Seven Summits, No Limits: Hari Budha Magar Makes History
With unwavering determination and the support of Ottobock, the double above-knee amputee adventurer, Hari Budha Magar, sets a global example for inclusion.
With unwavering determination and the support of Ottobock, the double above-knee amputee adventurer, Hari Budha Magar, sets a global example for inclusion.
Hari Budha Magar has made history once again: In early January, the Nepalese-British adventurer reached the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, successfully completing his “Seven Summits” mission. He is now the first person with double above-knee amputations to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents.
The Seven Summits are considered one of the greatest challenges in mountaineering worldwide. They include, alongside the 4,892-meter-high Mount Vinson, the summits of Mount Everest (8,849 m), Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), Mont Blanc (4,810 m / instead of Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus, which is inaccessible due to the war between Ukraine and Russia), as well as Denali (6,190 m), Aconcagua (6,960 m), and Puncak Jaya (4,884 m).
Following years of preparation and a gruelling three-day climb, Hari and his team battled minus 25-degree (Celcius) temperatures, vicious Antarctic winds, treacherous slopes, and freezing ice fields that tested his mind, body and prosthetic legs to the extreme, to reach the top of Mount Vinson at 22:00 on 6th January 2026. Hari comments “The climb was very tough, the conditions and difficulty meant that I was literally crawling up on all fours, battling my way up the mountain.”
Just two and a half years after Hari made history as the first double amputee climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest, he sends another powerful message with this historic achievement: A disability is no barrier to extraordinary accomplishments and true inclusion. “All of the 7 summits presented different and hugely challenging problems like the cold, the snow and overall conditions of Antarctic, but when people come together and help and you adapt processes and equipment for the needs of a disabled person anything is possible!” Hari explains. “I’ve always said: It’s not just about reaching summits but about breaking down barriers – in the mountains and in people’s minds.”
Partnership with Ottobock: Technology at the Limit
A key factor in Hari’s mission was his close collaboration with the MedTech company Ottobock, based in Duderstadt. From the start of the partnership, Hari relied on cutting-edge prosthetic technology such as the Genium X4 for everyday use and expeditions, as well as specially adapted “stubbies” for particularly technical or icy sections. These solutions provided him with maximum mobility and safety under extreme conditions.
“Hari is a fantastic ambassador for our mission to restore mobility and quality of life. He inspires people around the world to pursue their dreams and let nothing hold them back. We congratulate him on this extraordinary achievement and are proud to be part of his mission,” says Nicole von Bergen, Head of Global Customer Programs & Product Communications at Ottobock. “Hari’s journey reflects what Ottobock stands for: empowerment, technical excellence, and the shared goal of pushing boundaries.”
Looking Ahead
Hari’s achievements demonstrate that every challenge can become a springboard when people, technology, and determination come together. The collaboration with Ottobock remains a flagship project for innovative prosthetics tailored to users’ needs. Insights from Hari’s expeditions feed directly into the ongoing development of technologically advanced solutions that enable greater participation and quality of life – no matter how complex the requirements may be.
Hari Budha Magar is available for interviews. Please contact Daniel Ernst (daniel.ernst@ottobock.de) for coordination.
About Ottobock
Ottobock, a listed global MedTech champion, combines over 100 years of tradition with outstanding innovative strength in the fields of prosthetics, neuro-orthotics and exoskeletons. Ottobock develops innovative fitting solutions for people with limited mobility and is driving the digitalization of the industry. Founded in Berlin in 1919, the company has business activities in 45 countries with nearly 9,300 employees (FTEs) worldwide and operates the largest international patient care network with around 400 patient care clinics. Ottobock is shaping the future of human bionics with a strong R&D ratio in the products and components business and over 2,600 patents and patent applications. Ottobock’s mission of improving freedom of movement, quality of life and independence is deeply rooted in the company's DNA, as is its social commitment: Ottobock has been a partner and supporter of the Paralympics since 1988.