Lauribina is a small group of lodges on an open ridge at about 3,910 m, two to three hours below Gosaikunda. It is where most well-paced itineraries stop the night before the lake, and it has one of the best views on the whole route. The ridge faces west and north, away from the Kathmandu haze, so on clear mornings the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu at 8,163 m, Himalchuli and even the Annapurnas line up across the horizon.
Get up about 30 minutes before sunrise and walk 10–15 minutes above the lodges to a small hill with prayer flags and a stupa. Langtang Lirung rises to the north. In October and November the first light turns the peaks gold in sequence, and the valleys below are often full of cloud. In the monsoon you may see nothing, but there are surprise clear dawns even in August.
Sleeping at Lauribina rather than going straight to Gosaikunda also helps your body adjust before 4,380 m. Bring a down jacket and gloves for the wait; dawn temperatures are below freezing for much of the year. Tea is usually ready in the lodge when you return, before the short climb to the lakes.
Good for
- Photographers
- Couples
- Pilgrims
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
What can I see from Lauribina?
On a clear morning you see the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli and the Annapurna range to the west, and Langtang Lirung to the north. Visibility is best in October, November and spring mornings. Clouds usually build by late morning, so sunrise is the time to look.
Should I stay at Lauribina or Gosaikunda?
Staying at Lauribina (3,910 m) is better for acclimatisation and has the better sunrise view. Staying at Gosaikunda (4,380 m) puts you beside the lake for an early puja. Many of our pilgrimage itineraries sleep at Lauribina on the way up and spend one night at the lake for the dip.
How long is the walk from Lauribina to Gosaikunda?
About 2–3 hours, gaining roughly 470 m on a stone path that traverses high above the valley past Saraswati Kunda and Bhairab Kunda. Some sections are narrow with drops, and they can be icy in the morning in spring and late autumn. Pilgrims with poor balance should take it slowly with a helper.
