Nepalese authorities have been ordered to reverse a climbing ban issued last year, clearing the way for a former British Gurkha soldier to become the first above-the-knee double amputee to climb Mount Everest.
In December 2017, the Nepalese government banned double amputees, blind, and solo climbers from attempting to climb its mountains, including Mount Everest, in a bid to reduce accidents.
However, this didn’t stop aspiring Everest climber and double amputee, Hari Budha Magar, from chasing his dream.
“I will be climbing Mt. Everest whatever the cabinet decides. Nothing Is Impossible,” he said.
Hari, who served with the 1st Royal Gurkha Rifles and fought along Prince Harry, lost his legs after stepping on a bomb in Afghanistan in April 2010. Nepal’s Gurkha people have served in the British army for 200 years, and have a reputation for being among the toughest soldiers in the world.
The veteran, who now lives in Kent, Canterbury, in the UK, began climbing with the support of fellow servicemen and has scaled numerous peaks including Ben Nevis and Mont Blanc, and is the only above-the-knee double amputee to summit the 6,476-meter (21246-foot) Mera Peak in Nepal.
“It’s fantastic news,” Hari said of the decision.
“I have wanted to climb Everest since I was a child because I could see the mountain from my home and heard so many stories about it.”
If all goes to plan, Hari is set to become the first bilateral above-the-knee amputee to attempt Everest.
“In the past I fought the enemy but today, I fight this injury.
“I fight to re-establish my mental health and live my life fully, help inspire others, learn new skills, relying confidently on my body as it is.
“It is what I have always done,” he said.
