Trekking · Nepal
Lauribina La Pass
A 4,610 m pass above the sacred Gosaikunda lakes, linking the Langtang region to Helambu near Kathmandu.
Lauribina La is a 4,610-metre pass above the sacred Gosaikunda lakes, and the most accessible of Nepal's great trekking passes. Rising on the ridge between the Langtang region and the Helambu valley, it forms the high point of the popular Gosaikunda-Helambu trek and can be reached from Kathmandu in just a few days, making it the gentlest introduction to high-pass trekking in the country.
Where it is
The pass crosses the ridge just south of the Gosaikunda lakes within Langtang National Park, linking Dhunche and the lakes basin with the Helambu villages of Ghopte and Kutumsang to the south. It is one of the seven great Himalayan passes of Nepal and the natural high point of the Gosaikunda trek, often walked through to the Helambu trek on the far side.
Crossing the pass
Most trekkers cross south from Gosaikunda, climbing gradually past frozen tarns and prayer cairns to the prayer-flag saddle, which looks back over the holy lakes and out toward the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. The southern descent is long, dropping through alpine terrain to Ghopte and on into the green Helambu valley. The crossing is a single strenuous day, less steep and less exposed than the glaciated passes elsewhere.
Difficulty and altitude
Lauribina La is non-technical and moderate by Himalayan-pass standards, but at over 4,600 metres it is still a genuine high-altitude day. Snow can linger near the saddle in early and late season, so trekking poles and warm layers are sensible. The route gains height gradually via the Gosaikunda lakes, which aids acclimatisation, but trekkers should still understand altitude sickness in Nepal.
Best time and conditions
The best windows are autumn (October to November) and spring (March to May), when the trail is mostly clear and skies are stable. Winter snow can cover the pass, and the monsoon brings cloud, leeches lower down and slippery ground. Clear mornings give the finest views back over the lakes.
Plan your crossing
Lauribina La makes an ideal first high pass, easily combined with the sacred lakes and a crossing into Helambu. Read the Nepal trekking guide to prepare, and if you want a tougher Langtang-area challenge afterwards, look to the semi-technical Ganja La pass deeper in the range.
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Lauribina La pass?+
Lauribina La sits at about 4,610 metres above the sacred Gosaikunda lakes in the Langtang region. It is the lowest of Nepal's great trekking passes featured here, which makes it the most accessible big pass to reach from Kathmandu.
How difficult is the Lauribina La crossing?+
It is a moderate high-altitude day rather than a technical one. From Gosaikunda the climb to the saddle is gradual, and the long descent leads to Ghopte and the Helambu villages. Snow can linger in early and late season, but it is far easier than the glaciated Everest and Langtang passes.
What does Lauribina La connect?+
The pass links the Gosaikunda lakes above Dhunche with the Helambu valley to the south, forming the high point of the popular Gosaikunda-Helambu trek. Many trekkers combine it with a visit to the holy lakes before crossing into Helambu.
When is the best time to cross Lauribina La?+
October to November and March to May are the prime windows, with stable weather and a mostly snow-free trail. The pass can hold snow in winter and early spring, and the monsoon brings cloud and slippery ground, so autumn and late spring are best.
