75-Year-Old Canadian Retiree Fulfills Lifelong Dream: A Safe and Comfortable 9-Day Tibet Trip

"I'm 75 years old, and it's always been my dream to see Tibet. My family has some concerns, but this is a lifelong wish of mine."

The simple lines in the email conveyed the restraint and anticipation that comes with over seventy years of life experience. This retired gentleman from Canada was planning a 9-day trip to Tibet in May.

I stared at "lifelong wish," speechless. Tibet, the "Roof of the World," poses challenges even for young people, let alone someone of his age. But it was precisely this persistence that moved me, and I decided to help him realize his dream.

Safely, though. That was paramount.

Safety Preparations Before the Trip

The preparations were far more complex than I initially imagined, but with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, meticulous planning was essential.

I contacted local medical experts in Tibet, inquiring in detail about altitude sickness prevention measures. I pored over numerous case studies of elderly travelers adapting to high altitudes and even specifically sought out climate comparison data between Canada and Tibet. Every detail required careful consideration, ensuring not only a captivating itinerary but, more importantly, his safety.

When he finally set foot on the soil of Lhasa, I could picture his emotions standing in front of the Potala Palace Square. During the three-day acclimatization period, he slowly walked the prayer wheel circuit of Barkhor Street, watching the devout pilgrims prostrate themselves before the Jokhang Temple.

Having spent several months in Tibet myself, I shared with him how even simply standing still in Tibet can bring a unique sense of purification. The guide later told me that the elderly gentleman would often stop abruptly, just standing quietly, letting the high-altitude sun bathe his face, as if trying to imprint every moment deeply into his memory.

Sudden Onset of Altitude Sickness

But altitude sickness ultimately doesn't easily spare anyone. On the second afternoon, the guide called urgently, saying the gentleman was experiencing severe altitude sickness.

In that moment, all the prior preparations proved their worth. I simultaneously coordinated with the best local clinic, contacted his family in Canada, and began to readjust the subsequent itinerary. I remember returning home that night and realizing I had forgotten to eat lunch.

I adjusted the pace of the itinerary, allowing him more time to rest. To help maintain his spirits, I arranged for the guide to deliver his favorite maple syrup waffles and warm blankets to his hotel. During moments when he felt better, I also arranged private meditation sessions with local monks. Thankfully, the gentleman possessed admirable resilience. With the careful attention of the doctors, he quickly recovered.

I breathed a sigh of relief when the guide sent a photo of the gentleman wrapped in a woolen blanket, basking in the sun on his hotel balcony. In that photo, the distant snow-capped mountains glistened under the sunlight, and a satisfied smile was etched in the wrinkles on his face. During his trip to Yamdrok Lake, he proudly video-called his family, saying, "My dream trip is still underway."

Enjoy His "Tibet Time"

By the time he reached Everest Base Camp, he had fully recovered.

The guide later told me that the gentleman stood before the Everest Base Camp monument at an altitude of 5,200 meters for a long time without speaking, simply gently touching the stone engraved with "Everest Base Camp." The setting sun stretched his shadow long, as if reaching towards the vast Himalayan mountain range behind him. In that moment, 75 years of waiting had found their meaning.

On his return journey, the gentleman specifically made a detour to Lake Namtso. The turquoise lake reflected the snow-capped mountains, and he sat by the shore, watching the yaks with bells on their ears grazing nearby. The guide said it was the quietest moment of the entire trip for the elderly gentleman, as if he were having a silent farewell with this land.

"Thank you for helping my dream come true. I want to especially thank Monika for the quick arrangements and the guide for his meticulous care. They kept a close eye on my condition on the way from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. The Tibetan-style maple syrup waffles at high altitude were interesting, I will miss them," his son later emailed me on his behalf. This was the greatest compliment to my work, and I look forward to helping anyone safely pursue their travel dreams.