A British veteran who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan has etched his name in history as the first double above-the-knee amputee to scale the highest peak on every continent.
Hari Budha Magar, a 46-year-old world record-holding mountaineer, recently completed his significant journey by reaching the summit of Mt. Vinson in Antarctica, the final peak of his ambitious quest.
On January 6, after three exhausting days of climbing in -25 degrees Celsius weather, Hari stood atop the 4,892-meter mountain at 10 PM. This accomplishment not only sets a new record in mountaineering but also propels his mission to raise awareness about disability. He aims to encourage others to conquer their personal challenges.
Speaking about his climb, Hari reflected, “It was incredibly tough. The conditions forced me to climb on all fours.” He described the moment of crawling along the rocky ridge while soaking in breathtaking views of the Antarctic landscape. “My message is simple: Anything is possible with determination, even if it means changing your approach or seeking help.”
He emphasized that having a disability shouldn’t limit one’s aspirations. “If I, a family man from Canterbury, can achieve this, then others can too.”
Hari lost his legs to an IED during his service in the Gurkha Regiment back in 2010, and the road to recovery was far from easy—struggles with his mental health and bouts of suicidal thoughts were part of his journey. Yet, he rediscovered purpose through sports and adventure.
His journey began to take shape in 2018 when he attempted to climb Everest but faced rejection from Nepalese authorities who prohibited climbers with disabilities. This setback sparked a legal battle that ultimately led to a change in policy, allowing him and others like him to pursue their dreams.
Nearly 13 years after losing his legs, Hari proudly conquered Everest. He recounted, “I’m just an ordinary man with extraordinary dreams. Losing my legs was tough, more than I had anticipated. But support helped me find my way back.”
After Everest, he continued to inspire, completing the challenge of reaching all seven summits—an achievement shared by only about 500 people globally.
The physical demands of the climbs pushed him to collaborate with prosthetic experts to design specialized equipment that enabled him to tackle harsh conditions, particularly for his Antarctic climb.
Hari shared, “Every peak brought distinct challenges. If communities can join forces to adapt and innovate for those with disabilities, the possibilities are endless.” He even mentioned that, strangely, he wouldn’t opt to regain his legs if given the choice because he now finds fulfillment in advocating and uplifting others.
Currently, he is raising funds for veterans’ charities, including the Gurkha Welfare Trust and others, through his campaign “Conquer the Dream – 7 Summits.” He encourages contributions toward vital support for veterans and disability initiatives.
After successfully climbing several mountains—including Mount Bulan, Kilimanjaro, and Everest—he aims to tackle more peaks in the coming years. Hari’s extraordinary adventure continues, as he prepares for climaxes like Denali, Aconcagua, and more.
Maj. Gen. Lamont Kirkland, a fellow veteran and CEO of Team Force, lauded Hari’s efforts, stating, “His determination and selflessness embody our mission. We are proud to support him on this journey that many thought impossible.”
To contribute or learn more, additional details can be found on the fundraising webpage.
