Nepal, the land of adventure, offers countless opportunities for trekking, climbing expeditions, and other thrilling activities such as skydiving, paragliding, and jungle safaris. Every year, hundreds of thousands of travelers from around the world visit Nepal to experience its natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Travel and adventure are essential for happiness, and everyone has the right to enjoy these experiences. Adventure must be accessible to all, regardless of physical ability.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide experience significant disabilities, representing about 16% of the global population. While disability rates increase with age, a substantial portion of this population includes children and working-age adults. In the United States alone, as of early 2025, there are approximately 5.5 million veterans with service-connected disabilities. Disability rates among younger veterans (under 45) are rising faster than among older cohorts, with roughly 39% of post-9/11 veterans reporting a service-connected disability.

Millions of people around the world are differently abled, whether due to birth, accidents, or other circumstances. Yet, many have made remarkable contributions to society and deserve the opportunity to explore and experience the world. Their rights and achievements must be acknowledged and celebrated.

Differently abled individuals have already achieved extraordinary feats in adventure. In 2023, British veteran Hari Budha Magar, who lost both legs in Afghanistan in 2011, successfully summited Mount Everest. Many others with disabilities, whether one leg, visual impairments, or other challenges, have accomplished some of the world’s most daring adventures.

Over the years, Mount Everest has been summited by several extraordinary differently abled climbers who have redefined the limits of human resilience. In 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the first blind person to reach the summit, showcasing remarkable adaptation and teamwork. Mark Inglis followed in 2006 as the first double amputee to summit with prosthetics. Arunima Sinha conquered Everest in 2013 after losing a leg, inspiring millions. In 2018, Xia Boyu reached the peak at age 69. Most recently, in May 2026, Russian former soldier Rustam Nabiev made history by summiting Everest using only his arms and ice axes, without prosthetic limbs, an achievement hailed as one of the most extraordinary in mountaineering history.