Hari Budha Magar MBE FRGS: A Journey of Courage, Determination and Inspiration

By Bom Thapa
Former General Secretary, Magar Association UK | Former Editor, Kanung Langha Annual Publication | Community Leader and Contributor, London Kathmandu News

There are many inspiring stories within the Gurkha community, but few are as remarkable as that of Hari Budha Magar MBE FRGS. A former British Gurkha soldier, world record holder, mountaineer, motivational speaker, and disability rights advocate, Hari has become one of Nepal’s most respected and internationally recognised figures.

My connection with Hari Budha Magar goes back many years through our shared Gurkha and Magar heritage. As a fellow Gurkha and member of the Magar community, I have followed his remarkable journey with admiration and pride.

During my time as General Secretary of Magar Association UK, I also served as Editor of Kanung Langha, the association’s annual publication. Recognising Hari’s determination, achievements, and positive influence, I wrote about his journey and proudly featured him on the front cover. Even then, it was clear that his story represented far more than individual success—it was a story of courage, resilience, and inspiration that deserved wider recognition.

Born in Rolpa, Nepal, Hari grew up in a humble farming family in the hills of western Nepal. Like many young Nepalis, he dreamed of joining the Gurkhas and serving with honour. In 1999, he joined the Royal Gurkha Rifles and went on to serve for 15 years in a variety of demanding roles, including Combat Medic, Sniper, Covert Surveillance Operator, and Section Commander.

However, his life changed dramatically in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan. An improvised explosive device (IED) explosion resulted in the loss of both of his legs above the knee. For many people, such a devastating injury would have marked the end of their ambitions and dreams. Yet Hari refused to let tragedy define his future. Instead, he chose to focus on what remained possible.

Through rehabilitation, determination, and an extraordinary positive mindset, Hari rebuilt his life. He embraced sport, adventure, and mountaineering, demonstrating that disability does not limit human potential. More importantly, he developed a mission to challenge perceptions about disability and encourage others to believe in themselves regardless of the obstacles they face.

In 2017, Hari became the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mera Peak, standing 6,476 metres above sea level in Nepal. The following year, he successfully challenged restrictions preventing people with disabilities from climbing Mount Everest, helping to create opportunities for future generations of climbers.

His greatest challenge, however, was still ahead.

On 19 May 2023, Hari Budha Magar made history by becoming the first double above-knee amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Standing at 8,849 metres above sea level, he achieved what many thought impossible. His success earned international recognition, a Guinness World Record, and admiration from people around the world. More importantly, it sent a powerful message that disability does not mean inability.
Most people would have considered Everest the pinnacle of achievement, but Hari continued to push boundaries.

Driven by an unwavering desire to inspire others and challenge perceptions, he embarked on the Seven Summits challenge—the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Through years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance, he completed the challenge in January 2026 after summiting Mount Vinson in Antarctica. In doing so, he became the first double above-knee amputee in history to complete the Seven Summits challenge.

Hari’s achievements have earned widespread recognition. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to disability awareness. He has also received the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award, the Inspiration Award at the Soldiering On Awards, a Points of Light Award from the British Prime Minister, and an Honorary Doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University. In addition, he has been recognised through multiple Guinness World Records and international honours.

Despite these extraordinary accomplishments, what continues to impress me most is Hari’s humility. He remains approachable, grounded, and committed to helping others. Through public speaking, advocacy, and his own example, he continues to inspire people from all walks of life to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Hari often speaks about helping people “climb their own mountains and conquer their own dreams.” This message extends far beyond mountaineering. It reminds us that every individual faces challenges and that success comes through determination, resilience, and belief in ourselves.

For the Magar community, the Gurkha family, Nepal, and indeed the wider world, Hari Budha Magar MBE FRGS stands as a powerful symbol of courage, hope, and possibility. His journey proves that no obstacle is too great when faced with determination and an unwavering spirit.

As a fellow Gurkha and Magar, I feel immense pride in his achievements. His story is not only one of personal success but also one of service, leadership, and inspiration. It is a story that will continue to motivate future generations to believe that no dream is beyond reach.

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Hari Budha Magar MBE FRGS – Key Achievements
• Former British Gurkha soldier who served with the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
• Lost both legs above the knee while serving in Afghanistan in 2010.
• First double above-knee amputee to summit Mera Peak (6,476m).
• Successfully challenged restrictions preventing people with disabilities from climbing Mount Everest.
• First double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest on 19 May 2023.
• Guinness World Record holder.
• First double above-knee amputee in history to complete the Seven Summits challenge.
• Awarded MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).
• Winner of the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award.
• Recipient of the Inspiration Award at the Soldiering On Awards.
• Recipient of the Points of Light Award from the British Prime Minister.
• Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Canterbury Christ Church University.
• International motivational speaker and disability rights advocate.