Jatin Shah, a passionate mountaineer hailing from Visakhapatnam, has achieved yet another remarkable milestone in his illustrious mountaineering career. On a recent Friday, he successfully conquered the formidable Mt. Deo Tibba, an awe-inspiring peak soaring 6,001 meters high. Located in the Pir Panjal range of Kullu Manali, Himachal Pradesh, this peak stands as the second-highest in the region.
Jatin’s affinity for trekking began at a young age of 12, but it was only five years ago that he delved into the world of serious mountaineering. After completing his schooling in Visakhapatnam, he pursued a BBA degree from a prestigious business school in Mumbai. Despite his prior experience scaling several peaks of similar altitude, the ascent of Mt. Deo Tibba posed formidable challenges for Jatin and his companions due to heavy snowfall and the demanding terrain.
Reflecting on his exhilarating adventure, Jatin shared, “We encountered heavy snowfall, and the snowline at around 3,300 meters made it impossible for mules to proceed further. We had to redistribute the load among the team and personally carry our luggage to higher camps each day. We took it upon ourselves to forge the route, encountering sections where we had to navigate a 500-meter col (the lowest point on a mountain ridge between two peaks) and a gully. Overcoming these obstacles with the aid of ropes added an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the climb.”
Jatin’s passion for mountaineering was nurtured by his supportive father, Vikram Shah. Recognizing his son’s interest in adventure, Mr. Shah enrolled him in training programs and trekking expeditions. Jatin recounted, “In 2018, I completed the basic mountaineering course at JIM&WS in Kashmir, followed by an advanced mountaineering course at HMI in Darjeeling in 2019. I actively participated in various trekking expeditions organized by the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI).”
His impressive accomplishments include conquering several Himalayan peaks, such as Kang Yatse 2 (6,200 m), Dzo Jongo East (6,220 m), Mentok Kangri (6,156 m), Mentok Kangri 2 (6,228 m), and BC Roy Peak (5,485 m). Looking ahead, Jatin sets his sights on even greater summits, aspiring to scale peaks surpassing 7,000 meters and 8,000 meters. Additionally, his ultimate dream is to conquer the pinnacle of mountaineering – Mt. Everest, provided he secures financial support from the government.
When queried about the prerequisites to become a mountaineer, Jatin emphasized, “The Government of India recognizes specific courses that must be completed before an individual can earn certification as a mountaineer.”
Jatin Shah’s relentless determination and adventurous spirit continue to push boundaries and inspire aspiring mountaineers across the country. With each peak he conquers, Jatin not only reaffirms his commitment to his passion but also leaves an indelible mark on the world of mountaineering.