obscured, preventing us from seeing the Rudragaira peaks.

Acclimatisation day at Rudragaira BC on Auden's Col Trek

​On the acclimatization day, we had extended tea hours and massage sessions.

Acclimatisation day at Rudragaira BC on Auden's Col Trek

Day4: Rudragaira BC (4350m/14270 ft) to Gangotri BC (4500m/14760 ft)  - 6 km / 3 hrs

Today’s ascent involved navigating through moraines and technical surfaces. The sky remained clear for a while, and we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Rudragaira peak on our way. 

Towards Gangotri BC on Auden's Col Trek

​Heavy wind picked up as I walked along the ridge. The trek became increasingly challenging as the snow began to hit my face with force. The ascent became steep once more.

Walking on the ridge on Auden's Col Trek

​After crossing the frozen lake, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Gangotri peaks from our campsite.

Day5: Gangotri BC (4500m/14760 ft) to Auden's Col BC (4720m/15480 ft) - 5 km / 1 hr

The ascent was effortless as our bodies had well-acclimated by now. However, we noticed a fresh avalanche near the Auden’s Col base camp. Consequently, we decided to camp slightly lower at 4650 meters, which necessitated an earlier departure for Auden’s Col pass. 

Avalanche near Auden's Col

​The view of Auden’s Col from the campsite brought smiles to everyone’s faces. However, the extreme cold and anxiety about the next day contributed to a sleepless night!

The first sight of Auden's col -Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Day6: Auden's Col BC (4650m/15250 ft) to Auden's Col Pass (5490m/18010 ft) to Khatling Glacier (5000m/16400 ft) - 16 km / 11 hr

The day commenced with breakfast at 03:00. The wind and snowstorm intensified, creating a tense atmosphere within the dining tent. Everything, from shoes and laces to hands and feet, was frozen. Despite the difficulty, we managed to dress in our gear. Suddenly, I exclaimed, “I’m scared.” Each of us confessed our fear, but the thought of retreating was abandoned. With fist-pumping encouragement, we embarked on our ascent with resolute hearts. Our objective was to conquer the 6-kilometer pass and reach the campsite at Khatling Glacier before the sun rose and the snow began to melt. The moonlight trek offered breathtaking views of Auden’s Col. As the first rays of sunlight emerged from the dusk, I couldn’t help but wish I could relive those moments and experience them all over again.

Moonlight trek to Auden's Col

Sunrise while trekking to Auden's Col

​The ascent continued to become steeper and endless. One of our group’s most experienced trekkers, feeling dehydrated, collapsed midway. He contemplated giving up for a while. This significant setback weakened our confidence. We helped him rehydrate and encouraged him to continue. Every step became increasingly challenging at higher altitudes. Snow began to fall, making the journey even more difficult. The pass appeared so close yet so far! The final push required more mental fortitude than physical strength. We all knew it was the most challenging climb of our lives to date. 

So close yet so far - on way to Auden's Col

​We completely forgot all our pains when we saw the entire team standing on top. The overwhelming feeling of pride and accomplishment drowned out the freezing cold of -20 degrees.

Team7 on the Auden's Col

​The descent was scarier than the ascent. The 75-degree temperature felt like 90 degrees on the snow. As we were tying the rope for our rappelling, we almost felt frost bites on our feet. 

Rabbit Ear at Auden's Col

​Rappelling was challenging yet enjoyable. Despite holding the rope tightly, we kept slipping on the snow, making it a team effort to land safely.

Steep and technical descend from Auden's Col

​Next, we embarked on a perilous 12-kilometer trek across the treacherous Khatling Glacier. Renowned for its frequent deep crevasses, we had to walk hand-in-hand, holding a rope as a safety measure. This precautionary measure ensured that if anyone accidentally stepped on the snow on a crevasse, they could be pulled to safety by their companions. 

Trekking on Khatling glacier after Auden's Col

​Luckily we had a highly experienced guide with us who didn't let any crevasse deceive us. We ended our long day at a campsite on Khatling glacier.

