Everest Base Camp Trek Day 5: Secret Trail No One Takes!
Waking Up at High Altitude: A Cold Reality Check
Mornings at 14,000 feet hit differently—especially when you’re wrapped up like a human burrito, desperately clinging to whatever warmth your sleeping bag can muster. No matter how well-prepared you are, the freezing morning air makes getting out of bed feel like stepping into a survival challenge.
My morning routine is an exercise in willpower. First, I convince myself to unzip the sleeping bag—a feat that feels like an extreme sport. Then, I mentally remind myself that I chose this. Voluntarily. Next step: hydration. I chug an entire bottle of water that I had the foresight to warm up in my sleeping bag the night before. It’s still slightly warm, and it feels like a small victory against the cold.
Early morning struggle at 14,000 feet—hydration and motivation are key!
At this altitude, drinking water is non-negotiable. You have to stay hydrated to combat the effects of altitude sickness. The trick is to drink as much as you can in the morning, so you’re not constantly stopping to answer nature’s call on the trail. Let’s just say my method isn’t foolproof—by mid-morning, I’m already regretting my decision.
Packing up is a chaotic process. My camera gear sprawls across the room—batteries, SD cards, chargers, and my laptop, all essential for documenting the journey. Carrying extra weight at high altitude is not ideal, but this vlog is more than just a travel diary—it’s a time capsule of this once-in-a-lifetime trek.
Packing the gear—every ounce counts at high altitude!
Breakfast Drama: The Everest Price Surge
Breakfast in the mountains is an event in itself. My usual? Scrambled eggs and toast, with a drizzle of honey if I’m lucky. Simple, yet satisfying. But before I can even think about eating, it’s time to settle the teahouse bill from the night before.
EBC Day 5: Paying the bill
One of the quirks of the Everest Base Camp trek is that everything costs more the higher you go. Down in Namche, a bottle of water was around 500 Nepali rupees. Here? It’s 2,000. This isn’t just a simple price hike—it’s the result of porters hauling supplies up steep mountain trails for days on end.
Scrambled eggs and toast—the essential start to a trekking day.
First Steps on the Secret Trail: Feeling the Altitude
We barely leave the village before I’m out of breath. It’s humbling. My guide, Bhupal, is strolling along like we’re out for a Sunday walk, while I’m battling for every lungful of thin air. Meanwhile, our porter—carrying twice as much as I am—just grins at my struggle. I can’t help but laugh at myself.
Altitude is the great equalizer. It doesn’t care how many squats you did at sea level or how well you prepped for the trek. Out here, your body either adapts, or it doesn’t. Today, mine seems to be stubbornly resisting.
The Porter and I setting off from the teahouse—every step feels heavier at altitude.
The Eerie Silence of the Trail
The trail today feels hauntingly quiet. The clouds hang low, shrouding the peaks and making it feel like we’re walking through a ghost story. The usual chatter of fellow trekkers is absent—it’s just us, the path, and the occasional echo of yak bells.
There’s something profound about this solitude. It’s not just about the isolation; it’s about the raw beauty of the untouched trail. For the first time, it feels like the mountains are telling their own story, uninterrupted by the usual crowds.
Mist covers the trail, making every step feel like an exploration into the unknown.
Yak Traffic Jam: A High-Altitude Standoff
Just when I think the day couldn’t get weirder, we hit a yak traffic jam. Yaks are the undisputed kings of the trail—if they want to pass, you step aside. One yak stops dead, staring me down like I’m an uninvited guest at its mountain party. I take a cautious step back, and it eventually ambles past. Crisis averted.
Yaks and Cows have the right of way—always.
Arriving in Dingboche: A Hidden Village Gem
After hours of trekking through the mist, we finally arrive in Dingboche. Nestled at the foot of the mighty Amadablam, this village feels like a sanctuary after the isolated trail. Stone houses with colorful roofs dot the landscape, and the smell of wood smoke wafts through the air.
Tonight’s teahouse is bustling—completely different from last night’s solitude. It’s like a reunion of trekkers, sharing stories of the day’s challenges over steaming cups of tea.
Dingboche at last—a peaceful end to a challenging day.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Unknown
Today wasn’t about the views. It was about braving the elements, pushing through solitude, and finding beauty in the unexpected. Tomorrow promises even more altitude, tougher trails, and hopefully, clearer skies. One thing’s for sure—the adventure continues.
To watch the full YouTube video of EBC Day 5, click HERE