Gangotri Three Passes Trek With Patangani Dhar, Auden's Col and Mayali Pass

📅
Duration
18 days 17 nights
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Highest Altitude:
5490m
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Grade:
Challenging +
👍
Best Time:
Jun, early Jul, mid Sep
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Temperatures:
-5 to 15 deg C
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Starts From:
Gangotri
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Airport:
Jolly Grant, Dehradoon
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Railway:
Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

Key Geographical Highlights

6 Popular Peaks:

Bhagirathi Parvat I ( 6856m ), Bhrigupanth ( 6772m ), Kedarnath (Main) ( 6940m ), Kedarnath Dome ( 6831m ), Thalay Sagar ( 6904m ), Mandani III ( 6529m )

3 High Passes:

Mayali Pass ( 5108m ), Auden's Col ( 5490m ), Patangani Dhar Top ( 5100m )

3 Lakes:

Kedar Tal ( 4708m ), Vasuki Tal ( 4914m ), Bheemtal ( 1333m )

4 Glaciers:

Khatling Glacier, Jogin Bamak, Ratnagiri Glacier, Rudragaira Bamak

5 Rivers:

Bhilangana, Mandakini, Vasuki Ganga, Kedar Ganga, Bhagirathi

Reach Gangotri find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Gangotri Three Passes Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayGangotri 3048m
Arrive In Gangotri
Overnight In: Gangotri (3048m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Evening Snacks, Dinner
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Gangotri
will write later
Day 1
300 - Rishikesh
Day 1
1450 - Uttarkashi
Day 1
3050 - Gangotri
250Km, 9-10hrs.
▼ Day 2Acclimatization DayGangotri 3048m
Explore Gangotri Temple & Nearby. - 2 - 3 Hrs. 3 Kms
Overnight In: Gangotri (3048m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
will write later
Day 2
3050 - Gangotri
Day 2
3050 - Gangotri
Day 2
3060 - Gangotri Temple
Day 2
3050 - Gangotri
3Km, 2 - 3hrs.
▼ Day 3Trekking DayBhoj Kharak 3496m
From Gangotri (3048m ) To Bhoj Kharak (3496m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Bhoj Kharak (3496m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Today we start our trek to Kedar Tal. The initial part of the trek route goes through the birch forest and bushes following up the Kedar Ganga which comes out of the Kedar Tal. We cross the tree line and reach Bhoj Kaharak. We will find a suitable camping space once we cross the tree line on a meadow nearby a available water source.
Day 3
3050 - Gangotri
Day 3
3500 - Bhoj Kharak
4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayKedar Kharak 4279m
From Bhoj Kharak (3496m ) To Kedar Kharak (4279m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kedar Kharak (4279m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Today we take ourselves furthermore closer to Kedar Tal. The route is simple and follows up the Kedar Ganga. We do require to cross few rockfall zones carefully
Day 4
3500 - Bhoj Kharak
Day 4
4280 - Kedar Kharak
4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayKedar Tal 4708m
From Kedar Kharak (4279m ) To Kedar Tal (4708m ) . Excursion to Jogin ABC (4920m ). Excursion to Jogin ABC - 4 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kedar Tal (4708m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
We are on the most important day of our trek to Kedar Tal. We reach Kedar Tal today after some 3 - 4 hours of walk on the glacial moraine, parts of which are steeper. The constant view of Thalaysagar and Bhrigupant constantly motivates us and the view starts opening slowly as we approach Kedar Tal.

