Double-amputee Magar attempting to scale Mt Everest

KATHMANDU, April 5: Double-amputee Hari Budha Magar set out for Solukhumbu in his attempt to scale Mt Everest, the world's tallest peak.

He took permission from the Department for Tourism for the Mt Everest expedition, according to Department Director General Hom Prasad Luintel.  He completed all required processes for acquiring the climbing permission. 

The ex-British Gurkha flew to Soloukhumbu from Tribhuvan International Airport today. He will be climbing on his artificial legs and he is reported to be the world's first person with artificial legs to perform skydiving from the Everest base camp.

According to Director General Luintel, Budha Magar said he was pleased to get the expedition permit after a long wait and was excited about thinking about an adventurous journey ahead.  

He had lost his both legs in the 2010 Afghanistan war. He had already successfully climbed Mont Blanc (4,810 meters), Chulu Far East (6,059 meters), Kilimanjaro (5,895), and Mera Peak (6,476).