Hari Budha Magar

Hari Budha Magar is a former Corporal in the British Army’s legendary Gurkha regiment, a double above-knee amputee and record-breaking mountaineer.

He is the first person with a double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest.

In 2010, Hari Budha Magar lost both of his legs in Afghanistan following an IED explosion. Initally he struggled to come to terms with the loss of both of his legs but he turned this round into a motivation to not let disability stop him.

Hari has since then made it his focus to work on positively transforming the way people with disabilities are perceived, and how they perceive themselves.

Hari made it his mission to inspire and change perceptions with regard to disability globally. Approximately 12-15% of the world’s population has some kind of disability, which equates to nearly 1 billion people worldwide. In summiting Everest Hari hopes to give inspiration to others facing similar circumstances so they believe anything is possible with the right mindset.

Hari Budha Magar’s is an inspirational speaker who talks about resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit, the qualities that have served him throughout his journey.

His story is more than just inspiring; it is captivating and deeply moving. Hari speaks with authenticity and his talks inspire others to believe in the power of possibility.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book the inspirational former Gurkha and first double above-knee amputee to climb Mount Everest Hari Budha Magar for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

After Dinner Disability Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Keynote Motivational Resilience Speaker

More About Hari Budha Magar

Hari Budha Magar | Background

Hari was born into a farming family in Nepal. Where he grew up, he could see the mountains of Dhaulagiri and Sisne and found the story of climbing Everest fascinating. He was resilient as a child. He had to cook for himself and was forced to marry, aged 11.

He walked barefoot to school across the hills and suffered terrible had headaches, which he now realises was altitude sickness. He grew up through the brutal civil war where most of those his age went to fight for the rebels, but he was fortunate enough to join the Gurkhas.

Hari joined the British Army at the age of 19 and served with the Royal Gurkha Rifles for 15 years.

The Gurkhas are a combination of Nepali soldiers and officers, alongside British officers. Gurkhas are known for their professionalism, fighting prowess, humour and humility. They have been an integral part of the British Army for over 200 years.

While serving in Afghanistan in 2010, Hari stepped on an improvised explosive device and his life was to change in that very moment, with the loss of both of his legs above the knee, and multiple other injuries.

Hari Budha Magar double amputee Gurkha Everest mountaineer inspirational speaker at agent Great British Speakers

Hari Budha Magar | Remarkable Recovery

When Hari woke in the hospital bed, he felt desolate and hopeless. He questioned what kind of life he would be able to lead in the future, and whether it would even be worth living. His mind full of negative thoughts.

He would go on to spend a month in hospital and then 12 months learning to walk again on his prosthetic legs. With determination, Hari took control of his mobility, regained his self-esteem, and challenged himself to exceed the societal limitations put on disabled people.

Through his recovery Hari battled to regain his confidence through an multitude of sports and adventures, doing skydiving, kayaking, cycling, skiing, golf and climbing.

Hari Budha Magar | Achievements

Hari was the first ever disabled person to ski in Nepal, and was one of the first double above-knee (DAK) amputees to kayak around the Isle of Wight and the world record for being the first ever DAK to summit a mountain over 6,000m.

His hopes to climb Everest had taken the unexpected knock when Nepal banned double amputees from climbing the mountain. Hari joined forces with other climbers and disability organisations and successfully overturned the ban at the Supreme Court in Nepal in 2018.

In May 2023, Hari fulfilled his dream, climbing the world’s tallest mountain via the South Col route from Nepal.

Hari Budha Magar double amputee Gurkha Everest mountaineer inspirational speaker at agent Great British Speakers