The Unfinished Business: DMETian Satyadeep Gupta's Quest for Dhaulagiri
- Prateek Khanna
- Mar 15
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 16
The spirit of adventure and resilience runs deep in the veins of DMETians, and Satyadeep Gupta embodies this ethos to its fullest. As he prepares for yet another historic climb, aiming to be the first Indian to summit the mighty Dhaulagiri without supplemental oxygen, the DMET community once again rallies behind him. His journey is not just personal but a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who dare to dream beyond limits.
A Community Stands Behind Its Own
Great achievements often require great support, and this mission is no different. A special mention must be made of Synergy Marine Group (led by Unni Sir and DMETian Maneesh Pradhan Sir), which has stepped forward with a sponsorship of INR 500,000 Synergy Marine Group Founder, Captain Rajesh Unni, and Maneesh Sir have invited Satyadeep to personally wish him all the best for his mission and to flag him off for this extraordinary quest. The ever-supportive alumni association, DMECA, has backed the expedition with an additional INR 200,000, while DMET Club has also pledged INR 200,000 to fuel this ambitious conquest. March 16, 2025 Update: DMET-MERI Alumni Singapore has also pledged INR 100,000 for Satya's Mission. President Sanjiv Mishra Sir confirmed the same at 7 AM IST this morning and wished Satya Sir all the best. We also received an encouraging message from Sanjay Verma Sir, the Vice President of the association.
Furthermore, DMETian-led ventures like Valiance and Yugen Infra (Core of DMETians) have also committed to the cause, though their final sponsorship amounts are yet to be determined. DMET Hong Kong has also extended a helping hand, reinforcing the strength of the DMET fraternity. DMET-MERI Alumni Singapore are also discussing the cause with their EC as we speak.
For those who recall our efforts last year, we campaigned rigorously for Satya Sir's world record expedition, raising around INR 12,00,000, even though the total cost exceeded INR 70,00,000. Satya Sir took on debts, hoping for financial rewards from the government, such as the INR 15,00,000 per 8,000m peak summit award from the Uttar Pradesh government. However, even after summiting Everest and Lhotse, the expected INR 60,00,000 is still in process.
If any government officials happen to come across this, perhaps it’s time to expedite the recognition he rightfully deserves.
Trivia: In a remarkable feat, Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta has etched his name in history by becoming the first person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in a single season. Additionally, he is the first Indian to traverse the two peaks in an astonishing 11 hours and 15 minutes.
Satyadeep Gupta of India became the first person to climb Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, and Mount Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak, twice in a single season (within seven days).
A Mountaineer’s Resolve: No Oxygen, No Giving Up
For those unfamiliar with Satya Sir’s journey, he isn’t just a mountaineer; he’s an entrepreneur who runs a gym to train aspiring climbers and supports his family as its sole earning member. Despite his financial constraints, he refuses to compromise on his dream.
A few weeks ago, he confided in me, saying he wouldn’t be attempting the Dhaulagiri record this year. When I asked why, he revealed that he was still burdened with debt from his previous world record attempt, and the expected sponsorships hadn’t materialised. The estimated cost for preparation and summit attempt was INR 20,00,000, and he was reluctant to go further into debt.
One of our close DMETian acquaintances advised him, “Sir, debt leke mat jao” (Sir, don’t go into debt for this). But I couldn’t let that be the deciding factor.
I told him, “Sir, no one in DMET history has done what you have. You taught us never to give up on dreams—how can INR 20,00,000 stop you?”
His response was measured: “Dhaulagiri is one of the toughest climbs. The risk of not making it is high.”
I understood his concerns, but for me, watching Satya Sir climb is like watching DMET itself climb. This was not just his battle—it was ours.
I assured him, “Sir, no lectures—just climb. We’ll arrange the funds.”
Within minutes, I reached out to Maneesh Pradhan Sir (Synergy), Mudit Sir (DMECA), and other senior alumni. We quickly managed to secure INR 9,00,000, covering nearly half the required amount. We are still short on funds, but our Satya is going for the record, anyways.
A senior once reached out to me and scolded, “You’re always fundraising.”
I simply replied, “I do it for DMETians—those in need and those striving for greatness. If a small gesture can contribute to an extraordinary journey, why hesitate?” (While I respect every DMETian from the bottom of my heart, I don't necessarily listen to all opinions, ha ha ha, sorry I guess)
An Opportunity for Organisations to Make History
Satya Sir has made one thing clear: he will not accept personal contributions. However, if any companies or organisations want to support this extraordinary feat, this is a golden opportunity to showcase their brand at the summit of Dhaulagiri. We will also promote supporting organisations through DMET Club’s network, reaching over 14,000 DMETians, maritime organssations, and professionals worldwide (just with a click of a button trough Emails, WhatsApp and Social Posts)
If your company wants its flag flying high on Dhaulagiri’s peak, this is the moment to step forward.
