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

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Explore This Trek In Details

Chapters:

Standard 18D/17N

Challenging+Max 5500 m

At a glance

Gangotri Three Passes Trek – Standard 18D/17N is a 18-day / 17-night plan reaching up to 5500m. It starts at Gangotri and ends at Gaurikund, following the route: Gangotri → Rishikesh → Gangotri → Bhoj Kharak → Kedar Kharak → Kedar Tal → Patangani Dhar Base Camp → Dhabba → Auden's Col Base Camp → Khatling Glacier Camp → Bhilangna Snout Camp → Chowki → Masar Tal → Vasuki Tal → Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Rishikesh.

Key facts

Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Start: Gangotri
End: Gaurikund
Nights split: Camp: 13 night(s), Hotel: 4 night(s)
Includes: Acclimatization: 2 day(s), Pass crossings: 3, Contingency: 1 day(s)

Terrain

boulderscrevassesforestglaciericyMeadowssnow field

▲ Day 1 Arrive in GangotriArrival Day
Arrive In Gangotri
Overnight In: Gangotri (3048m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
How To Reach Gangotri
will write later
Day 1
300 - Rishikesh
Day 1
1450 - Uttarkashi
Day 1
3050 - Gangotri
250Km, 9-10hrs.
▲ Day 2 From Gangotri to GangotriAcclimatization Day
Rest Well & Explore Gangotri Temple & Nearby to acclimatize properly. - 2-3 Hrs. 3 Kms
Overnight In: Gangotri (3048m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
will write later
Day 2
3050 - Gangotri
Day 2
3050 - Gangotri
Day 2
3060 - Gangotri Temple
Day 2
3050 - Gangotri
3Km, 2 - 3hrs.
▲ Day 3 From Gangotri to Bhoj KharakTrekking Day
From Gangotri (3048m ) To Bhoj Kharak (3496m ) - 4-5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Bhoj Kharak (3496m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 4 From Bhoj Kharak to Kedar KharakTrekking Day
From Bhoj Kharak (3496m ) To Kedar Kharak (4279m ) - 4-5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kedar Kharak (4279m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 5 From Kedar Kharak to Kedar TalTrekking Day
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: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 6 From Kedar Kharak to Patangani Dhar Base CampTrekking Day
From Kedar Kharak (4279m ) To Patangani Dhar Base Camp (4500m ) - 3 Hrs.
Overnight In: Patangani Dhar Base Camp (4500m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
will write later
Day 6
4280 - Kedar Kharak
Day 6
4500 - Patangani Dhar Base Camp
3hrs.
▲ Day 7 Cross Patangani Dhar and reach Dhabba Pass Crossing Day
Cross Patangani Dhar And Reach Dhabba - 6 Hrs.
Overnight In: Dhabba (4700m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
will write later
Day 7
4500 - Patangani Dhar Base Camp
Day 7
5100 - Patangani Dhar
Day 7
4700 - Dhabba
6hrs.
▲ Day 8 From Dhabba to Auden's Col Base CampTrekking Day
From Dhabba (4700m ) To Auden's Col Base Camp (4750m ) - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Auden's Col Base Camp (4750m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
will write later
Day 8
4700 - Dhabba
Day 8
4750 - Auden's Col Base Camp
5hrs.
▲ Day 9 Cross Auden's Col and reach Khatling Glacier CampPass Crossing Day
Cross Auden's Col And Reach Khatling Glacier Camp - 5 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Khatling Glacier Camp (5000m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 10 From Khatling Glacier Camp to Bhilangna Snout CampTrekking Day
From Khatling Glacier Camp (5000m ) To Bhilangna Snout Camp (3800m ) - 5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Bhilangna Snout Camp (3800m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 11 From Bhilangna Snout Camp to ChowkiTrekking Day
From Bhilangna Snout Camp (3800m ) To Chowki (3620m ) - 2 Hrs. 5 Kms
Overnight In: Chowki (3620m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 12 From Chowki to Masar Tal Trekking Day
From Chowki (3620m ) To Masar Tal (4568m ) - 4-5 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Masar Tal (4568m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 13 From Masar Tal to Masar TalRest & Acclimatization Day
Explore or Rest - 4-5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Masar Tal (4568m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Rest Day
Day 13
4570 - Masar Tal
Day 13
4570 - Masar Tal
10Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▲ Day 14 Cross Mayali Pass and reach Vasuki TalPass Crossing Day
Cross Mayali Pass And Reach Vasuki Tal via Masar Top - 7-8 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Vasuki Tal (4300m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 15 From Vasuki Tal to KedarnathTrekking Day
From Vasuki Tal (4374m ) To Kedarnath (3583m ) - 4 Hrs. 7 Kms
Overnight In: Kedarnath (3583m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 16 From Kedarnath to GaurikundTrekking Day
From Kedarnath (3583m ) To Gaurikund (1989m ) - 4 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Gaurikund (1989m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Trek ends in Gauikund
Day 16
3585 - Kedarnath
Day 16
1990 - Gaurikund
14Km, 4hrs.
▲ Day 17 From Gaurikund to RishikeshTrekking Day
From Gaurikund (1989m ) To Rishikesh (370m ) - 9 Hrs.
Overnight In: Rishikesh (370m )
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning tea, Breakfast
Drive down to Rishikesh
Day 17
1990 - Gaurikund
Day 17
370 - Rishikesh
9hrs.
▲ Day 18 From Rishikesh to RishikeshContingency Day
Explore, Rest or Prepare
Overnight In: Rishikesh (315m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 as the local resources and other expenses will be paid in full as planned for initially
Day 18
315 - Rishikesh
Day 18
315 - Rishikesh
1Km, 1hrs.

