Can both the elderly and the kids travel to Everest Base Camp in Tibet? Well, the answer depends. Due to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau and relatively weak physical condition, the old and the kids are more vulnerable to the plateau environment.

However, we have successfully helped many elderly travelers and families with kids realize their dreams of traveling to Mount Everest. Our youngest traveler was 3 years old, and the oldest was 84.

Based on our experience, it’s important to assess the physical health of both the elderly and children, along with the following factors, to determine if they can safely visit Everest Base Camp.

#1 Fact: Are they in good health to visit Everest Base Camp at 5,000 meters?

When considering a trip to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, it’s important to assess the body condition of both elderly travelers and children.

The altitude of Everest Base Camp is nearly 5,200 meters above sea level. Before reaching the base camp, you’ll travel from Lhasa (3,650m) and pass through high-altitude mountain passes like Gampala Pass at 4,470 meters and Gawula Pass at 5,198 meters.

The altitude rises from 3,650 meters to over 5,000 meters, making it easy to get altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

A group of senior travelers visit Everest Base Camp with us.

It is impossible to say whether the elderly and children are more likely to have altitude sickness because altitude sickness varies from person to person. We have also encountered situations where young people have more severe altitude sickness than their elderly companions. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor for advice on whether it is appropriate to travel to the plateau.

For elderly individuals with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, visiting Tibet may not be safe. The combination of high altitude and potential health issues can lead to serious complications.

In addition, tourists of all ages must avoid catching a cold before traveling to Tibet, because a cold in the plateau can easily cause high-altitude pulmonary edema, which threatens life safety.

Insider Tips:
1) Altitude sickness is a normal reaction of the human body. Please relax. Excessive tension will aggravate the discomfort.
2) If you and your family have any discomfort during the trip, please inform your tour guide in time. Our experienced tour guides

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

#2 Fact: Are they able to clearly communicate their physical discomfort?

After knowing what altitude sickness is, it’s important to consider whether elderly travelers and children can clearly communicate any physical discomfort they experience.

During the trip to Everest Base Camp, it’s crucial for travelers to inform the tour guide or companions if they are feeling unwell. This ensures that immediate assistance can be provided if needed.

For elderly individuals, they may generally be able to express their discomfort. But children, especially those under 7, often struggle to articulate how they feel, which can be risky in high-altitude conditions. Young kids might not be able to communicate symptoms of altitude sickness effectively, making it difficult for parents to assess their condition accurately. This lack of clear communication can delay necessary interventions and exacerbate health issues.

Therefore, it’s essential to observe children closely for any signs of discomfort and be prepared to act promptly if they show symptoms like dizziness or nausea.

We successfully organized the family trip to Everest Base Camp in Tibet for our youngest clients.

Insider Tips:
If you can make your children clearly understand what altitude sickness is, and can clearly understand their feelings and conditions when they are unwell, then you can also bring your young kids to Mount Everest.

#3 Fact: Do they come to visit Everest Base Camp in the right seasons?

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp is spring and autumn, which include April, May, September, and October. During these months, the temperature is pleasant and the less rainfall makes it better to enjoy a clear view of the summit of Mount Everest.

Visit Tibet Everest Base Camp with children in October.

In summer, there is more rainfall, the air is relatively more humid, and the vegetation is the most lush, the oxygen content is relatively high, and the body feels slightly more comfortable. However, the increased rainfall may cause heavy clouds and fog, which make it difficult to see the stunning beauty of the top of the world.

In winter, especially in the coldest January and February, the maximum temperatures are just around 5°C during the day at the base camp. The dry and cold air may irritate the delicate respiratory tracts of the elderly and children. Therefore, it is not advisable to visit during winter months.

#4 Fact: Do they have a relaxed itinerary to Everest Base Camp?

If you plan to visit Everest Base Camp with your parents or children, it is suggested to make a relaxed itinerary. A tight schedule leaves less time for rest and acclimatization to the high altitude. Rushing between attractions can increase the risk of altitude sickness and be exhausting for everyone. Instead, planning for enough breaks will help everyone to get used to the altitude more comfortably. By moving at a slower pace, you can make the trip more enjoyable.

Start the trip to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa, where you can enjoy a leisurely city tour to acclimatize to the altitude.

Our 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour provides you with a comfortable tour experience. Starting from Lhasa, we include plenty of breaks for enjoying a cup of sweet tea or strolling in the countryside, without missing any highlights. Spacious and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles are matched according to the number of group members, so that you can enjoy the journey more.

If you plan to visit Tibet with your family, it is recommended to customize a private group so that you don’t have to accommodate others’ pace and can explore Tibet more freely according to your family’s preferences.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

#5 Fact: Do they have appropriate travel insurance for visiting Tibet?

When traveling to Tibet with elderly family members and children, it’s essential to have appropriate travel insurance that covers high-altitude travel, as the elevation of Tibet can pose specific risks.

For elderly travelers, look for a policy that includes coverage for medical emergencies, altitude sickness, and any pre-existing conditions. This should also cover evacuation costs, as accessing medical care in remote areas can be challenging.

For children, choose a policy that covers medical expenses and emergencies specific to their age group. This should include coverage for potential altitude sickness and any activities they may engage in.

Additionally, make sure the insurance covers trip cancellations or interruptions, which can be particularly important for families. Comprehensive travel insurance that addresses these needs will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable Tibet tour for all family members.

Insider Tips:
Since insurance terms vary from country to country, please consult local professional consultants to choose appropriate travel insurance for your Everest Base Camp tour in Tibet.

More Preparation and Caution for Everest Base Camp Tours with the Elderly and Kids

While planning your family trip to Tibet, it’s better to have a physical examination for the elderly members and kids. Ask the doctor for professional advice is important.

Make sure all your group members understand what high altitude sickness is and what symptoms they may meet after arriving in Tibet. Proper understanding of altitude sickness can help them respond promptly when they feel unwell.

Our eldest client visited Everest Base Camp with us at the age of 84.

No matter when you visit Everest Base Camp, remember to bring warm and windproof clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Even in summer, temperatures in the Mount Everest area are still very low, just around 10°C to 15 °C degrees during the day. Additionally, the mountain passes, at altitudes from 4,000 to 5,000 meters, are always windy, so it’s important to stay warm and avoid catching a cold.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Do prepare some energy food and water along the way. After leaving Lhasa, there will be many long-distance driving sections before arriving at Everest Base Camp. Prepare some snacks that children like to eat to replenish energy on the road. In addition, the climate in the Tibet Plateau area is dry, so it’s important to stay hydrated to help alleviate altitude sickness.

Since the ultraviolet rays are strong in the Tibet Plateau, you should take proper sun protection measures. For children, use sunscreen specifically formulated for their skin. Additionally, it is necessary to wear a hat, sunglasses, and other sun protection to stay safe from the sun.

Visit Tibet with proper sun protection.

Conclusion

There is no official age limit for visiting Everest Base Camp in Tibet. However, for the elderly and children, traveling in such a high-altitude area is more risky. In addition to their own physical fitness, it is also important to be able to tell the discomfort they experience. If they cannot express physical discomfort in time and do not get timely treatment, it is very dangerous in the plateau area.

Therefore, before traveling, consult a doctor to ensure that everyone is fit for high-altitude travel. Prepare for the Mount Everest trip by taking necessary precautions and staying relaxed.

Moreover, with our careful planning and local support, we at Tibet Vista ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all tourists visiting Everest Base Camp.