We often place an expiry date on our dreams, assuming that as we grow older, certain ambitions become out of reach. “I’m too old for that now” is a phrase we tell ourselves, allowing passions to fade away. But Rajendran and Prema from Hyderabad prove that age is no barrier to adventure. At 71 and 68, this inspiring couple continues to push their limits, showing that it’s never too late to follow your dreams

A Journey Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
Rajendran and Prema’s story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep love for nature. Their passion for trekking wasn’t an overnight decision. During their visits to their children in the U.S., they developed a routine of walking through hills and nature trails after dropping off their grandchildren at school. This simple habit eventually sparked a greater ambition—to trek the Himalayas.
Their inspiration came from an online article about Appooppanthaadi, a travel group that organizes trekking trips. Their eldest son, Bala, was instantly supportive, encouraging them to chase their dream. Although their younger son, Prem, and daughter, Janani, initially had concerns, they soon recognized their parents’ adventurous spirit and unwavering fitness. Friends and family, already familiar with the couple’s active lifestyle—including HIIT workouts, Vipassana meditation, and intermittent fasting—were not surprised by their enthusiasm.
Preparing for the Himalayas: Fitness and Dedication
Rajendran and Prema’s fitness routine is a testament to their dedication. Every morning, they walk around Kalkukuzhi Railway Playground in Trichy, covering 14,000 to 15,000 steps. This is followed by 45 minutes to an hour of HIIT workouts, using a simple Timer app on their Android phone. This disciplined routine helped them prepare for their first high-altitude trek—the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. Over three days, they trekked 38 km, reaching an altitude of 14,107 feet.
But they didn’t stop there. Just a month later, they embarked on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, covering 75 km in seven days and reaching an altitude of 13,700 feet. Now, they have set their sights on the Roopkund trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, goals they are determined to achieve.

Trekking as a Spiritual Experience
For Rajendran and Prema, trekking is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a deeply spiritual experience. “Walking itself is a meditation,” they say. “Trekking in the Himalayas is a pilgrimage. In the serenity of the mountains, all mechanical thoughts, worries, and distractions fade away. What emerges is pure joy and ecstasy, something words cannot capture.”

Inspiring Others to Chase Their Dreams
To those who feel hesitant due to age, Rajendran and Prema offer simple advice: “No one born in India should miss trekking the Himalayas at least once in their lifetime. Start with easy treks, like those organized by Appooppanthaadi, and gradually progress to more challenging ones.” They also take inspiration from young trekkers, proving that passion for adventure transcends generations.

It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams
Rajendran and Prema’s journey is a powerful reminder that age is just a number. Whether you’re 25 or 75, it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Their story is a testament to the fact that with determination, discipline, and an adventurous spirit, dreams can be achieved at any stage of life.
If you’ve ever dreamed of trekking the Himalayas, take inspiration from Rajendran and Prema. Start small, stay consistent, and most importantly, never let age define your limits. Adventure awaits!