59-Year-Old Kerala Woman Treks to Everest Base Camp Using YouTube for Training

A 59-year-old tailor from Kerala has defied age and expectations by successfully trekking to Everest Base Camp without formal training. Vasanthi Cheruveettil, a native of Kannur, took on this challenge entirely on her own, preparing by watching YouTube videos.

For four months, Vasanthi trained at home, walking four hours daily, exercising regularly, and practicing with trekking boots to become comfortable with her gear. She began her solo trek from Surke in Nepal on February 15 and reached the south base camp on February 23 after a nine-day journey.

“I had this wish that if I reached Everest Base Camp, I wanted to take a picture wearing a mundu (Kerala’s traditional attire). That’s why I carried one with me. It was a bit risky to climb, but I made it,” she shared.

This was not her first solo adventure. Last year, she traveled alone to Thailand after her friends backed out, questioning whether a woman could travel so far alone. Encouraged by her sons, Vineeth and Vivek, she booked the trip herself and completed it.

Vasanthi’s journey to Everest Base Camp was not without obstacles. Bad weather canceled her flight to Lukla, but a German couple she met in Nepal helped her find an alternative route through Surke. Along the way, she encountered trekkers from around the world, including a father-son duo from Kerala and others from Assam. “Most of the trekkers were from the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines. It was a beautiful experience,” she recalled.

As a widow who funds her travels through her tailoring work, with occasional support from her sons, Vasanthi believes that solo travel for women is not difficult. “As long as you know what’s right for you and have the determination to follow your path, everything is perfectly fine,” she said.

Now, she has her sights set on her next big dream: visiting the Great Wall of China. “I know some places might become difficult to travel to as I grow older, so I want to do it now,” she added.

Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that adventure knows no age and that dreams can be pursued at any stage of life.