Sherpa Brother Treks
sherpabrothers@gmail.com
+977-9851136827
Trip Advisor

Three High Crosses Trek

Overview

Trekkers who choose to tackle the difficult Three High Crosses route will cross the “three high passes” of Renjola (5320 m), Chola (5340 m), and Kongma La (5540 m). The three-week trek connects the stunning valleys of Thame Valley, Gokyo Valley, and Khumbu Valley, which is home to the well-known glacier and Everest base camp, which is perched next to it. This trek will certainly impress and inspire you because it offers the most challenging and extensive hiking in the Sagarmatha area, as well as countless breathtaking views of the tallest mountains on Earth!

The Three High Crosses Trek or Three High Passes Trek route starts in Lukla after a scenic flight from Kathmandu and follows the expedition trail as it ascends through the Sherpa people’s homeland, known for their warm hospitality and Buddhist traditions. Following our stay in Namche Bazaar, the trail ascends to the higher valleys where we make the passes. At many varied points on the trail there are outstanding views of Mt Everest 8848m, Choyu 8188m, Maklu 8463m. While in Gokyo Valley, we come across a number of other extremely high altitude lakes as well as the serene blue Holy Mountain Lake at Gokyo. The trail culminates in a strenuous ascent of Kala Pattar (5550m), from which there are unparalleled 360-degree views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.

The more physically fit and resilient trekker is advised for this trek. The length of the route, combined with the number of steep ascents at high altitude, indicate that this is not a route for the faint of heart.  The trek can also serve as an excellent training ground for those interested in peak climbing and mountaineering in the future.

As with all our treks including Three high crosses trek, we can be flexible with the itinerary and can adjust many details according to your time, availability and special interests.

Highlights

 Gokyo lake with stunning Himalayan scenery from Renjo la (5,363m)
Visit Buddhist Gomba in Thame, take picture and mingle with monks
Cross 3 passes through well planned route that provides the best acclimatization
Highly experienced qualified guide in the team
Mountain guest house accommodation on the trail

 

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International airport Kathmandu. Pick up by Sherpa Brothers treks representative, transfer to hotel check in and welcome drink from receptionist. Rest and briefing about trip, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast

Day 2 : Trek preparation and shopping for the trip. In the evening welcome dinner offer from Sherpa Borthers at typical Nepalese restaurant, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast

Day 3 : Morning scenic flight to Lukla (2,840m / 9318ft) and trek start to Phakding (2,652m/8701ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 3 hours

Day 4 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,446m / 11306ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 7 hours

Day 5 : Rest day, hike to world highest point hotel Everest view hotel (3800m), O/N in tea house : Approx 4 hours

Day 6 : Trek to Thame [3,820m / 12,533ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 7 hours

Day 7 : Trek to Lungden [4,300m / 14,104ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hours

Day 8 : Lungden cross Renjo pass (5,338m / 17,509ft), and trek to Gokyo (4,800m / 15,744ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 8 hours

Day 9 : Rest day, hike to top of Gokyo Ri (5,330m / 17,483ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 4 hours

Day 10 : Trek to Thaknak (4,750m / 15,580ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hours

Day 11 : Thaknak, cross Cho-la Pass (5367m / 17604ft) and trek to Dzongla (4,850m / 15,908ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 8 hours

Day 12 : Dzongla to Lobuche (4,900m/16,072ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hours

Day 13 : Labuche to Gorakshep [5,160m / 16,929ft) and hike to world highest peak Mt Everest base camp (5,316m / 17,437ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 8 hours

Day 14 : Early morning before sunrise hike to top of highest point of trek Kalapathar (5,550m / 18,204ft) and trek to Labuche (4,900m /16,072ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 6 hours

Day 15 : Lobuche cross Kongma La (5,535m / 18,159ft) and trek to Chhukung, O/N in tea house : Approx 9 hours

Day 16 : Chhukung to Tyangboche (3,867m / 12,684ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 7 hours

Day 17 : Tyangbuche to Manjo (2,835m / 93,02ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 7 hours

Day 18 : Monjo to Lukla (2,800m / 9,186ft) trek ends, O/N in tea house : Approx 7 hours

Day 19 : After having early morning breakfast, flight to Kathmandu rest, free time and last minute shopping in Kathmandu, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast

