From Sewing Seams To Scaling Dreams: Kerala Tailor Conquers Everest Base Camp

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – At 59, most people dream of a quiet retirement, but Vasanthi Cheruveettil had other plans—ones that took her thousands of meters above sea level. A tailor from Kerala, she swapped her sewing machine for trekking boots and, with no professional training, hiked her way to Everest Base Camp. Her secret weapon? YouTube.

Cheruveettil’s adventure began in Surke, Nepal, on February 15, and after days of trekking through rugged mountain trails, she stood victorious at Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) on February 23. Clad in trekking gear, she celebrated in true Kerala style—draping a kasavu saree over her outfit and waving the Indian flag high.

But her journey wasn’t just about reaching new heights; it was about defying expectations.

A Trail of Challenges—and Determination

Skeptics scoffed at the idea of a nearly 60-year-old woman taking on one of the most grueling treks in the world, but Cheruveettil was undeterred. She spent over four months preparing, waking up early for three-hour walks, training in trekking boots for endurance, and going on evening hikes covering 5-6 kilometers. Anticipating language barriers, she even taught herself Hindi to communicate with locals and fellow trekkers.

Then came her ultimate coach—YouTube. She soaked in everything from trekking techniques to altitude sickness prevention and safety measures, proving that with the right mindset, learning has no age limit.

The trek itself was no walk in the park. When her flight to Lukla was canceled, she found herself scrambling for alternatives. A German couple she befriended helped her arrange a porter, but with no guide, she had to rely on sheer instinct and her porter’s local knowledge to navigate treacherous paths. The thinning air made every step harder, but she tackled altitude sickness strategically—walking slow, taking frequent breaks, and listening to her body.

After reaching her destination, she treated herself to another bucket-list moment—soaring above the Himalayas in a helicopter ride from Gorak Shep to Lukla.

The Spirit of an Adventurer

For Cheruveettil, this wasn’t her first solo escapade. In May 2024, she traveled alone to Thailand, challenging societal norms about what women, especially older women, can and cannot do. Her journey is fueled by resilience, a thirst for adventure, and the unwavering support of her sons, Vineeth and Vivek, who cheer her on from afar. Funding her travels through her tailoring business, with occasional contributions from her children, she proves that adventure is always within reach.

Her remarkable journey is even more inspiring considering her personal struggles. She lost her husband, Lakshmanan, an electrician, to Alzheimer’s disease a year and a half ago. Yet, instead of retreating into grief, she chose to embrace life head-on, one adventure at a time.

And she’s far from done. Her next dream? Walking along the Great Wall of China. Because for Vasanthi Cheruveettil, the world isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to explore.

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