A 59-year-old Kerala woman has beaten the clock and done things her way by successfully navigating the Everest Base Camp trek on her own with no professional training. Vasanthi Cheruveettil, who works as a tailor in Kannur, was on her own while preparing to tackle the trekking challenge based on YouTube instructions.
Self-Trekking Tour To Everest Base Camp
Vasanthi worked on self-preparation for four months using YouTube videos, primarily. She walked for four hours a day, did vigorous workouts, and practised trekking in her shoes to prepare herself well. On 15 February, she departed from Surke, Nepal, and completed the nine-day trek to the Everest Base Camp on 23 February.
Refusing to commemorate her success in any ordinary fashion, she wore Kerala’s traditional clothing, a white saree with gold border to take a special photograph at the base camp. She achieved her dream despite the danger involved, making her travel even more historic.
Also Read: Why Has Nepal Banned Solo Expeditions On Mt Everest And Peaks Over 8,000 Metres?
A Passion For Solo Travel
This is not the first solo journey for Vasanthi. She had gone alone to Thailand last year when her friends pulled out at the last minute, wondering if a woman could handle such a trip on her own. Inspired by her two sons, Vineeth and Vivek, Vasanthi went on a solo trip.
Her journey to Everest Base Camp was not an easy one. She had to cancel her flight to Lukla because of unfavourable weather conditions, but she managed to hitch a ride through an alternate route with the assistance of a German couple. In her way, she encountered fellow trekkers from various corners of the globe, including a father-son team from Kerala and Assam. She gained immense appreciation from the international trekking community.
Vasanthi is very convinced that independent travel empowers. She is of the view that with perseverance and the proper attitude, women can travel anywhere in the world freely and securely.
As a widow, she supports her travels on her earnings from her tailoring business; sometimes she receives financial help from her sons. Now, she is making arrangements for her next fantasy trip—to see the Great Wall of China.
Her tale is a testament to how passion and determination can conquer anything. Whether on the Everest Base Camp trek or some other expedition, she remains an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams regardless of age.
Also Read: Nepal Increases Permit Fee For Mount Everest By Almost 35%; Climbers Will Now Have To Pay…
With her next destination being the Great Wall of China, only one can wonder—where will her adventurous heart lead her next?
Cover Image Courtesy: @vasanthycheruveetil/Instagram
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