The beautiful lake surrounded by elegant peaks all round just takes our heart away. We camp here tonight and relish it to the fullest.
Day 5
4280 - Kedar Kharak
Day 5
4710 - Kedar Tal
Day 5
4920 - Jogin ABC
Day 5
4710 - Kedar Tal
4hrs.
▼ Day 6Trekking DayPatangani Dhar Base Camp 4500m
From Kedar Kharak (4279m ) To Patangani Dhar Base Camp (4500m ) - 3 Hrs.
Overnight In: Patangani Dhar Base Camp (4500m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
will write later
Day 6
4280 - Kedar Kharak
Day 6
4500 - Patangani Dhar Base Camp
3hrs.
▼ Day 7Pass Crossing DayDhabba 4700m
Cross Patangani Dhar And Reach Dhabba - 6 Hrs.
Overnight In: Dhabba (4700m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
will write later
Day 7
4500 - Patangani Dhar Base Camp
Day 7
5100 - Patangani Dhar
Day 7
4700 - Dhabba
6hrs.
▼ Day 8Trekking DayAuden's Col Base Camp 4750m
From Dhabba (4700m ) To Auden's Col Base Camp (4750m ) - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Auden's Col Base Camp (4750m )
Accommodation: Tebts
Meals Included: All Meals
will write later
Day 8
4700 - Dhabba
Day 8
4750 - Auden's Col Base Camp
5hrs.
▼ Day 9Pass Crossing DayKhatling Glacier Camp 5000m
Cross Auden's Col And Reach Khatling Glacier Camp - 5 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Khatling Glacier Camp (5000m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
More of gradual climb on moraine and ridge. Camp site is situated at the end of the ridge where glaciers on left and right merge, right before the ice field leading to the Col.
Day 9
4750 - Auden’s Col Base Camp
Day 9
5500 - Auden's Col
Day 9
5000 - Khatling Glacier Camp
8Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 10Trekking DayBhilangna Snout Camp 3800m
From Khatling Glacier Camp (5000m ) To Bhilangna Snout Camp (3800m ) - 5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Bhilangna Snout Camp (3800m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Another difficult day regardless of whether one crosses waterfalls or remaining of Khatling. However, after crossing boulder zone at the Bhilangna river snout, the camp site offers much needed respite and greenery. Hard part of trek is over now. An alternate is to descend all the way down to Khatling Glacier and keep walking towards it's snout. This path is not chosen due to dangerous crevasses and a need to cross over the Ice Wall. Till now only a team from Indore is on record, having done it successfully.
Day 10
5000 - Khatling Glacier Camp
Day 10
3800 - Bhilangna Snout Camp
10Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 11Trekking DayChowki 3620m
From Bhilangna Snout Camp (3800m ) To Chowki (3620m ) - 2 Hrs. 5 Kms
Overnight In: Chowki (3620m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
River Crossing Day. We find a suitable site to cross the Bhilangana river. Fot this we might require to walk up the Khatling glacier a little. It totally depends upon the current situation of the river and glacier crossing point. It a short day and needs to be timed well. The remaining day can be utilised to acclimatize and rest.
Day 11
3800 - Bhilangna Snout Camp
Day 11
3620 - Chowki
5Km, 2hrs.
▼ Day 12Trekking DayMasar Tal 4568m
From Chowki (3620m ) To Masar Tal (4568m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Masar Tal (4568m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
The trek now has taken its full color and today is one wonderful and important day. After an half rest day in Chowki, we are fully recharged for the day. A trek over the rough rocky terrain and we gain rapid altitude today.

With views of Khatling behind, we slowly reach the campsite of of Masar Tal. It gets very cold here.. so be prepared.
Day 12
3620 - Chowki
Day 12
4570 - Masar Tal
8Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 13Rest DayMasar Tal 4568m
- 4 - 5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Masar Tal (4568m )
Accommodation: Hotel / Homestays / Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Rest Day
Day 13
4570 - Masar Tal
Day 13
4570 - Masar Tal
10Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 14Pass Crossing DayVasuki Tal 4300m
Cross Mayali Pass And Reach Vasuki Tal via Masar Top - 7 - 8 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Vasuki Tal (4300m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
A difficult day. It begins with a steep climb to Masar Top over a boulder zone. Snow makes it further difficult. From the top we descend down slighty and then climb the glacier to the top of Mayali Pass.

A dedicated trek through the difficult terrain take us to the top of the Mayali Pass and with that we reach the climax of our trek.

Well, getting down is important too ! After spending satisfying time on top ( if weather allows ), we start our steep descend down to Vasuki Taal. It tests your knees and an exhausting trek finally ends the Vasuki Tal camp. We camp few hundred meters before Vasuki Tal, as camping near the holy Vasuki Taal is prohibited.
Day 14
4570 - Masar Tal
Day 14
5110 - Mayali Pass
Day 14
4900 - Masar Top
Day 14
4300 - Vasuki Tal
14Km, 7 - 8hrs.
▼ Day 15Trekking DayKedarnath 3583m
From Vasuki Tal (4374m ) To Kedarnath (3583m ) - 4 Hrs. 7 Kms
Overnight In: Kedarnath (3583m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
A 2 kilometer climb to Vasuki Top via Vasuki Taal and then descend to the holy shrine of Kedarnath.
Day 15
4375 - Vasuki Tal
Day 15
3585 - Kedarnath
7Km, 4hrs.
▼ Day 16Trekking DayGaurikund 1989m
From Kedarnath (3583m ) To Gaurikund (1989m ) - 4 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Gaurikund (1989m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
Trek ends in Gauikund
Day 16
3585 - Kedarnath
Day 16
1990 - Gaurikund
14Km, 4hrs.
▼ Day 17Trekking DayRishikesh 370m
From Gaurikund (1989m ) To Rishikesh (370m ) - 9 Hrs.
Overnight In: Rishikesh (370m )
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive down to Rishikesh
Day 17
1990 - Gaurikund
Day 17
370 - Rishikesh
9hrs.
▼ Day 18Contingency Day
Overnight In: Rishikesh (315m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
This is a planned reserved day to keep a window for bad weather and other contingencies. If unutilized, we can spend this day at any other campsite of our liking. The cost of this day is included in the trek package. If you decide to finish your trek instead of utilizing this reserved day, no money will be refunded and the local resources will be paid in full
Day 18
315 - Rishikesh
Day 18
315 - Rishikesh
1Km, 1hrs.

Gangotri Three Passes Trek - An Elaborate Description

Gangotri 3 passes trek - One of the most coveted trek in the Indian Himalayas, the Patangani Dhaar, Auden's Col and Mayali Pass trek is a dream for any trekker who loves the Himalayas to the core and dares to go deeper and extreme to seek the spiritual blessings of a High Altitude Himalayan Trek.

