Everest Base Camp Trek Day 4: Insane View, Empty Teahouse!
Day 4 of the Everest Base Camp trek took a surprising twist. Unlike the typical crowded trails, I veered off the beaten path and embarked on a secret route to the hidden Sherpa village of Phortse. Tucked away from the usual trekking crowds, Phortse offered something rare: solitude, serenity, and a breathtaking ridge walk that tested my endurance and rewarded me with some of the most spectacular views of the entire journey.
Today, I’ll share how I woke up to the cold, conquered steep ridges, and found myself in a peaceful village that felt untouched by time. And the best part? If the weather cooperated, I’d catch a rare glimpse of two Himalayan giants: Mount Everest and Cho Oyu. Buckle up, it’s going to be an epic day!
Waking Up in Namche Bazaar: The Morning Routine
Mornings at high altitude are an adventure in themselves. As I stirred awake, still cocooned in layers of blankets, I knew I had to battle the freezing temperatures head-on. The first task? Hydration. I chugged the hot water I had cleverly stored in my sleeping bag overnight. Staying hydrated at this altitude is crucial, but it’s also a challenge. Drinking slowly is recommended, but who has time for that when you’re on a tight trekking schedule?
Packing up was another adventure. SD cards, batteries, a laptop—my tech arsenal was extensive. Filming in 4K is no joke, but I wanted to capture every moment of this epic journey. After gearing up, it was finally time for breakfast: toast, eggs, and honey—the staples that fuel every trekker.
Reliving the Yak Attack: Breakfast Chats
Before we hit the trail, I couldn’t resist revisiting the drama from yesterday—the infamous Yak Attack. One of those massive, woolly beasts had decided to challenge me, and it was a showdown I wasn’t prepared for. My guide Bhupal acted nonchalant about it, but when I showed him the video, his laughter betrayed the fact that he had been just as startled as I was. It’s one of those moments you look back on and laugh, but at the time, it felt like life or yak-th.
Reliving the Yak Attack
Setting Out on the Secret Trail: Namche to Phortse
As we left Namche Bazaar behind, I was struck by how quickly the bustling village faded into the vast, silent wilderness. Today’s route was special. Most trekkers opt for the busier path through Tengboche, but not us. We chose the lesser-known, quieter route to Phortse.
What immediately stood out? The quiet. No yak traffic jams, no long lines of trekkers—just me, Bhupal, and the winding trail. As we moved through the village outskirts, I couldn’t help but notice a peculiar sight: toothbrushes neatly lined up outside on a wooden board. Why? Bhupal guessed it might be a practical thing—no sink inside the building. It was just one of those quirky details that makes you smile and appreciate the simplicity of mountain life.
Mong-La Ridge: The Challenge and the Reward
The trail started to climb, and my legs were instantly reminded that this was no leisurely stroll. Welcome to Mong-La Ridge—a steep, unforgiving ascent that rewards the brave with views worth every ounce of effort.
As I reached the ridge's peak, I looked out and saw valleys plunging down into the clouds on one side and towering Himalayan giants on the other. The view was nothing short of cinematic. And then, just when I thought it couldn’t get better, I spotted it—Mount Everest, faint but unmistakable, peeking out from behind the ridges. Seeing Everest, even from a distance, sent a surge of motivation through me.
I paused to catch my breath and take it all in. The air was crisp, my legs were aching, but I was exactly where I needed to be—on top of the world, or at least pretty close to it.
Lunch Views EBC Day 4
Arriving in Phortse: The Hidden Sherpa Village
After the grueling climb, Phortse appeared like a secret unveiled. This village doesn’t see many trekkers, which only adds to its charm. Known as a community of elite Sherpa climbers, many of whom have summited Everest numerous times, Phortse is a place rich with stories of courage and resilience.
Finding peace and heritage in Phortse, the secret Sherpa village!
The village itself was a refreshing change from the bustling Namche Bazaar. Simple stone houses dotted the landscape, prayer flags fluttered in the wind, and terraced fields cascaded down the hillsides. It felt like stepping back in time.
The Majestic Cho Oyu: A Lesser-Known Giant
While Everest steals the spotlight, Cho Oyu often goes unnoticed. At 8,188 meters, it’s the sixth highest mountain in the world, and seeing it up close was breathtaking. This mountain’s snow-covered peaks loomed impressively, reminding me of the raw power and beauty of the Himalayas.
Cozy Nights and Warm Meals in Phortse
After settling into the teahouse, I was greeted by a warm stove and a simple but hearty meal—egg chow mein. After a day like this, nothing beats a hot plate of food and a steaming cup of tea.
As I sat there, soaking in the atmosphere, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. The journey was hard, but moments like these made it worth it. Tomorrow, we climb higher, but for now, it’s time to rest and reflect on this incredible day.
Google Map Links:
Final Thoughts
Taking the road less traveled on Day 4 led to one of the most unforgettable days on the Everest Base Camp trek. From secluded trails to stunning ridge views and the quiet charm of Phortse, this was a day that reminded me why I took on this journey in the first place. The mountains challenge you, but they also reward you—and today, I felt both in equal measure.
Stay tuned for Day 5, where the adventure continues. More altitude, more epic views, and more stories from the trail!
To watch the full Day 4 Everest Base Camp YouTube video, click HERE.