Hari Budha Magar becomes the first double amputee to summit Everest!
Image credit: Hari Budha Magar / Instagram
Hari Budha Magar, a remarkable individual who I got to hang out with in summer 2021 (a new podcast episode interview with him will be out soon!), has defied all odds by becoming the first-ever double above-knee amputee to conquer the mighty Mount Everest!
Standing triumphantly at the summit of the world's tallest mountain on May 19, 2023 with his guide, Krishna Thapa, an SAS and Gurkha veteran, Hari's accomplishment is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and indomitable spirit that was supported by numerous organisations and individuals.
Hari's ascent to the peak of Mount Everest, a momentous occasion in the history of mountaineering, was not without its challenges from reading his social media accounts. Battling treacherous weather conditions, he faced adversity head-on and overcame the obstacles that came his way. Despite being unable to display the summit flag he had carried throughout the arduous journey, he shared a photo of his victorious moment from the Mera Peak Summit, alongside his trusted expedition leader and close friend, Krish.
I’ll be sharing more about Hari’s inspiring story over the coming months, however Hari, emphasises the importance of adaptation in life, reinforcing the notion that nothing is impossible – a tenet I hold close after I almost died in a mountaineering accident in 2019.
Hari endured a life-altering incident while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. Stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED), he suffered severe injuries, resulting in the loss of both his legs above the knee and other significant wounds. Despite this immense setback, Magar refused to let his disabilities define him and embarked on a remarkable journey of sports and adventures.
Magar explored various activities, including golf, skiing, skydiving, kayaking, rock climbing, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball. His relentless pursuit of challenges led him to achieve extraordinary milestones. He holds the world record as the first double above-knee amputee to summit a mountain over 6,000 meters (20,000 feet).
In 2017, an unexpected setback threatened Hari's dream. Nepal imposed a ban on solo, blind, and double amputee climbers attempting to ascend Mount Everest. Determined to challenge this discriminatory policy, Magar vigorously campaigned against the ban. His relentless efforts, supported by disability organisations and fellow activists, eventually bore fruit when the Supreme Court of Nepal overturned the ban in 2018.
But it's important to note that Hari’s impressive mountaineering endeavours extend beyond Everest. By May 2023, he had successfully scaled other notable mountains such as Mont Blanc (4,810m), Chulu Far East (6,059m), Kilimanjaro (5,895m), and Mera Peak (6,476m). His conquest of Mera Peak in 2017 marked a historic moment as the first double above-knee amputee to summit a mountain surpassing 6,000 metres. However, his ultimate aspiration always centred around conquering the iconic Everest.
Through his expedition, Hari is also raising funds for five remarkable charities that played pivotal roles in his recovery and personal growth after the loss of his legs; the Gurkha Welfare Trust, BLESMA, Pilgrim Bandits, On Course Foundation, and Team Forces. Each of these organisations holds a special place in Hari's heart, as they provided invaluable assistance during his journey of recovery and transformation. By raising funds for these charities, Hari seeks to ensure that others facing similar life-changing situations can receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and live to the fullest.
Quite simply an inspiring individual that’s achieved a real world first!
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In episode 5, I talk to ex-SAS mountain leader, charity founder, and former Gurkha soldier, Krish Thapa about adventure philosophy.
Born in a village near AnnaPurna, Nepal and joining the British Army at a young age, Krish has led and summited expeditions to some of the highest and most challenging peaks in the world, notably: Everest, Dhaulagiri; Makalu; Manaslu and K2!