A British war veteran who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan has become the first double above-knee amputee to summit the highest mountain on every continent, completing one of mountaineering’s most demanding challenges, as reported by The New York Post.
Hari Budha Magar, 46, reached the summit of Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak, at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, marking the final ascent of his Seven Summits mission.
The climb followed a grueling three-day push in temperatures reaching minus 25 degrees Celsius.
Gurkha Veteran Hari Budha Magar, has become the first double above-knee amputee to summit the highest peaks on all seven continents, having reached the top of Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Following years of preparation and a hard three-day climb, Hari and his team members Abiral… pic.twitter.com/ZZJMcD9RBn
— Gurkha Brigade Association (@Gurkha_Brigade) January 8, 2026
The achievement makes Magar the first double above-knee amputee in history to complete the Seven Summits, a feat accomplished by only about 500 people worldwide.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
Magar, from Canterbury, Kent, is a former member of the British Army’s Gurkha regiment and a recipient of an MBE.
“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,” Magar said.
“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.”
HARI AND TEAM HAVE MADE HISTORY AND SUMMITED Mt VINSON
Hari has successfulHariBudhaMagarunt Vinson, enabled by DIGI2AL, rounding off his Conquering Dreams - 7 Summits mission to summit the highest peaks on each continent . .#7Summits #MtVinson #HariBudhaMagar #ConqueringDreams pic.twitter.com/2zFBuyjupt — Hari Budha Magar (@Hari_BudhaMagar) January 8, 2026
Magar lost both legs in 2010 after being injured by an improvised explosive device while deployed in Afghanistan.
FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest
He has spoken publicly about the difficulties he faced during his recovery, including struggles with mental health and addiction, before finding renewed purpose through sport and adventure.
His Seven Summits journey formally began in 2018 when he applied to climb Mount Everest. At the time, Nepali authorities barred climbers with certain disabilities.
Magar challenged the policy in court, playing a key role in its eventual reversal. In May 2023, nearly 13 years after losing his legs, he stood on the summit of Everest.
“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,” Magar said.
A former Gurkha soldier, Hari Budha Magar, who lost both his legs in Afghanistan, has reached the top of Mount Everest, making mountaineering history.@Hari_BudhaMagar pic.twitter.com/FC9N3BsiaZ
— GB News (@GBNEWS) May 22, 2023
“That IED should have killed me, but now I had a second chance and wanted to do something positive – be an inspiration to others.”
To complete the Antarctic climb, Magar worked closely with prosthetics specialists at Ottobock to develop new legs, feet, and sockets, and with Parajumpers to create a summit suit designed for his needs and the extreme cold.
“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!” Magar said.
Magar is using his achievement to raise funds for veterans’ and disability charities, including The Ghurkha Welfare Trust, Blesma, Team Forces, On Course Foundation, and Pilgrim Bandits, through his “Conquering Dreams – 7 Summits” challenge.
Fellow veteran and Team Forces CEO Lamont Kirkland said Magar’s journey reflects the organization’s mission.
“Hari truly embodies the spirit of Team Forces: selfless, resolute, and driven to push boundaries in pursuit of something far greater than personal achievement,” Kirkland said.
“His courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to creating positive change reflect everything we stand for as an organisation.”
Magar has now successfully summited Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Denali, Aconcagua, Puncak Jaya, and Mount Vinson, completing the challenge in January 2026.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.