Day 20 : Extra day for mountain weather contingency

Day 21 : As per flight time, pick up from hotel and drop 3 hour earlier to international airport for home departure

Day 22 :

Services Includes

    • Accommodation and 3 times meal during 17 days Three high pass trekking period
    • Professional and experience license holder trekking guide salary and insurance
    • Porter salary, equipment s and insurance
    • Airfare to Lukla and back to Kathmandu with guide
    • Standard hotel with deluxe BB in Kathmandu for 4 nights
    • Sagarmatha National park and TIMS permit
    • Private transport for airport receive and departure in Kathmandu
    • Trip route map
    • Warm sleeping bag
    • Duffel bag for packing daily trip gears
    • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu

Services Excludes

    • Personal nature expense such as WIFI internet,  data pack, telephone calls, bar and beverage bills bottled drinks including (cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water, laundry)
    • Personal insurance
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and during the trek
    • Unforeseen accidental rescue
    • Days beyond the itinerary
    • Gratitude to staff

Map

Additional Information

During this trip several part of the trail integrates the demanding walking rank. Due to increasing altitude level and variable geographical terrain. Region of Renjo la 5,363, Chola pass 5,420 m and 5,535 Kongmala pass are the highest and bodily demanding trail of usual 6- 7 hours daily walk. Although, most of the initial day trek begins from lower point with slowly but sure and unhurried walking pace offer this trip genuine sense to have achievements and success. Participants planning and attempting for this trip is recommended having physically fit, positive attitude and obviously in good health. Regular exercise or jogging couple of months prior to the trip is essential. It is important that participants with pre-existing health check problems or conditions should make these known to us at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participants.

Accommodation and food 

In Kathmandu: 3 star Deluxe hotel with bed and breakfast on twin sharing.

On trek: 16 days twin sharing accommodations in tea house (mountain trekking guest house) and food on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and tea coffee). Tea houses are small mountain hotels and run by local families them being small hotels, you can expect a certain level of comfort. They are comfortable to the extent that you have a place to sleep and that you can enjoy home-cooked meals

Travel Insurances

Sherpa Brothers Treks Expedition Pvt. Ltd. take every care to make our treks safe and enjoyable. All our routes are scouted to ensure the trails are safe and the facilities along route are of an acceptable standard. In addition, we have vast experience of trekking at altitude and are trained to deal with Acute Altitude Sickness. However, due to terrain, weather and altitude, risk is not always predictable in the Himalaya. To ensure you have a worry free time with us, personal travel insurance is essential to cover the cost of unforeseen accident, illness or rescue. The costs involved can be large and personally overwhelming in the unlikely event of accident or injury.
All Nepalese staff, guides and porters employed by Sherpa Brothers Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. are covered locally but we regret that we cannot offer insurance for our clients.
Sherpa Brothers Treks and Expedition Pvt.Ltd. is not liable should anything go wrong due to unforeseen circumstances.
When choosing an insurance policy be sure to confirm with your insurer that your policy covers adventure holidays and trekking at high altitude. Some insurers makes special exception for these types of trip so please read the small print and contact your insurer if you are unsure.

Required gears check list

Your gear is your best friend while being out in the mountains. In fact, it doesn’t material where you are going, your equipment is central. In extreme cases, gear can make the difference between life and death.
Below we present you a basic complete packing list suitable for this trek.

Hiking gears

Day bag 1 – A porter will carry your primary gear in duffel bag (up to 12kg per trekker). You’ll need to bring your own daypack. 30–35L is adequate.

Dry Bag 1 – This protects your bag and clothing from potential moisture, wet object and rain.

Walking pole 1 – ( if necessary) Trekking poles can decrease the impact on your joints. They are excellent for knees while going down. We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles.

Water bottle or camel bag 1 – Capacity to carry 3 litre of water. Options: 2 x 1.5 litre wide mouth nalgene bottles or 2 litre platypus + 1 litre water bottle.

Head light 1 – You will need a headlamp with a good light output for any late-night restroom trips, as well as importantly for the high passe day such Renjo la, Chola, Kalapathar hike and Kongmala pass. Petzl make renowned and affordable headlamps.