Crevasses on Khatling glacier -Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Day7: Khatling Glacier (5000m/16400 ft) To Chowki (3540m/11100 ft) -  16 km / 8hr

I woke up to find that my shoes had been damaged by the climb to Auden’s Col. The sole had begun to peel off due to the toe-kicking ascends and heel-kicking descends in the snow. I prayed that they would last for a few more days. We continued walking on the Khatling glacier, carefully avoiding the crevasses. After the glacial stretch, we descended through a series of moraines and heavy boulders by the river. We followed the itinerary, spending two days at zero point before heading to Chowki on the same day.

Zero point waterfall on Auden's Col - Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Moraine and glacial lakes on Auden's Col

​Day8: Chowki (3540m/11100 ft) to Masar Tal (3675m/12050 ft) - 9 km / 7 hr

Just when we had relaxed about snow and challenging ascents, our hopes were dashed by yet another day of steep climbs. The ascent involved meadows, moraines, and snow once again. Some sections were dangerously steep. However, the breathtaking views of Thalay Sagar peak and the ridge overlooking the valley made the climb worthwhile. We camped near the frozen lake Masar Tal, and I felt like waking up there for the rest of my life.

Thalay Sagar - Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Towards Masar Tal - Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Day9: Masar Tal (3675m/12050 ft) to Mayali Pass (5000m/16400 ft) to Vasuki Tal (4135m/13560 ft) - 12 km / 8 hr

Another challenging and lengthy day unfolded before us. We had believed the worst was behind us, only to be met with the increasing difficulty of each day. We crossed the frozen and crystal-clear Masar Tal and ascended the steep ridge to Mayali Pass. After a grueling trek through the snow-capped mountains, we faced another steep climb to reach Mayali Pass. The descent from Mayali Pass was technical, requiring us to rappel down the steep snow-covered mountains. Despite the challenges, the day concluded on a high note as we enjoyed sliding down the mountains to our next campsite near Vasuki Tal.

Masar Tal - Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Steep climb to Mayali pass - Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Descend from Mayali Pass - Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

Day10: Vasuki Tal (4135m/13560 ft) to Kedarnath (3580m/11750 ft) - 8 km / 8 hr

This day was supposed to be easier on our legs, but the excessive snowfall left us heavy on our breaths and legs. The trail began with a breathtaking view of Vasuki Tal and a natural pool surrounding it. The ascent to the ridge was steep, and descending on the snow was risky. The sight of Kedarnath, which was severely damaged by floods and cloudbursts two years ago, was tragic.

Vasuki Tal - Auden's Col & Mayali Pass Trek

The ruined Kedarnath - Auden's Col trek end point

Day11: Kedarnath (3580m/11750 ft) to Gaurikund (1830m/6000 ft) - 21 km / 5 hrs

The last day of the trek began at the temple, leaving me with a mix of emotions. It was challenging to articulate whether I was thrilled to return to our comfort zones or saddened by the prospect of leaving the mountains behind. My feelings were clear: I had already begun to miss the mountains. The descent from Kedarnath to Gaurikund felt more like a pilgrimage tour. Fortunately, my shoes held up well throughout the journey.

Kedarnath Temple - Auden's Col trek end point

​During the entire trek, we couldn’t help but curse Doctor for forcing us to undertake this journey. He, too, cursed himself. As soon as we bid farewell to each other, we all began to miss the trek. We are eternally grateful to Doctor for making us feel proud and privileged about ourselves. Undoubtedly, this was the most incredible trek we’ve ever had. Auden’s Col is a pure, pristine, and breathtaking sight. At that time, ours was the only team trekking there.
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Video showing the entire route of Auden's Col & Mayali Pass trek

​I had the pleasure of embarking on this trek with Grand Adventures. They are renowned for their professionalism, reliability, and extensive experience. If you have any questions or need information about the cost of the trek, please don’t hesitate to contact them.