Hari Budhamagar, a former Gorkha soldier, who lost both legs in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan, has once again proven that physical disability cannot define one’s limits. Using prosthetic legs, he successfully climbed Mount Vinson in Antarctica on Poush 22 (around January 5), braving temperatures as low as minus 25°C.
“I want to inspire people with different abilities to recognize their own potential and climb the Everest of their dreams every day. I am living proof that hard work leads to success,” Budhamagar said.
With this ascent, Budhamagar has now completed the highest peaks on all seven continents, popularly known as the Seven Summits. Mount Vinson rises 4,892 meters above sea level, and with this achievement, Budhamagar—born in the remote village of Mirul, Rolpa 46 years ago—has become a global symbol of courage and resilience.
Describing the climb, he said, “This was extremely challenging. The strong winds and biting cold froze my fingers, and my face felt like it was burning from the cold. There were moments when I doubted myself. I prayed silently to God for success, even though I am not particularly religious.”
Budhamagar credited his unwavering confidence and determination for overcoming the harsh conditions. He emphasized that persistent effort and self-belief are key to overcoming challenges.
“This is an extraordinary feeling. Words cannot describe how we made this possible. As a person with disability, I have accomplished the impossible. I feel this achievement brings pride to Nepal,” he added.
His previous climbs include:
- Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) – May 19, 2023
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5,895 m) – January 8, 2020
- Denali, Alaska, USA (6,190 m) – June 28, 2024
- Aconcagua, Argentina (6,961 m) – February 22, 2025
- Puncak Jaya, New Guinea (4,884 m) – date unspecified
- Mont Blanc, France (4,809 m) – August 13, 2019
- Mount Vinson, Antarctica (4,892 m) – January 6, 2026
Despite losing both knees, Budhamagar has set a new world record for being the first person with prosthetic legs to complete the Seven Summits. He climbed Mont Blanc instead of Mount Elbrus in Russia, which is currently inaccessible; this ascent is recognized by Guinness World Records.
Sharing the experience of Mount Vinson, he said, “As far as the eye could see, snow stretched endlessly—truly magical and heavenly.”
Budhamagar led a team including Aviral Rai, Mingma Sherpa, and Jangbu Sherpa from the Union Glacier base camp to the summit, experiencing 24 hours of continuous daylight in Antarctica. The summit was reached on the night of January 6, 2026, at 10 PM.
Born in Mirul village, Thawang Rural Municipality, Rolpa, Budhamagar lost his legs during a foot patrol in Afghanistan in 2010. He served as a Gorkha soldier across five continents, including Brunei, Kosovo, and the Falkland Islands, and is a father of three. He currently resides in Canterbury, Kent, UK.
Budhamagar has been honored with the prestigious MBE award and the Pride of Britain Award. He spoke of overcoming despair and even a suicide attempt after his accident, saying skydiving gave him a new purpose in life.
He plans to return to Kathmandu on Magh 1 (mid-January) to share his success and will later meet the Prime Minister of the UK. Budhamagar dedicated his achievement to the global community of persons with disabilities, sending a powerful message of courage, perseverance, and hope.
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