Hari Budha Magar, MBE, has hit new heights after setting yet another world first as the first double above-knee amputee to summit the highest peak outside of Asia – Mount Aconcagua (6,960.8 m/ 22,837 ft).
Hari’s successful climb marks yet another landmark for the 45-year-old former British Gurkha, who is aiming to complete the seven highest summits in the world within the next 12 months.
Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas and the second tallest of the classic seven summits. It is a part of the Andes Mountain Range in the Mendoza region of Argentina.
“Every mountain brings its own challenges, but for me these are amplified with my disability,” said Hari.
“Although not the most technically difficult mountain I’ve climbed – it was physically and mentally exhausting as I climb three times slower than an able-bodied mountaineer.”
“Aconcagua requires patience because there is a lot of waiting around for weather and ideal times to move.
“The wind is famously the challenge but we were very lucky and strategic in how and when we chose to move making our exposure to wind more limited.”
In 2023, Hari became the first double above-knee to summit Mount Everest. Having completed five of the seven highest summits, he will climb the remaining two in Oceania (Puncak Jaya) and Antarctica (Mt Vinson) later this year to achieve his goal.
If successful, Hari will break 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.
“Everest was a great start, but it isn’t enough to show people once. You need to do it over and over to inspire real change,” said Hari.
“The seven summits challenge is my chance to do just that, in every corner of the world.
“The climbs are not only a chance to change perceptions around disability but also help further the advancement in technology that will help other amputees lead a fulfilled life and enjoy the outdoors.”
To date Hari has successfully climbed Mt. Blanc (4,810m), Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Mt. Everest (8,849m), Denali, North America and most recently Aconcagua, South America (6,961m).
Through his seven-summit challenge, Hari is raising money for veterans’ charities including Blesma, The Ghurkha Welfare Trust, On Course Foundation, Pilgrim Bandits, and Team Forces.
To donate visit https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/5346/hari-budha-magar-7-summits-charity-appeal/
Photo credit: ramirasammy lifehappensoutdoors
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