Chorabari Glacier & Lake (Gandhi Sarovar), Kedarnath Guide

Q: Which river originates from Chorabari?

The Mandakini River originates from Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. The river is formed from the melting waters of the Chorabari Glacier and flows through the Kedarnath Valley before joining the Alaknanda River, which later becomes part of the sacred Ganga river system.

About Chorabari Lake

Chorabari Lake (चोराबाड़ी झील), also known as Gandhi Sarovar, is a high-altitude glacial lake located near the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 12,800 feet (3,900 meters) above sea level, the lake lies at the toe of the Chorabari Glacier and is considered the origin of the Mandakini River. The lake is located approximately 2 kilometres above Kedarnath Temple and can be reached via a short trek from Kedarnath.

It is popularly known as Gandhi Sarovar because a portion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes was immersed here. According to local legends, this area is also believed to be where Lord Shiva imparted yoga knowledge to the Sapt Rishis, making it spiritually significant for devotees visiting Kedarnath.

On 17 June 2013, Chorabari Lake gained national attention when its embankment collapsed due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels, contributing to the devastating 2013 Kedarnath flood. The sudden outburst released a massive amount of water, debris, and boulders into the Mandakini Valley, causing large-scale destruction around Kedarnath. Following this disaster, scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology established monitoring systems in the region to observe glacier movement and lake water levels.

Today, Chorabari Lake near Kedarnath is also gaining popularity as a trekking destination. The trek offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Kedar Valley and breathtaking scenery of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks surrounding the glacier. Many pilgrims include this short trek in their Kedarnath private tour package for a memorable experience.

chorabari glacier image

Where is Chorabari Glacier located?

Chorabari Glacier is located at a distance of 2 km from Kedarnath Temple in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the main sourse of water in the lake and it is tucked at an altitude of about 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level.

Quick Facts about Chorabari Lake

Location: Above Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
District: Rudraprayag
Altitude: 12,800 ft (3,900 meters)
Distance from Kedarnath: 2 km trek
Also known as: Gandhi Sarovar
Glacier source: Chorabari Glacier
River origin: Mandakini River
Famous for: Connection with the 2013 Kedarnath flood
Best time to visit: May to June and September to October
Permit: Kedarnath Registration

Chorabari Lake Before 2013

Before 2013, Chorabari Lake, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, was one of the 14 glacial lakes located in the Mandakini River basin in the Kedarnath region of Uttarakhand. The Mandakini River, which originates from Chorabari Lake, is one of the most important tributaries of the Ganga River and flows from the side of Kedarnath temple, holds great religious and geographical significance.

The primary source of water in Chorabari Lake was the melting ice and dripping water from the Chorabari Glacier. For most of the year, the lake remains full, although its water level changes significantly depending on glacier melt and seasonal rainfall. Over the years, climate change has caused the Chorabari Glacier to retreat by more than 200 meters, increasing the catchment area and allowing more water to accumulate in the lake.

According to reports published by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, which maintains a monitoring camp in the region, the accumulating water was increasing the depth of the lake by approximately 2–3 meters every year. This continuous rise in water level created enormous pressure on the surrounding moraine embankments and mountain slopes.

Chorabari Lake 2013 Kedarnath Flood

On the morning of 17 June 2013, the region experienced extremely heavy rainfall of more than 315 mm, combined with rapid glacier melt. The rising pressure eventually breached the natural embankment of Chorabari Lake, causing the lake to empty within minutes. A massive surge of water carrying boulders, rocks, and glacial debris rushed down the Mandakini Valley, leading to the catastrophic 2013 Kedarnath disaster.

The sudden flash flood caused widespread devastation in the Kedar Valley, destroying settlements, infrastructure, and pilgrimage routes around Kedarnath. Thousands of pilgrims and local residents lost their lives, making the 2013 Kedarnath flood one of the worst natural disasters in the history of Uttarakhand.

Note: Read more about history behind Kedarnath Temple

chorabari tal image

How To Reach Chorabari Lake

Reaching Chorabari Lake near Kedarnath Temple requires a combination of air, rail, road travel, and trekking. Firstly, you need to reach the Kedarnath, as the lake is located about 2 km from Kedarnath Temple, and the final stretch can only be reached on foot through a short trek.

By Air

The nearest airport to Chorabari Lake Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 238 km from Kedarnath. Regular flights connect Dehradun with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India operate frequent flights to this airport.

For international travelers, the nearest major airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi, from where you can travel to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun by road or train.

By Train

The nearest railway station to reach Chorabari Lake is Yog Nagri Rishikesh Railway Station. However, direct trains to Rishikesh may not be available from every city. In that case, you can also travel to Haridwar Railway Station or Dehradun Railway Station, which are well connected with major cities across India.

These three cities, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun are located close to each other and serve as the main gateway for the Kedarnath Yatra.

By Road

After reaching Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, the remaining journey toward Kedarnath must be completed by road.

Travelers generally have three options:

Private cab: You can hire a personal taxi that will take you to Sonprayag and remain with you throughout the journey. This option offers comfort but is relatively more expensive.
Shared taxi: Shared cabs are easily available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. These taxis usually drop passengers at Sonprayag and are considered the most economical and convenient option for many travelers.
Government bus: Roadways buses also operate from Haridwar and Rishikesh toward the Kedarnath route. This is the most budget-friendly option, although the mountainous roads may make the journey less comfortable.

Route from Sonprayag to Chorabari Lake

Private vehicles are allowed only up to Sonprayag. From there, travellers must take a government-operated shared jeep to Gaurikund, which usually costs around ₹50 per person.

From Gaurikund, the journey to Kedarnath Temple involves a 16 km trek. Pilgrims can either trek or use options such as palki, pitthu, or mule services available at kedarnath trek route.

