59-year-old Vasanthi Cheruveettil, a tailor from Thalipparamba in Kannur, Kerala, has successfully reached Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) despite no professional training, relying instead on months of self-training using YouTube videos and sheer courage.
Vasanthi began her rigorous journey on 15 February 2025 from Surke, Nepal, and after eight challenging days of trekking facing steep climbs, narrow paths and thin mountain air she arrived at Base Camp on 23 February 2025. There, she proudly wrapped herself in a traditional Kasavu saree over her trekking gear and waved the Indian flag, capturing inspiring images that quickly went viral.
Friends initially mocked her dream of climbing Everest, but Vasanthi’s unshakable resolve drove her to train intensely for four months walking three hours every morning, practicing in trekking boots and walking 5–6 km evenings to build stamina. She also taught herself Hindi to communicate during the trek, all by watching online videos.
Her journey wasn’t without obstacles a cancelled flight to Lukla forced her to adapt her route, and she continued onward with the help of a porter she met along the way. Trekking six to seven hours a day at high altitude, she took frequent breathing breaks, moving slowly and steadily to preserve energy.
Vasanthi funded most of her trip through earnings from her tailoring business, with occasional support from her sons. Before setting off, she entrusted some of her gold ornaments to her children for emergency use, a decision that later helped her secure a helicopter ride back from Gorak Shep when needed.
Her incredible achievement sends a powerful message: age and lack of formal training need not stop a determined heart. Vasanthi’s eyes are now set on future adventures, including a trek to the Great Wall of China proving that life’s peaks are there to be dared, no matter the age.
