At 59, most people slow down, but Madam Vasanthy Cheruveettil, a tailor from Kerala, had other plans.
Defying age, expectations and the lack of formal training, she successfully trekked solo to Everest Base Camp (EBC), guided only by her determination and YouTube tutorials.
The resident of Thalipparamba, Kannur, reached EBC on Feb 23, after starting her journey from Surke, Nepal, on Feb 15, reported Manorama newspaper.
The altitude of the EBC is 5,364 metres while the summit stands at 8,848 metres.
Her inspiring feat has since captured the attention of many, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
Madam Vasanthy’s decision to trek to EBC was met with scepticism. She was neither a seasoned trekker nor an experienced mountaineer – just a woman with an extraordinary dream. But, instead of being discouraged, she took it as a challenge.
Determined to be physically prepared, she spent four months rigorously training. Her routine included walking three hours daily, wearing trekking boots to adapt to discomfort, and covering about six kilometres in the evenings.
She also made a unique preparation – learning Hindi – so she could communicate effectively in Nepal.
Her journey wasn’t just about endurance; it was about proving to herself and others that age and background should never limit ambition.
Even before reaching the starting point of her trek, Madam Vasanthy encountered difficulties. Her flight to Lukla, the usual gateway to Everest, was cancelled due to bad weather. Many in her situation would have turned back, but Madam Vasanthy refused to give up.
Instead, she found an alternative route to Surke with the help of a German couple she met along the way. From there, she embarked on the challenging trek, facing unpredictable terrain, freezing temperatures and altitude sickness risks.
Each day presented new hurdles. The steep inclines, narrow trails and deep ravines made the journey physically demanding. She walked six to seven hours daily, frequently pausing to catch her breath.
“I needed more time, so I walked slowly, using a stick for support. Every few steps, I paused to take at least five breaths to avoid exhaustion,” she told Manorama.
Despite these struggles, she pressed on, driven by her dream. Along the way, she met fellow trekkers from around the world, including a father-son duo from Thiruvananthapuram, which made the journey even more memorable.
Madam Vasanthy’s journey became an Internet sensation after a photo of her at EBC, proudly waving the Indian flag in a traditional Kasavu saree, went viral. Her story resonated with many, especially women and older individuals, who often feel limited by societal norms.
But this isn’t her first solo adventure. Last year, she travelled alone to Thailand after her friends backed out, doubting whether a woman could undertake such a journey by herself. Unfazed, she went anyway, proving her resilience once again.
Unlike many adventurers who seek sponsorships or financial backing, Madam Vasanthy funds her travels through her tailoring business. Occasionally, her sons, Vineeth and Vivek, contribute, but her trips are primarily self-financed.
Her passion for travel isn’t about luxury – it’s about experiences. She saves up for her adventures, making them all the more rewarding.
Conquering EBC was just the beginning. Now, Madam Vasanthy has set her sights on her next big dream – the Great Wall of China.
