Centre member Hari Budha Magar is currently climbing the 5th mountain of 7 Summits (the highest mountains in each continent). The mountain is called Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the South America, the western hemisphere, Americas, the tallest mountain outside Himalayas and the second tallest mountain among the 7 Summits. It is located in Argentina in Andes Mountains.
On Monday 10th February, Hari and his team were supposed to leave for the mountain in the morning from Mendoza but sadly a mudslide had blocked the road to their location, so they had to wait a while before it was cleared. Harri said via social media “Everything doesn’t go as plan, we just need to be patient, adapt and tackle one at a time as we face. There’s nothing we can do, nature has it’s plan, it’s more powerful than humans. There are many things which we can’t control, it’s out of our hands. So no stress and hope for best. I hope we can leave tomorrow. If not we will plan accordingly”.
Following the delay, on Wednesday 13th February they arrived to Confluencia 3400m on Aconcagua. They drove to Puente del Inca and then trekked 7km which took 4 hours 33 minutes to Confluencia.
On Friday 14th February, they arrived at Aconcagua Base Camp called Plaza De Mulas 4200m after a 15 hours long and torturous journey from Confluencia. They covered over 21km, which was the longest distance Hari had completed since his injury. The route was the worst he could ever imagine, with gravel, small rocks, dust and sand. Hari said that it was a tough journey and they will rest and acclimatise for a few days before they start to head up the mountain.
After acclimatisation and having a rest at the Aconcagua base camp, it took 4 hours 30 minutes from base camp to camp 1 (5050m). After staying at camp 1 on 19th February, they arrived at Camp 2 (5550m) today. It took 4 hours from camp 1 to camp 2. There aim is to stay at camp 2 for two nights and then climb up higher on the mountain, weather dependant.
Another summit conquered, on 23rd February Hari and his team reached the top of Mount Aconcagua (6,960m), the highest peak in the Americas. Hari said “Every mountain brings its own challenges, but for me these are amplified with my disability. Although not the most technically difficult mountain I’ve climbed – it was physically and mentally exhausting as I climb three times slower than an able-bodied mountaineer. It was a test of patience, resilience, and determination”. 5/7 summits done, the journey to complete the seven summits continues… Oceania & Antarctica later this year!
Hari said “It’s not what happens to us that defines us – it’s how we respond. Challenges don’t hold us back, they shape us, and make us stronger and more resilient to keep pushing forward. Whatever challenges you’re facing, remember – you are stronger than your struggles, and your dreams are still yours to chase. Keep climbing your mountains, whatever they may be”.