Upconversion emission of Nd 3+ doped LiLa 1− x Nd x P 4O 12 nanocrystals powders upon irradiation with 808 nm laser diode has been investigated. This emission of bright orange color was dependent on concentration and excitation incident light intensity. It was found that this emission was threshold phenomenon characterized by long build-up times which were dependent on energy of upconversion emission, concentration of active ions, size of nanocrystalline grains and power of incident light. The mechanism of observed upconversion was discussed in terms of thermally stimulated avalanche process. The emission intensity bistability of upconversion emission was demonstrated.