Phortse Village, Nepal - A Hidden Gem

The charming village of Phortse is hidden away in Nepal's Himalayan mountains. Phortse is a stunning traditional Nepalese village with gorgeous vistas of the landscape that is tucked away high in the mountains.  This interesting hamlet is a favorite stop for trekkers and adventurers seeking an experience off the beaten path because of its rich culture and history. 

This blog post will highlight Phortse village's breathtaking natural beauty and explain why it's a must-visit location.

Location of Phortse Village

Phortse is a Sherpa village located at the base of the Tauche Peak in the Himalayan region of Nepal. It is part of the Sagarmatha National Park and is secluded from the common Everest trekking route, keeping it hidden and unexplored.

Phortse, a pleasant village in the Khumbu region, is between two valleys. Its population is approximately 450 and is one of the area's highest localities, at a height of about 3,840 meters. The charming settlement offers breathtaking views of the area's snow-capped mountains because it is at the foot of the iconic summit of Mt. Everest. It also offers visitors an amazing experience because of the luscious trees and meadows surrounding it.

How to get there?

Normally, trekkers begin their journey from Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mount Everest. You need to trek through Mong La and walk downhill to Phortse Tenga from Namche. From Phortse Tenga, you can either trek to Gokyo village or Phortse village. The total time required for an ideal trekker to reach Phortse village is about 8-9 hours. You should allocate around 5-6 hrs for a trek to Phortse Thenga from Namche and 2 hrs to Phortse village from Phortse Thenga.

When you arrive at Phortse, you'll be flanked by breathtaking mountain vistas and alpine woods. There are numerous options for trekking in the area in addition to other outdoor adventures, including mountain climbing and sightseeing. The area is known for its openness, and the native Sherpa people are exceptionally warm and friendly.

Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC)

Phortse is an ideal place for those who want to learn ice climbing, as it has offered technical climbing training for over 19 years. Since its inception in 2003, the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC) has been a successful training program for native people. As most sherpas learn climbing from experience only, training them before a climb has benefited them in reducing the risks. Technical climbing techniques, English language, mountain safety, rescue, and outdoor first aid are all taught for two weeks each winter.

These courses on mountain climbing are offered mostly in January by skilled Sherpas. If you are a beginner fancying a chance to learn technical climbing or a seasoned climber wanting to hone their skills, Phortse is the right destination. The Khumbu Climbing Center is run in conjunction with an organization known as Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation, a registered nonprofit in the USA.

What to do in Phortse Village?

Phortse Village is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and spiritual seekers. The area has many activities to enjoy, including trekking, mountaineering, technical climbing and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

As the trek to Phortse is about a day long, the trek to Phortse is basic, and just about anyone can easily complete the trek. You will have the energy and opportunities to try different activities right from day two. However, if you intend to trek in the monsoon, rain can be a party pooper. Hence, the best time to trek Phortse will be in autumn and spring when the village is well-surrounded with greenery and vibrant culture. If your main aim is to learn technical climbing, winter will be your best bet, as courses are offered only in winter.

There are many paths that provide breathtaking views of the Himalayas and terraced valleys for those who want to go trekking. You can go on day walks through the villages or try harder trails like Tengboche to Kala Patthar. You might even do the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trip if you feel like doing extra.

You can learn about the local culture by going to the neighborhood stores, talking to the locals, or going to festivals and rituals that are practiced locally. The community presents exceptional chances to discover regional customs and religious practices.

In the Khumbu region, Phortse Valley contains the highest population of Tahr, Snow Leopards and the highly elusive Himalayan Monal. Casual walks around the settlement are therefore highly advised. Additionally, you need not worry about running across a snow leopard, as the odds are extremely slim. Even if you were to spot a snow leopard, the leopard prioritizes keeping its distance from humans.

You can go bird viewing or fishing in the local rivers for additional peaceful pastimes.

Phortse village is a terrific location for photographers who want to capture the stunning landscapes and the colorful culture of this secluded community in addition to all these other activities.

Lifestyle of people in Phortse

Despite being a peaceful village inhabited by humble and smiley faces, life in Phortse is quite challenging for the locals. As amazing as it looks, the cold harsh weather of the region makes it hard for locals to survive with ease.

Agriculture is one aspect of survival in Phortse, but only potatoes and buckwheat are cultivated. The majority of the men in the communities work as porters or climbers. Some of the best porters of Nepal are from Phortse. Hence, you are likelier to see females, aged people, and children in the houses.

An average porter earns around 2,500 a year, and a climber earns around 3,000 a year. This income is nowhere near enough to run a household, but you will always see them happy despite the hardships.

Accommodation

Phortse is a fantastic choice if you're seeking for a rustic and distinctive spot to visit in the Khumbu region. A few tiny lodges in the area offer cozy lodging and meals despite the absence of big hotels or guest houses.

The community owns simple tea houses that provide basic lodging, hot meals, and refreshments. For those seeking the full experience, the village offers a variety of homestay options where you may spend time with a local family and learn about the local culture. Whatever kind of lodging you select, Phortse will undoubtedly deliver a memorable experience.

Food

The food in Phortse Village does not come with a plethora of options but it is beautiful and vibrant as its culture. The local staple dish is a Nepalese dal bhat, consisting of a traditional soup, a stew of seasonal vegetables, and steamed rice. Meat dishes are also available, such as yak meat or mutton. As mentioned earlier, the only fresh food you can consume is potatoes and bread made of buckwheat.

However, food supplies are loaded from Kathmandu to Salleri. From there, either mules, porters, or helicopters deliver the items to Phortse. Because of the transportation costs, you can expect the price of supplies to be five to six times more expensive than in Kathmandu.

Generally, momos are either vegetarian, buff or chicken-filled dumplings found in almost every corner of Nepal. Momos can be loaded with savory and sweet ingredients for people with a sweet craving. These momos, which have been sweetened with jaggery, are a pleasure to eat. Seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, peaches, apricots, and plums are also well-liked in Phortse Village. Fruits are shipped from Kathmandu, thus the cost will be high.

Teahouses provide hot tea made from local herbs that can be sipped throughout the day for an energy boost. For those looking for a stronger beverage, local alcohol can be purchased in the village.

However, if you are a budget traveler who wants to save money on food, you can bring your own food supplies. Instant noodles, pastas, drinks, favorite snacks, energy bars can be munched upon if you are scared about emptying your pockets. Nonetheless, we recommend you to at least dine and have lunch in local tea houses and lodges to get all the energy for the rest of your journey. Moreover, it will be a great help to bolster the economic condition of the village.

Photo: An historic Stupa located in the village of Phortse, Khumbu

Conclusion

Phortse, a little town in Nepal, is a true hidden gem. It's a wonderful location for anyone wishing to discover the true beauty of Nepal because of its breathtaking Himalayan landscape, rich cultural traditions, and welcoming locals. Despite being off the beaten path, Phortse is not difficult to reach and offers a large selection of lodging and food alternatives.

Phortse offers something for everyone, whether you're a trekker looking for a different route, a learner wanting to acquire technical climbing or a traveler looking for a distinctive cultural experience. Make sure to travel to the Phortse village because it has a wealth of attractions that will leave you speechless at every step.