Double above-knee amputee completes mission to become first to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents

Hari Budha Magar has successfully summited Mt Vinson, enabled by DIGI2AL, rounding off his Conquering Dreams - 7 Summits mission to summit the highest peaks on each continent

World Record breaking mountaineer and Pride of Britain winner, 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.”

Having successfully negotiated the Branscomb Glacier, where the team had to climb roped together to overcome the dangers of hazardous crevasse, Hari and his team then climbed over 1000m in elevation using fixed ropes on 45° slopes where the mix of soft snow and windblown icy patches slowed progress on their way to the high camp.

From there the team had a big push to the summit where the route became even more exposed and subject to high winds. “Weather on summit day was stunning,” added Hari. “Cold and clear – not a cloud in the sky – but windy. 

“As we took our time climbing along rocky, summit ridge, much of which I had to crawl along, I was able to look up and take in the incredible views where spectacular Antarctic mountain peaks pierced a thin layer of cloud below.”

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. 

He now hopes people will get behind his GiveWheel appeal to raise funds for vital veterans and disability charities.

Having lost both his legs in 2010 to an IED in Afghanistan whilst serving with the British Army’s Ghurkha 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.

“I’m just a normal guy who had a boyhood dream to climb Mt Everest. Losing my legs was devastating. Harder than you can ever imagine. Yet through the dark, disappointment, and loss of self-worth in the world, I was given support and love to find a way through. 

“That IED should have killed me, but now I had a second chance and wanted to do something positive – be an inspiration to others.

“So, I trained and trained and trained. I found amazing people who believed in me. They even helped design new prosthetics to allow me to physically take on the challenge. All barriers we had to overcome. 

“A disability shouldn’t limit the size of your dream, or your ability to achieve it! If a family man like me from Canterbury can do it – why can’t anyone else.

“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 recognised feat only 500 people in history have ever achieved.

The climb was so extreme in the build-up Hari had to work in collaboration with prosthetic experts at Ottobock to create new legs, feet and sockets and worked with Parajumpers to develop a summit suit designed specifically for his needs and to cope with the harsh Antarctic conditions. 

Hari comments: “All of the 7 summits presented different and hugely challenge problems like the cold and snow conditions of 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 make awareness.

Through his ‘Conquering Dreams - 7 Summits’ challenge, Hari is raising money for veterans’ charities including The Ghurkha Welfare Trust, Blesma, Team Forces, On Course Foundation, and Pilgrim Bandits.

To donate visit https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/5346/hari-budha-magar-7-summits-charity-appeal/

Hari would like to thank his title partner DIGI2AL and partners AG1, ARC for Nepal, Barratt Redrow Developments, Branding Science, The Gurkha Welfare Trust, NAS (Niche Aviation Solutions), Ottobock, Parajumpers Clothing, Team Forces and Therabody for their amazing support. As well as supporters including Belstone Management, the Oriental Club, NSSLGlobal, SunGod Eyewear, Leki Gloves and Poles, Team 365, Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service and more.