However, this trek is not for the faint hearted. Its a semi technical trek not advisable for novice trekkers at all. Only very few of the experienced trekkers dare to do this trek. Towering peaks of the Gangotri region, high altitude and rugged terrain of the Garhwal Himalayas, glacial moraines and crevasses makes the crossing of the passes extremely challenging. Only the ones with a calm head and daring attitude are successful on this trek. Experience and previous exposure helps. On the other side, its a mazes of longitudinal and lateral crevasse of the Khatling glacier. The trek is very remote and once you cross Gangotri, no proper civilization is witnessed until you finish the trek and reach Kedarnath.

Auden's Col is named after Sir John Bicknell Auden, who first crossed the pass in 1939. Since then, this route has fascinated lots of trekkers and mountaineers who loves to accept challenges and gets high by the rugged Himalayan Aura.

Starting the trek from Gangotri, the route crosses 3 passes to reach Kedarnath. Both Gangotri and Kedarnath are 2 of the most pious destinations of Hinduism. We cross by Gaumukh, the snout of the river Bhaghirathi, which is a tributary of River Ganga, also believed as India's Lifeline. A mythological story goes like there used to be a saint in ancient India, who used to worship all of the 4 holy shrines of the Hindus - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, on the same day. As I write this, I am also imagining the Himalayas and snow condition of Ancient India.

There are other smaller routes and direct approach to Auden's Col and return, but we believe that if you are to experience this trek in all its might, this is the itinerary you should follow. We have listed other different itineraries of taking on ther Auden's Col as well in the below pointers.

AUDEN'S COL - GHUTTU TREK

Gangotri Three Passes Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

Gangotri Temple - 1 of the 4 holy shrines of the Hindus
Goumukh - the snout the Gangotri Glacier, the start point of Bhagirathi River, a major tributary of River Ganga which is also known as the lifeline of India
The glacial lake of Kedar Tal surrounded by Thalaysagar and Bhrigupanth is also considered pious by the Hindus. The name translates to Shiva's Lake where Lord Shiva is the god of destruction according to indu mythology
Its perhaps the easiest and shortest of all the treks in the region
Auden’s Col, 5490m, a high altitude mountain pass connecting Rudugaira valley and Bhilangna valley.
Rudragaira peak, Jogin group of peaks, Bhagirathi group of peaks and Kedar Dome.
The roughness offered by the Khatling glacier.
The twin lakes of Masar Taal and Vasuki Taal. Holy, Picturesque and Serene.
Mayali pass at 5300 meters offers great views of Thalay Sagar, Kedar dome and other peaks of Gangotri region
The holy shrine of Kedarnath
Kedar Taal and Patangini Dhar

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate +

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging +

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Gangotri Three Passes Trek

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Duration: 18 Days / 17 nights of the trek cost from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Accommodation In Base Villages (Gangotri/Gaurikund): 4 nights in a local homestay with emphasis on local organic food and cultural exposure.
Accommodation On Trek: Spacious, sturdy, and High-Quality Dome Tents will be provided on a twin sharing basis.
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Mattress complemented with Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Warm Fleece Sleeping Bag Inners For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and tables for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat.
Meals: All meals starting evening snacks on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 18 morning. 3 meals (B,L,D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks, and extra energizers/juice for summit days
Trail Safety: Gaiters, Anti Slip Crampons, and Ice Axe depending upon snow conditions.
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner, and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied by a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:3. That is 1 guide for every 3 trekkers.
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc with travel and food allowances throughout the duration of the trek.
Permits: All required forest entry permits and camping fees as per the rules of the state
Transfers: Return transfers from Rishikesh in a private SUV
Max Team Size: Small group of not more than 10 members.

Add Ons: Make A Comfortable Trek

Single Tent Supplement: Rs 34000, for 11 nights
Personal Baggage Porterage: Rs. 16000, up to 10 Kgs

Add Ons: Personal Equipment On Rent

High Ankle Waterproof Trekking Shoes (Quechua): Rs 2000
-20 degrees Down Jackets: Rs. 2400
Windproof/Waterproof Jackets: Rs. 800
Windproof/Waterproof pants: Rs. 800
Headlamps: 400
Poncho: 400
Trek Pole: 400
Rucksack: 400
Waterproof Gloves: 400

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Porter For Personal Bags ( optional at extra cost )
Single Tent Supplement ( optional at extra cost )
Personal Travel Insurance
Personal Purchases
Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Bottled Water or any other beverages
Personal Gears
Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Gangotri Three Passes Trek

Cost Terms:

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 1 - 12 people team. Package Inclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

Customized Private Group For Gangotri Three Passes Trek

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Enquire For Customized Private Trek

INTERNATIONAL GUESTS: Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers: Rs. 10000 per person.

Booking Process: Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Must Read - Important Pre-Booking Information

from Rs. 165000 to Rs. 260000/-
+5% GST PER PERSON

Batch Size:
25-40 <10