Hari Budha becomes world's first 'double amputee' to scale Seven Summits

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan.20: Hari Budha of Thawang, Rolpa has set a world record by climbing the seven highest mountains in the world (Seven Summits).

He came directly to Nepal to share his happiness after completing his climb of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, on January 6, 2026. Budha, who successfully climbed Mount Vinson, was accompanied by his guide Mingma Sherpa and official photojournalist Abiral Rai.

Nepali mountaineer Hari Budha is a former Gorkha soldier who lost both his legs in an explosion while fighting in Afghanistan in 2010. He has continued to face life and challenges ever since. Budha has climbed the highest peaks of all the continents of the world as part of his campaign, Victory of Dreams – 7 Summits.

Hari Budha had said that after climbing Everest, his goal was to climb the peaks of all seven continents. Under this expedition, he has climbed Mount Bank (2019), Mount Kilimanjaro (2020), Everest (2023), Denali (2024), Arkokaguwa (2025), Carstensz Pyramid, Puncak Jaya (2025) and finally Mount Vinson (2026).

Facing the challenges of extreme cold, steep mountains and difficult climbs, Budha and his team scaled the world's highest peak using special equipment and prosthetic legs. He said the feat was achieved with the aim of spreading disability awareness and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

The old man said, “If we have a dream, dedicate ourselves and never give up, then no challenge in life is impossible to overcome. I have climbed Mount Everest despite losing both my legs, and today I have climbed the peaks of all seven continents. My aim is to instill confidence in people with disabilities and spread awareness in society.”

He said that people with disabilities can lead successful and meaningful lives according to their abilities. He also said that this campaign is important to change the misconceptions about disabilities not only in Nepal but also around the world.