If you’ve found yourself stuck between choosing the daring Traill’s Pass and the legendary Auden’s Col, you’re not alone. These two high-altitude Himalayan passes are often compared by thrill-seekers and serious trekkers looking for challenging adventures in the Indian Himalayas. But which one should you pick? And why might Traill’s Pass be the better option for your next high-altitude Himalayan trek?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll help you understand the terrain, difficulty, accessibility, scenic beauty, cultural connection, safety, and overall experience of both treks. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or an ambitious trekker planning your next expedition, this guide will give you all the insights to make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison : Audens Col vs Traills Pass
| Feature | Traill’s Pass | Auden’s Col |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Kumaon region, Uttarakhand | Garhwal region, Uttarakhand |
| Base Camp | Khati | Gangotri |
| Altitude | 5,312 meters (17,428 feet) | 5,490 meters (18,012 feet) |
| Trekking Distance | 70-80 km | 65-70 km |
| Difficulty Level | Extremely difficult, technical pass | Extremely difficult, technical pass |
| Duration | 12-14 days | 10-12 days |
| Best Season | May-June & September-October | May-June & September-October |
| Permit Required | Yes | Yes |
| Type of Terrain | Glacial moraines, boulders, ice fields, crevasses, vertical climbs | Glaciers, moraines, rockfall zones, crevasses |
| River Crossings | Multiple | Multiple |
| Summit View | Nanda Devi, Hardeol, Nanda Kot | Gangotri III, Jogin group, Khatling glacier |
| Connectivity | Moderate (starts from Khati, ends at Munsiyari) | Well-connected (Gangotri via Uttarkashi) |
| Risk of Altitude Sickness | High | High |
What Makes Auden’s Col So Popular?
Auden’s Col is one of the most iconic and sought-after high-altitude crossings in the Garhwal Himalayas. Connecting the Rudugaira Valley and Bhilangana Valley, it links Gangotri to Kedarnath via Khatling Glacier.
Highlights of Auden’s Col Trek:
- Starts from the holy town of Gangotri.
- Merges the spiritual aura of Gangotri and Kedarnath valleys.
- Offers close views of peaks like Gangotri III, Jogin I and II, and Bhagirathi massif.
- Crosses massive crevasses of the Khatling glacier.
- Involves a combination of trekking and mountaineering.
While Auden’s Col is undoubtedly thrilling, its popularity comes with some caveats:
- Heavily trafficked in peak season.
- Terrain near Khatling Glacier can be dangerously unstable.
- Risk of crevasse falls is high.
It’s often ranked among the top 10 difficult treks in India, and sometimes even compared with the most dangerous trek in India due to the technicality of glacier crossings and high-altitude hazards.
Why Choose Traill’s Pass Over Auden’s Col?
1. More Remote and Less Explored
Unlike Auden’s Col, Traill’s Pass is a lesser-known gem tucked deep in the Kumaon Himalayas. This means fewer crowds, more solitude, and a stronger sense of true Himalayan wilderness. If you’re looking for less explored treks in Uttarakhand, this is your go-to.
2. Historic and Cultural Significance
Traill’s Pass was named after G.W. Traill, the first British Commissioner of Kumaon, who crossed it in 1830. The route holds historical value and cultural connections with local communities like the Bhotiyas.
3. Massive Himalayan Views
Traill’s offers jaw-dropping views of major peaks such as Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, and Hardeol. The scale and rawness of the landscape often surpass that of Auden’s Col.
4. Technical Yet Rewarding
While both treks require mountaineering gear and experience, Traill’s Pass challenges you with vertical ice walls, narrow rock gullies, and crevassed glaciers, making the summit a genuinely earned achievement. It is one of the tough treks in Uttarakhand that is still relatively untouched.
5. Authentic Off-the-Beaten Experience
For trekkers who value remoteness, no cell signal, basic trails, and camping under starlit skies far from civilization, Traill’s Pass is the ultimate Himalayan escape. A true gem among difficult Himalayan treks in India.
Traill’s Pass Trek Itinerary (Khati to Munsiyari via Pindari Glacier)
- Day 1: Kathgodam to Khati (Drive + Trek via Bageshwar)
- Day 2: Khati to Dwali
- Day 3: Dwali to Phurkia
- Day 4: Phurkia to Zero Point (Pindari Glacier)
- Day 5: Zero Point to Base Camp
- Day 6: Base Camp to Traill’s Pass Crossing
- Day 7: Pass to Lwan Valley
- Day 8: Lwan to Martoli
- Day 9: Martoli to Bugdiar
- Day 10: Bugdiar to Lilam
- Day 11: Lilam to Munsiyari
Auden’s Col Trek Itinerary
- Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri (Drive)
- Day 2: Acclimatization at Gangotri
- Day 3: Gangotri to Nala Camp
- Day 4: Nala Camp to Rudugaira Base
- Day 5: Acclimatization Day
- Day 6: Rudugaira to Auden’s Col Base Camp
- Day 7: Auden’s Col Crossing to Khatling Glacier
- Day 8: Khatling to Kharsoli
- Day 9: Kharsoli to Gangi
- Day 10: Gangi to Ghuttu
Safety and Preparation
Both treks require prior high-altitude trekking experience and good physical fitness. However, Traill’s Pass is slightly more remote, so you need to be self-sufficient.
Required Gear:
- Ice axe, crampons, rope
- Mountaineering boots
- Tent, sleeping bag
- GPS and maps
- Medical kit with AMS medication
Permit & Accessibility
- Traill’s Pass: Requires permission from the Forest Department and SDM of Bageshwar.
- Auden’s Col: Requires permission from the Uttarkashi Forest Department and a registered guide.
Final Thoughts: Traill’s Pass for the Win
If you’re seeking an undiluted Himalayan experience with technical challenges, solitude, and jaw-dropping beauty, Traill’s Pass outshines Auden’s Col. While Auden’s Col deserves the attention it gets, the serenity and mystique of Traill’s Pass remain unmatched.
Whether you’re compiling a list of the top 5 difficult treks in India or simply searching for a life-changing Himalayan journey, Traill’s Pass should be at the top.
Plan your expedition wisely, train well, and respect the mountains.
