A Humble Commencement in the Shadow of the Himalayas
Hari Budha Magar: tale began in 1979 within the confines of a cow shed in a secluded Western Nepal region. His homeland was an unassuming village tucked away amidst the foothills of the towering Himalayas. Growing up in the Rolpa District, he experienced a rustic childhood where even modest educational resources were scarce.
Stepping into the Shoes of a Gurkha in the British Army
At the tender age of 19, Magar embraced a career with the Royal Gurkha Rifles, a part of the British Army. His services span five continents, where he undertook various responsibilities, including Combat Medic, Sniper, and Covert Surveillance.
The Heartbreaking Incident in Afghanistan: A Life Transformed
In 2010, while on duty in Afghanistan, Magar suffered a devastating accident, stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED). This incident resulted in the amputation of both his legs above the knee, besides other serious injuries.
Embracing Life with a Renewed Zeal: The Journey into Sports and Adventure
Following his debilitating injury, Magar refused to let adversity dictate his life. He dabbled in many sports and adventurous activities, such as golf, skiing, skydiving, kayaking, and rock climbing. Wheelchair rugby and basketball also became parts of his diverse repertoire.
The Mountain Beckons: Hari Budha Magar Tryst with Mountaineering
First Major Triumph: Scaling Mera Peak
Magar demonstrated his unyielding spirit and determination, turning to mountaineering despite his physical constraints. His tenacity led him to achieve a world record in 2017 by becoming the first double above-knee amputee to scale a mountain higher than 6,000m (Mera Peak, 6,476m).
Hari Budha Magar: The Ambitious Endeavour: An Aspiration to Conquer Everest
With the triumphant scaling of Mera Peak, Hari Budha Magar dared to dream bigger – he aspired to conquer Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth. However, his ambition hit a roadblock in 2017 when Nepal banned solo, blind, and double amputee climbers from attempting Everest.
A Fight against Discrimination: Overruling the Everest Climbing Prohibition
Undeterred by the prohibitive regulation, Magar took up the cause to challenge the ban, deeming it discriminatory. He spearheaded a campaign with disability organisations and supporters, ultimately leading the Supreme Court of Nepal to repeal the ban in 2018.
The Apex of Achievement: The Historic Ascent of Everest
In May 2023, Hari Budha Magar etched his name in history by successfully summiting Mount Everest, marking him as the first double above-knee amputee to accomplish this.
Hari Budha Magar’s Legacy: A Beacon of Hope and Resilience
From his modest beginnings in a small Nepalese village to reaching the top of Mount Everest, Hari Budha Magar’s incredible journey symbolises the triumphant human spirit. He isn’t just a record-holding mountaineer but a shining beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring countless individuals who face and overcome challenges and adversity.
