Budha Magar, First Double Above-knee Amputee Summits Mera Peak

September 21, 2017

Fighting back the physical disability, a British Gurkha soldier Hari Budha Magar has set a new record on September 19, 2017, by reaching Nepal’s 6,476 meter-long Mera Peak, that too in the Autumn climbing season.

“Budha Magar, the resident of Rolpa District, has become the first double above-knee amputee to climb the country’s highest trekking peak in the autumn season,” read an official statement by the expedition organizer.

According to the organizer, this achievement of Budha Magar was part of his training aimed at attempting climb Mt Everest in Spring 2018.

“Life is all about adaptation,” Budha Magar said in response to his achievement. He further informed that all the five members who joined him in the expedition also reached the peak.

The United Kingdom and Nepal based Himalayan Ski & Treks, and US-based Myrmidon Expeditions supported this expedition organized by the Conquering Dreams Mera Peak Expedition.

The owner of Himalayan Ski Trek, Krishna Thapa Magar hailed Budha Magar for being the first double amputee above the knee who made it to the summit till date.

As per the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Mera peak is the highest peak permitted for trekking in Nepal.

According to Thapa Magar, Budha had to bear the majority of his expedition expenses as no corporate sponsors or donors came forward doubting his abilities.

Meanwhile, Lead climbing Sherpa Mingma David informed that Budha Magar would also be the first bilateral, above-knee amputee to attempt to Mt Everest for an expedition in Spring 2018.

Hari Budha Magar served in the British Army for 15 years and was later discharged from the rank of Corporal on medical grounds in 2014 after he suffered injuries while serving in Afghanistan in 2010, where he lost both the legs below the knees.