Hari Budha magar: Conquering the Seven Summits to Redefine Disability
Hari Budha Magar, a former Gurkha soldier and double above-knee amputee, is on a mission to redefine what it means to live with a disability. Having already conquered four of the world’s highest peaks, he is now setting his sights on the remaining three in South America, Oceania, and Antarctica to complete his Seven Summits challenge.
Born in Nepal, Mr. Budha Magar joined the Royal Gurkha rifles at 19. his life took a dramatic turn in 2010 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan,losing both legs at the age of 31.“When I was growing up in Nepal, I didn’t know about disabilities,” he shared. “I thought that my life was finished and that I would sit on wheels here for the rest of my life. Then I got into sports.”
His journey from despair to triumph is nothing short of remarkable. After battling depression and even attempting to take his own life, he found strength in his family and a renewed sense of purpose. “After that, I started doing the things I didn’t know how powerful my mind was,” he said.
In 2023, Mr. Budha Magar made history by becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest.This achievement was the result of years of perseverance, including a accomplished campaign to overturn Nepal’s ban on people with disabilities climbing Everest in 2018. For the challenge, prosthetic legs had to be specifically designed for him, as no such equipment existed for double above-knee amputees.
His Seven Summits journey has already seen him conquer Mont Blanc in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Mount mckinley in North America. This week, he is heading to South america to climb Mount Aconcagua, the second-highest of the seven summits. During this climb, he will test innovative prosthetic designs that he hopes will help others access outdoor environments.
Later this year, he plans to tackle Puncak Jaya in Indonesia and Mount Vinson in Antarctica to complete his challenge. “My main mission for climbing the seven summits is not making history, it’s about raising awareness for disabilities,” he explained.
Mr. Budha Magar’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to disability awareness.
His story is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit. “Hopefully, some of my challenges will help our future generations, whether they are amputees or live in cold environments, to be resilient and adapt to life,” he said.“I hope my climb will inspire others to climb their own mountains and conquer their dreams, whatever that might be.”
To support Hari Budha Magar’s Seven Summits challenge and learn more about his inspiring journey, visit his fundraising page.
| Seven Summits Challenge Progress |
|————————————–|
| Completed Summits |
| Mont Blanc (Europe) |
| Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa) |
| Mount McKinley (North America) |
| Mount everest (Asia) |
| Upcoming Summits |
| Mount aconcagua (South America) |
| Puncak Jaya (Oceania) |
| Mount Vinson (Antarctica) |
Hari budha Magar: Conquering the Seven summits to Redefine Disability
Table of Contents
In an inspiring journey of resilience and determination, Hari Budha Magar, a former gurkha soldier and double above-knee amputee, is redefining what it means to live with a disability. Having already scaled four of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, he is now on a mission to complete the Seven summits challenge.We sat down with Dr. Anika Patel, a renowned expert in adaptive sports and prosthetics, to discuss Hari’s remarkable achievements and the broader implications of his journey for the disability community and beyond.
From Tragedy to Triumph: Hari’s Journey Begins
Senior Editor: Dr. Patel, could you share some insights into Hari Budha magar’s early life and how his journey began after losing both legs in Afghanistan?
Dr. Anika Patel: Certainly. Hari’s story is one of incredible resilience. Born in Nepal, he joined the Royal gurkha Rifles at 19, but his life took a dramatic turn in 2010 when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of both legs. Initially, he struggled with depression and even contemplated taking his own life. However, he found strength in his family and a renewed sense of purpose through sports. His journey from despair to triumph is a testament to the human spirit.
Breaking Barriers: Conquering Mount Everest
Senior Editor: Hari made history by becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest.what challenges did he face, and how did he overcome them?
dr. Anika Patel: Summiting Everest as a double amputee was an unprecedented challenge. Hari had to overcome not just the physical demands of the climb but also bureaucratic hurdles. In 2018, he successfully campaigned to overturn Nepal’s ban on people with disabilities climbing Everest. Additionally, prosthetic legs had to be specially designed for him, as no such equipment existed for double above-knee amputees. His success is a milestone in adaptive mountaineering and a powerful statement about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
The Seven Summits Challenge: A Mission Beyond the Peaks
senior Editor: Hari is now on a mission to complete the Seven Summits. Could you elaborate on his progress and the significance of this challenge?
Dr. Anika Patel: Absolutely.Hari has already conquered Mont Blanc in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount McKinley in North America, and, of course, Mount everest in Asia. He is now preparing to climb Mount Aconcagua in South America, followed by Puncak Jaya in Indonesia and Mount Vinson in Antarctica. His mission goes beyond personal achievement; it’s about raising awareness for disabilities and inspiring others to overcome their own challenges. He’s also testing innovative prosthetic designs during these climbs, which could revolutionize adaptive outdoor activities.
Implications for the Future: Inspiring Resilience and Innovation
Senior Editor: What broader impact do you think Hari’s achievements will have on the disability community and society as a whole?
Dr. Anika Patel: Hari’s journey is a powerful reminder that limitations are often societal rather than physical. His achievements are breaking stereotypes and opening up new possibilities for individuals with disabilities. By testing advanced prosthetic designs, he’s also contributing to technological advancements that can benefit countless others. Moreover,his story is a source of inspiration for resilience and adaptability,proving that with determination,anyone can conquer their own mountains,whatever those may be.
Conclusion
hari Budha Magar’s journey is a remarkable testament to the power of the human spirit. From overcoming personal tragedy to achieving historic feats in mountaineering,he is redefining what’s possible for individuals with disabilities. His Seven Summits challenge is not just about scaling peaks but also about raising awareness and inspiring others to push beyond their limits.As Dr. Anika Patel aptly put it, Hari’s story is a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us all that no mountain is too high to climb.
