More than half of adventure travel company EverTrek’s customers are aged 45 and over, with many choosing some of the world’s most iconic trekking challenges rather than gentler walking holidays.
Analysis of 2026 booking data of Caerphilly-based EverTrek, which specialises in guided trekking holidays and expeditions around the world, shows that, where age information was available, 54% of customers were aged 45 and over, highlighting the growing popularity of adventure travel among mature travellers.
Within the 45+ age range, where the eldest booking was 86 years old, 58% were male and 42% were female.
Demand is spread across the UK, with the strongest concentrations coming from South East England and North West England (both around 16%), followed by the West Midlands (12%). The top three trips were Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail.
The data also revealed that around one in six customers (16%) so far this year are aged 60 or over. Among those, around 66% were male and 34% female.
The North West of England accounted for the largest share of UK-based over-60 bookings at around 21%, followed by South East England (16%) and London and Greater London (14%).
Perhaps most surprising is the type of adventures being chosen by older travellers.
Rather than sticking to gentler walking holidays, EverTrek’s over-60 customers are still choosing major bucket-list treks such as Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro.
Everest Base Camp was the most popular trek among this age group, accounting for around 39% of over-60 booking demand, while Mount Kilimanjaro represented around 16%.
Rhys David, CEO of EverTrek, said: “These findings are fascinating because they challenge many of the assumptions people still make about adventure travel. There’s often a perception that trekking holidays are mainly for younger travellers, but that’s simply not what we’re seeing.
“More than half of our customers are aged 45 or over, and a significant proportion are in their 60s. What’s even more interesting is that they’re not scaling back their ambitions. Many are choosing world-famous adventures such as Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro, proving that age is no barrier to taking on an incredible challenge.
“We’re seeing people who have reached a stage in life where they have more time to pursue the experiences they’ve always dreamed about. For many, these trips have been on their bucket list for years, and they’re determined to make them happen.
“Adventure travel isn’t defined by age – it’s defined by attitude, and our customers continue to show that the desire to explore and challenge yourself can be as strong in your 60s as it is in your 20s.”
For more info visit: https://evertrek.co.uk