Trekking Limits for Kids and Seniors
The mountains don't check ID. But is it safe for a 7-year-old or a 70-year-old? The answer depends on fitness and altitude tolerance, not just the number on the passport for your Everest trekking adventure.
Kids under 10 often struggle to communicate altitude sickness symptoms. Most reputable operators have a minimum age of 12 for Everest Base Camp. Lower altitude family treks are better for younger kids.
We see trekkers in their 70s and 80s regularly. They succeed because they walk slowly—the perfect pace for acclimatization. If your doctor clears your heart health, you can join a Mount Everest expedition trek.
The oldest person to summit Everest was 80. The youngest was 13. These extremes prove that determination matters more than age in the Mount Everest summit region.
Age is a number. Cardio health and joint strength are the real limits. Assess yourself honestly.