Knife / Multi tools – 1

Cloth and body wear

Down jacket 1 – You’ll need this for the three passes as well as in the evenings at lodge camp when you’re tired, you feel the cold a lot more.

Sleeping bag 1 –  rated 0°F, -20°F.

Light or medium wight warm hiking trouser 2 –  an option of convertible trousers.

For the colder parts of the trek you’ll need good winter hiking pants – just make sure they are breathable.

Warm liner 1 –  For extra warmth in sleeping bag.

Towel – 2

Warm and sun hats 1 –  lot of heat is lost through your head, so be sure to get a warm thermal hat as well as one that protects your neck from the harsh rays of the sun.

Fleece / jacket and pants 1 –  Modern technical fleeces (such as Polartec) make excellent insulation layers.

Windproof jacket and Pants 1 –  pants with full-length zips make getting them on and off quick and easy.

Long and half sleeve hiking shirt 3 – As per you body size lightweight, moisture wicking long and short sleeved shirts.

Buff for (neck and head) – 1

Walking boot 1 – We recommend light- to mid-weight waterproof boots with good ankle support. You don’t need to go full-mountaineering boot.

Gloves / mittens  2 – For the cold nights through the trek and for the cross day, we recommend heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant gloves.

Warm hiking socks (wool / synthetic) 3-4, pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for crossing day.

Gaiter 1 – Help keep your trousers clean in dusty, wet and muddy trail conditions

Flip flap/ Sandal 1 – To wear around after a day’s trek we recommend bringing a pair of sandals

Sun protection, health hygiene and water

Sun cream 1 – SPF 40+ Sunscreen is very important as the sun’s rays are much stronger at altitude.

Sun glass  2 – (incase of one broke) choose high UV protection glasses of any brand as sun intensity after 3500 is very high.

Sun hat 1 – if possible go for a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection, and has a neck cover if you aren’t going to be wearing a neck gaiter

Lip guard 1 –  To keep your lip moisturized in dry air and the stronger sun ray

Tooth brush – 1

Face wash soap – 1

Sanitizer wipes – 2/2

Electrolyte/Sports drink powdered formula for adding to your water Water can get pretty boring, so it’s a good idea to bring along an electrolyte formula that’s flavored to your liking.

Snacks: Energy bars of your preference – plan for 2-4 per day Snacks such as energy bars, trail mix, and candy can help give you a quick energy boost while on the trail. Just avoid anything with caffeine in it.

Ear plugs – For light sleepers. Snoring travels in quiet high altitude lodges

Prescription medicine

Water purifier tablet / lightweight pen filter

Toilet paper – Bring two rolls of toilet paper, one to keep in your daypack for use on the trail, and one in your duffel for use at tea house camp. Taking the cardboard center out makes it easier to transport.

Menstrual product for her

Diamox (if using)

Blister plasters – different shapes and sizes

Antibiotic cream or ointment

Hairbrush/comb

Foot powder

Nail cutter

Personal belonging items

Passport

Cash Visa / credit card

Cell phone

Power bank backup and charger – The standard voltage of electricity in Nepal is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric or electronic appliances in Nepal without a voltage converter.

Camera / Gopro

Reservation cancellations policy

There will be no fees associated with cancellations made more than 45 days prior to departure.
A penalty of 30% of the total trip cost will apply for cancellations made between 30 and 44 days prior to departure.
60% of the total trip cost will be lost for cancellations made between 15 and 29 days prior to departure.
If a cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure, there will be no reimbursement.

Additional specifications
When making your reservation, please let us know about any special needs you may have so that we can make responsible efforts to accommodate your requests and special requirements, as long as the locations and resources allow.

Tour Cost & Schedule

Start Finish Availability Price (PP)  

Trip Facts

  • GradeTrip Grade :  
  • Duration Trip Durations :  17 Days From Kathmandu
  • Point Highest Point :  5,535m / 18,157ft
  • Season Best Season :  Sep, Oct, Nov - Mar to June
  • Meal Plan Meal Plan : Breakfast in Kathmandu and Full board on Trek

Related Tours

Dhaulagiree Circle Trek

Dhaulagiree Circle Trek or Round Dhaulagiree adventurers and nature enthusiasts will find paradise in the trek, which offers stunning views...

Quick Inquiry