Phortse (3950m) is a unique Sherpa settlement of about 80 households. With the aim of adding cultural aspect to the Everest experience, Phortse is being developed as model ecotourism village in Sagarmatha National Park. Community run home-stays are available in Phortse for experience of the mountain life. Tea-shops and lodges are also available here. Staying at the home-stays as house guests, trying out wholesome Sherpa and Nepali food, and observing the local peoples' everyday life, may provide the experience of a lifetime. Cultural show and Sherpa dance are also performed on the request of tourist. It offers wonderful mountain views and wildlife experience. The village is lush, surrounded by birch and juniper trees that shelter endangered musk deer and different varieties of pheasants. Peacocks, Himalayan tahr and bear are also spotted around the region every now and then. The very rare snow leopard found in the mountains, has also been reported to be seen here.