GWT Ambassador Hari completes mission to conquer the seven highest peaks
GWT Ambassador and world record-breaking mountaineer, Hari Budha Magar, MBE, has this week summited the highest mountain on Antarctica, to become the first double above-knee amputee to summit the highest peaks on all seven continents.
Following years of preparation and a gruelling three day climb, Hari and his team (Abiral Rai, Mingma Sherpa and climb leader Jangbu Sherpa from Alpine Ascents) battled -25 degree (Celcius) temperatures, vicious Antarctic winds, treacherous slopes, and freezing ice fields that tested his mind, body and prosthetic legs to the extreme, to reach the top of Mount Vinson (4,892m) at 22:00 on 6th January, 2026.
Hari comments, “The climb was very tough; the conditions and difficulty meant that I was literally crawling up on all fours, battling my way up the mountain.”
The summit not only marked another world first in mountaineering for the British climber but is also a major landmark in his mission to create awareness of disability and ‘inspire others to climb their own mountain whatever that might be’ and redefine what they believe possible.
Having lost both his legs in 2010 to an IED in Afghanistan whilst serving with the British Army’s Gurkha regiment, Hari struggled with his mental and physical recovery. A tough journey that resulted in suicidal thoughts and addiction.
With the unwavering support of his family and veteran charities, Hari found a new purpose from the world of adventure and sport, starting with a skydive, then golf and skiing, before Hari wanted to take on a childhood dream to climb Mt Everest.
Hari’s 7 summit journey stared in 2018 when he first applied to climb the world’s highest mountain, only to be denied by the Nepali authorities who banned climbers with a disability – a ruling he was key in challenging, and overturning, in the high court.
Four years later, and almost 13 years from the day he lost his legs, Hari stood on top of Everest proving that with determination and adaptation, anything was possible.
Through his climbs, he is determined to demonstrate that with the right support, boundaries can be transcended and new narratives written for people of all abilities..
“My message to the world is to everyone whether living with a disability or able-bodied. Anything is possible with enough determination. Yes, you might need to adapt your approach, get help, or think differently, but you can do it!”
Having summited Everest, Hari went on take his message of determination and resilience around the world where he has once again broken new boundaries in mountaineering as the first double above-knee amputee to complete the seven summits – a feat only 500 people in history have ever achieved.
Hari comments: “All of the 7 summits presented different and hugely challenging problems like the cold and snow conditions of the Antarctic, but when people come together and help and you adapt processes and equipment for the needs of disabled person, anything is possible!”
He added: “If I had the opportunity to bring my legs back today, I would actually decline because my mission in life is now to help, inspire and empower others because there is a lot of work that needs to be done around disability, so I have dedicated the rest of my life to raising awareness.
Through his ‘Conquering Dreams – 7 Summits’ challenge, Hari is raising money for veterans’ charities, including The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Blesma, Team Forces, On Course Foundation, and Pilgrim Bandits.