Note: For a detailed travel guide up to Kedarnath, you can check out our blog on "How to reach Kedarnath Temple".

Chorabari Glacier Trek

The actual trek route for Chorabari Tal begins from Kedarnath Temple and covers a distance of approximately 2 km. The trail passes through rocky Himalayan terrain and gradually ascends toward the Chorabari Glacier, offering stunning views of the Kedar Valley and surrounding snow-capped peaks. The trek is considered moderate in difficulty, but weather conditions can change rapidly in this region. Starting early in the morning is advisable so that you can return safely before evening.

Chorabari Tal Trek Details

Kedarnath to Chorabari Tal distance: 2 km trek
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1-2 hours (one-way)
Starting Point: Kedarnath Temple Complex

Since no shops, restaurants, or accommodation facilities are available near Chorabari Lake, all essential services are available only in Kedarnath. Most visitors therefore prefer to trek to the lake and return to Kedarnath on the same day.

For travellers planning to spend more time near the lake, the only option is to carry personal camping equipment. However, due to unpredictable weather and the high altitude, it is generally recommended to stay in Kedarnath and visit the lake as a short trek.

Essentials to Carry for the Chorabari Lake Trek

If you are planning the Chorabari Lake trek, carrying proper trekking gear is very important because of the cold climate and high altitude.

Basic trekking essentials include:

Comfortable trekking shoes
Gloves for cold weather
Woolen and cotton socks
A small first-aid kit
Lightweight backpack
Good-quality jacket or warm clothing
Water bottle
Energy snacks such as protein bars or chocolates
Dry fruits and nuts
Packed food
Trekking pole for stability
Torch or headlamp

Optional camping gear (if planning to stay nearby):

Camping tent
Trekking stove and butane cylinder
Extra warm layers

Carrying the right equipment will make the Chorabari Lake trek near Kedarnath safer and more comfortable, especially because the weather in the Himalayan region can change suddenly.

Important Places To Visit Near Chorabari Lake

Several important pilgrimage sites and trekking destinations are located near Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) in the Kedarnath region. Travelers visiting the lake often explore these nearby attractions during their journey.

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple, located about 2 km from Chorabari Lake, is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is part of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Panch Kedar, Chota Char Dham Yatra, and Do Dham Yatra. Millions of devotees visit Kedarnath every year to seek blessings and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this Himalayan shrine.

Bhairavnath Temple

Bhairavnath Temple is located about 400 meters from Kedarnath Temple and around 2.3 km from Chorabari Lake. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who is believed to be the protector deity of the Kedar Valley. Pilgrims visiting Kedarnath often visit this temple to offer prayers for protection and prosperity.

Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is a beautiful high-altitude alpine lake near Kedarnath and a popular trekking destination. The lake is named after Vasuki Nag, the serpent seen around the neck of Lord Shiva. From here, trekkers can witness stunning views of Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Shivling Peak, Vasuki Parbat, and Neelkanth.

Conclusion

Chorabari Lake is a pristine snow-melted glacial lake above Kedarnath Temple, offering the majestic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and snow covered landscape. Embarking on this beautiful glacial lake trek elevates the experience of visiting Kedarnath even more.

If you are also seeking a short but rewarding trek, then you must visit the Chorabari Glacier in Uttarakhand, along with a visit to Kedarnath Dham. Combine your spiritual and adventurous journey together.

FAQ's

How far is Chorabari Lake from Kedarnath Temple?

Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) is located about 2 km from Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. The lake can be reached through a short trekking trail starting behind the Kedarnath Temple. Situated at the base of the Chorabari Glacier, the lake is known as the source of the Mandakini River and offers scenic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

How do I go to Chorabari Tal?

Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) is accessible by a short trek of 2 km from Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. The trail begins behind the Kedarnath temple complex and passes through rocky mountain paths and glacier streams. Trekkers need to cross a small iron bridge before following the trail that gradually leads toward the Chorabari Glacier and the lake.

Which lake burst in Kedarnath?

Chorabari Lake, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, burst near Kedarnath during the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster. Heavy rainfall and a cloudburst caused the lake’s moraine embankment to collapse, releasing a massive flow of water, debris, and boulders into the Mandakini Valley. This sudden outburst contributed to the devastating 2013 Kedarnath floods.

Is Chorabari Lake still there?

Yes, Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) still exists near Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. The lake is considered the origin of the Mandakini River. During the 2013 Kedarnath floods, the moraine embankment of the lake was damaged and much of the debris was washed away. The natural barrier was not rebuilt to prevent similar flood risks in the future.

Which river originates from Chorabari?

The Mandakini River originates from Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. The lake is formed from the melting waters of the Chorabari Glacier. Mandakini flows through the Kedarnath Valley before joining the Alaknanda River, which later becomes part of the sacred Ganga river system.

Is it safe to visit Chorabari Lake now?

Yes, it is generally safe to visit Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) near Kedarnath during the trekking season. However, since it is a high-altitude Himalayan trek, visitors should check current weather conditions, follow local guidelines, and start the trek early in the day. It is also advisable to confirm trail conditions with local authorities or guides in Kedarnath before visiting.

What was the position of Chorabari Lake before and after?

Before 2013, Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) was a pristine glacial lake near Kedarnath, known for its clear water and scenic Himalayan surroundings. After the 2013 Kedarnath floods, the lake’s moraine embankment collapsed, significantly altering its structure. Although the lake was damaged, the area still attracts pilgrims and trekkers visiting Kedarnath.

What is the view of Chorabari Glacier Lake?

Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar) offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape near Kedarnath. The lake reflects the nearby snow-capped peaks, rocky glaciers, and the Chorabari Glacier, creating a serene and peaceful environment. Its crystal-clear water and quiet alpine setting make it a memorable sight for trekkers and pilgrims visiting the region.