Everest 2023
8,849m/
29,029ft
On 19th May 2023, 43-year-old Hari Budha Magar stood victorious atop the world’s tallest mountain as the first ever double above-knee amputee to summit Mt. Everest.
Hari climbed Mt. Everest via the South Col route from Nepal. The route weaved through the treacherous Khumbu Ice Fall to the Western Cwm, before heading up the imposing wall of ice that is the Lhotse Face. He then trekked across the Yellow Band and the Geneva Spur to the South Col. The South Col is the site of Camp IV, from which he made his push for the summit and the famous Hillary Step. The round trip to the summit from the camp IV took Hari and the summit team 25 hours. (It usually takes up to 12-16 hours at the maximum for typical climber).
The human body is not designed to operate at high altitude. Add to that Hari’s own challenges with reduced mobility and speed, and there was a whole new layer of difficulty to navigate. For an able bodied person this is a truly amazing achievement, but for a double above-knee amputee this is extraordinary feat that required an immense display of skill, determination and unwavering commitment and focus.
After a hard and gruelling climb, in treacherous weather conditions, Hari and his climb team summitted the world’s highest peak 70 years after Edmund Hillary and sherpa Tenzing Norgay made history in May 1953.
At the top, Hari shouted “We did it!” in recognition of, the team effort that made it possible.
Through this incredible accomplishment, Hari showed his physical prowess and mental resilience and proved having a disability is not life limiting.
EVEREST
CLIMB TEAM
Hari’s Mt. Everest expedition was made possible by a world class team of Nepalese climbers, led by Expedition Leader Krish Thapa, who served as the SAS’s Mountain Troop Leader during a 24-year British Forces career that started like Hari as a Gurkha.
Hari reached the summit of Mt. Everest successfully with the expertise and unwavering commitment of the following five climbers Mingma Sherpa, Jit Bahadur Tamang, Pasang Sherpa and Nanda Budha Magar.
“Reaching the summit of Mt. Everest was a true moment of elation for us all, knowing we were witness to history in the making. It was proof that there are no limits to human determination and it highlights the importance of pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible both physically and mentally.
“Being acknowledged in the esteemed Guinness World Records is a tremendous honour for all those involved in this expedition and I am eternally grateful to them for helping me further push my message that having a disability should not be life limiting.”
Hari Budha Magar
Everest base camp
THE KIT
Equipment was Hari’s biggest challenge. Everything was adapted to get him onto the mountain. He innovated cutting-edge kit - from specially designed crampons, to heated sockets around his stumps and short engineered prosthetic legs for the climb, as well as made to measure clothing.
THE SUMMIT FLAG
In acknowledgement of all the wonderful support Hari has received, he took the summit flag design below to the top of the world. It represents both the Nepali and British sides of his life and has been designed using the names of all the amazing organisations and individuals who supported him through his Corporate and Personal Summit Clubs.
Beyond these organisations and individuals, Hari is hugely grateful to the 100’s of other individuals who have given a donation via his Crowdfunder, at one of his talks or personally.
Thank you to everyone who supported Hari and helped him create history.
LEGACY
Hari’s journey since 2010 has lead him here; on a mission to change perceptions around disability and to inspire others to climb their own mountain whatever that may be; living their lives to the fullest.
He is working tirelessly to make a difference and:
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bring greater awareness of the benefits of a positive mindset to those with a disability
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help make significant changes towards disability in Nepal, UK and internationally
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give back to those in a similar situation and support and inspire those to never give up
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show the power of sport and adventure and its ability to give back confidence and self-belief
Dame Joanna Lumley
“I am honoured to have been asked to be a patron of this daring Everest expedition. As a Gurkha soldier, Hari went above and beyond his call of duty, and even with the appalling misfortune of losing his legs, his desire to strive to be the best and encourage others to see their own potential is truly inspiring.
“Hari, you are immensely brave taking on this challenge. Not only do I admire your dedication to lead from the front, and to show disability is not life-limiting, but you do it with such a wonderfully positive attitude and can-do manner. You are truly extraordinary and I know you will be an inspiration to many as you take on this incredible feat.”
Dame Joanna Lumley
PATRON