Other Customizable Variations of the Gangotri Three Passes Trek

We are NOT just limited to these options. These are our most commonly requested and well planned customizations.

If you have a different requirement, talk to us.

We only organize lesser done, uncrowded, customizable & personalized, small group private trekking tours in the Himalayas with full safety protocol in place. All customizations will be guided by this principle only.

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Challenging+

Gangotri Three Passes Trek - A Detailed Overview

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to do the Gangotri Three Passes Trek?

Best months: May, Jun, Sep

What type of trek is this?

Circuit Trek

In this type of trek, the entry point and exit point is different. You trek to reach a new point. Generally involves a pass crossing to enter a new valley.

What is the accommodation type on this trek?

Camping

Camping treks are those where nights are spent in tents pitched at designated campsites. Camps are chosen for safety and practicality (stable ground, water availability, weather exposure, and minimal ecological impact). This style offers the most raw mountain experience and flexible route planning, but comfort depends on terrain and conditions.

What kind of toilet facilities can I expect on this trek?

Toilet tents are used at campsites (dry-pit / cat-hole system as per terrain and local regulations). Some camps may have basic fixed toilets near village camps, but do not expect permanent facilities.

How is food served during the trek?

Fresh meals are cooked by the trek staff at camp. Food is served hot in a common dining setup (dining tent or open area). Meals are generally simple, nutritious, and high-energy; menu depends on package and logistics.

How is human waste managed on this trek?

Human waste is handled using toilet tents and designated pits/cat-holes at safe distance from water sources. Sites are selected and managed to reduce contamination; toilet paper and hygiene waste are carried out where feasible or disposed as per local guidelines.

How is food waste managed on this trek?

Food waste is minimized through planned portions. Biodegradable waste is disposed responsibly away from water sources or carried down where required. Leftovers are avoided; nothing is dumped into streams.

How is plastic waste handled on this trek?

Plastic waste is segregated and carried back to the roadhead for proper disposal. Trekkers are encouraged to use refillable bottles; single-use plastics are discouraged/controlled.

How do you follow Leave No Trace principles on this trek?

Camps are left cleaner than found. Waste is segregated and carried out, trails are respected, water sources are protected, and noise is kept low. No littering, no washing with soap near streams, and no disturbance to wildlife or local culture.

What type of terrain can I expect on the Gangotri Three Passes Trek?

Meadows, forest , snow field, glacier, icy, crevasses, boulders

Is cloakroom / luggage storage available for the Gangotri Three Passes Trek?

No. Cloakroom or luggage storage is not available for this trek.

What kind of food is served on the Gangotri Three Passes Trek?

Indian, Garhwali, Nepali

We serve a mix of continental-style trek meals as well as simple, freshly cooked home-style food. The exact menu and style of meals may vary depending on the trek itinerary, region, and the package you are booked on.

Meal inclusions typically cover:

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (BLD)
Two tea breaks daily (morning and evening)
Soup in the evening
Fresh salads where feasible
Dessert on select days
Hot night beverage / tonic before sleeping

Please note that detailed, day-wise meal information is mentioned in the respective day’s itinerary wherever applicable.

Where does the Gangotri Three Passes Trek start?

Gaurikund (How to reach)

Where does the Gangotri Three Passes Trek end?

Gangotri (How to reach)

What is the grade / difficulty of the Gangotri Three Passes Trek?

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

What is the duration of the Gangotri Three Passes Trek?

18 days/ 17 nights, Rishikesh to Rishikesh

Thursday, January 29, 2026 10:03:47 PM

Patangani Dhar | Auden's Col | Mayali Pass Trek

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

Key Geographical Highlights

Explore This Trek In Details

▲ Day 1 Arrive in GangotriArrival Day

▲ Day 2 From Gangotri to GangotriAcclimatization Day

▲ Day 3 From Gangotri to Bhoj KharakTrekking Day

▲ Day 4 From Bhoj Kharak to Kedar KharakTrekking Day

▲ Day 5 From Kedar Kharak to Kedar TalTrekking Day

▲ Day 6 From Kedar Kharak to Patangani Dhar Base CampTrekking Day

▲ Day 7 Cross Patangani Dhar and reach Dhabba Pass Crossing Day

▲ Day 8 From Dhabba to Auden's Col Base CampTrekking Day

▲ Day 9 Cross Auden's Col and reach Khatling Glacier CampPass Crossing Day

▲ Day 10 From Khatling Glacier Camp to Bhilangna Snout CampTrekking Day

▲ Day 11 From Bhilangna Snout Camp to ChowkiTrekking Day

▲ Day 12 From Chowki to Masar Tal Trekking Day

▲ Day 13 From Masar Tal to Masar TalRest & Acclimatization Day

▲ Day 14 Cross Mayali Pass and reach Vasuki TalPass Crossing Day

▲ Day 15 From Vasuki Tal to KedarnathTrekking Day

▲ Day 16 From Kedarnath to GaurikundTrekking Day

▲ Day 17 From Gaurikund to RishikeshTrekking Day

▲ Day 18 From Rishikesh to RishikeshContingency Day