Hari Budha Magar becomes first double above-knee amputee to complete Seven Summits

KATHMANDU: Hari Budha Magar has completed the Seven Summits and set a world record as the first double above‑knee amputee to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents.

Magar made the announcement at a press meet in Kathmandu on Sunday after summiting Mount Vinson (4,892 m) in Antarctica at 22:00 on January 6, 2026. He said he arrived in Nepal directly after the climb and was accompanied by his guide, Mingma Sherpa, and official photojournalist Abiral Rai.

“My team and I have successfully completed the ‘Conquering Dreams – 7 Summits’ campaign to climb the highest peaks of every continent,” Magar said. “Together we have shown that nothing is impossible. We have spread awareness about disability worldwide and inspired others to climb their ‘personal mountains’ and fulfil their dreams.”

Magar, an adaptive climber, disability‑rights activist and former Gurkha soldier from Mirul, Thabang Rural Municipality in Rolpa, said he lost both legs above the knee in 2010 while deployed in Afghanistan. He said the achievement would give hope and courage to others facing difficulties.

He listed his previous summits as Mont Blanc (August 13, 2019), Mount Kilimanjaro (2020), Mount Everest (May 19, 2023), Denali (June 28, 2024), Aconcagua (February 22, 2025) and Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) (October 18, 2025).

Magar said the seven‑year campaign involved rigorous training, the invention of new types of prosthetic legs, fundraising of about one million dollars, special equipment and climbs in extreme conditions. “We successfully stepped on the highest peaks of all seven continents by fighting extreme cold, high‑speed winds, steep mountains, and walls of ice, testing our mind, body and equipment to the extreme,” he said.

He said his motive is not money, business or fame but disability awareness. “I do not climb mountains to earn money, do business, build a career, or gain fame. I climb mountains only to ‘spread awareness regarding disability,’” he said, adding that he had wasted nearly two years after his injury not knowing what to do and did not want others to face the same situation.

Magar set out two objectives for his campaign: that people with disabilities should believe in themselves, and that communities, organisations and government should raise awareness and provide correct support without discrimination.

He criticised past restrictions on disabled climbers in Nepal and urged continued efforts to change perceptions. “Disability should not limit the size of our dreams or the ability to fulfil them,” he said.

At the press meet, Magar thanked his team, family, community, charitable organisations, partner sponsors and well‑wishers for their support and called on the media and public to help spread his message of disability awareness worldwide.