Dhaulagiri: The Unfinished Business (Satyadeep Sir’s Words)
2024 has been the most exhilarating year in my mountaineering journey so far. But Dhaulagiri had other plans. Despite spending 45 days on the mountain, there was no summit. Frustrated, I turned to Everest and ended up summiting it twice, along with Lhotse, making history in the process.
But Dhaulagiri remains unconquered.
A year has passed in the blink of an eye. Dhaulagiri awaits—foreboding, unpredictable, and treacherous. Its terrain is harsh, its weather unforgiving. Just last year, five Russian climbers lost their lives attempting it.
So why do it?
Is there an answer? Perhaps not. Some mountains call you, and you must answer.
Last year’s world record was a monumental achievement. I thought securing sponsors would be easier after that, but reality has proven otherwise. That’s an entirely different skill set.
Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to the DMET community and especially my batchmates for making my Everest record possible. I am indebted to you all for life.
This year’s Dhaulagiri climb is different—it’s personal. I have decided to summit without supplemental oxygen. After Everest, I knew I was ready. This is the next step in my evolution as a climber.
Additionally, we will complete the Dhaulagiri documentary, which we began last year but couldn’t finish without a successful summit.
As climbers say, each climb begins at zero.
This time, I aim to not only reach the summit but to be the first Indian to do it without artificial oxygen.
Hope the Journey Never Ends!
Satya Sir's Photogallery From Last Attempt of Dhaulagiri
Why DMET Alumni Should Unite Under One Platform (& One Association, DMECA)
This extraordinary journey is yet another reason why all DMET alumni should unite under one association or platform. The strength of our community lies in its ability to support and uplift one another, ensuring that every DMETian striving for greatness—whether in mountaineering, business, or maritime excellence—has the backing they need. DMECA, with over 1,100 members, stands as a true contender for this unification.
A single, robust alumni platform and association can:
Channel resources effectively for impactful initiatives.
Provide structured networking and mentorship opportunities.
Amplify support for DMETians in need, whether for professional growth or ambitious ventures.
Strengthen our presence in the maritime industry and beyond.
As we stand together for Satyadeep Gupta, let this also be a call for unity among DMETians. Together, we can achieve the extraordinary.
The Mighty Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet), is considered one of the most challenging peaks to summit due to its extreme terrain, unpredictable weather, and technical climbing demands. Here’s why it is one of the toughest mountains to conquer:
1. Steep and Technical Climbing Terrain
Dhaulagiri features steep ice and rock faces, making it a highly technical climb.
The North-East Ridge route, which is the standard climbing route, has treacherous icefalls, crevasses, and steep sections, demanding technical expertise in ice climbing.
The mountain’s sharp ridges and steep walls increase the difficulty level compared to some of the other 8,000-meter peaks.
2. Unpredictable and Harsh Weather Conditions
The Dhaulagiri massif creates its own weather system, often leading to sudden snowstorms and strong winds.
Frequent avalanches are a significant risk, making the climb highly dangerous.
Temperatures can plummet to -40°C (-40°F) or lower, exposing climbers to frostbite and hypothermia.
3. High Fatality Rate
Dhaulagiri has a high fatality-to-summit ratio, with many climbers succumbing to avalanches, extreme weather, or altitude-related illnesses.
It is often ranked as one of the deadliest 8,000-meter peaks, along with Annapurna and K2.
4. Remote and Isolated Location
Unlike Everest, which has well-established routes and multiple rescue options, Dhaulagiri is remote with minimal infrastructure for emergency evacuations.
Climbers face long approach treks through rugged terrain before even reaching Base Camp.
5. Unstable Snow and Avalanche Risks
The Dhaulagiri Icefall and steep snow-covered slopes pose extreme avalanche risks.
Heavy snowfall accumulates quickly, making the ascent highly unstable.
The knife-edge ridges and large cornices can collapse unexpectedly, adding to the dangers.
6. High Altitude Challenges
The prolonged exposure to thin air and low oxygen levels increases the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
Many climbers struggle with extreme fatigue and reduced physical performance due to the lack of oxygen.
7. Long and Demanding Summit Push
The final summit push is gruelling and exposed, with climbers needing to navigate rocky ridges, steep ice slopes, and deep crevasses at extreme altitudes.
Unlike Everest, where fixed ropes and well-established camps exist, Dhaulagiri’s route requires significant independent mountaineering skill and endurance.
Dhaulagiri is not as commercialised as Everest or Manaslu, making it a true test of an alpinist’s skill, endurance, and mental resilience. The combination of its steep and technical terrain, volatile weather, high avalanche risks, and extreme altitude challenges makes it one of the toughest mountains in the world to summit. Only highly experienced climbers with strong technical skills attempt this formidable peak. PS: Satyadeep Gupta is DMET Class of 2007 Alumni, DMET Roll Number 5806|
