Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 10:27 IST1 / 6 In a feat that has stunned the mountaineering world and inspired millions online, Rustam Nabiev has become the first double amputee in history to climb Mount Everest using only his arms and without prosthetic legs.
(Image: Instagram/@rustam_nabiev92)2 / 6 Nabiev lost both his legs in 2015 after the military barracks building where he was sleeping collapsed.
What could have ended his dreams instead became the beginning of a remarkable journey of resilience and determination.
Sharing the news on social media after reaching the summit, Nabiev posted a photo of himself at the top of Everest holding a plaque that read: “To those who thought that life ended after the fall.
Rustam Nabiev, Everest 2026.” (Image: Instagram/@rustam_nabiev92)ADVERTISEMENT3 / 6 In an emotional caption, he wrote: “On May 20th, at 8:16 am Nepal time, for the first time in the history of mountaineering, for the first time in human history, I, Rustam Nabiev, reached the summit of Everest using only my arms!
Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 10:27 IST
1 / 6 In a feat that has stunned the mountaineering world and inspired millions online, Rustam Nabiev has become the first double amputee in history to climb Mount Everest using only his arms and without prosthetic legs. The former Russian paratrooper reached the summit of the world’s tallest mountain on May 20, 2026, during Nepal’s spring climbing season, marking a historic moment in adventure sports and human endurance. (Image: Instagram/@rustam_nabiev92)
2 / 6 Nabiev lost both his legs in 2015 after the military barracks building where he was sleeping collapsed. What could have ended his dreams instead became the beginning of a remarkable journey of resilience and determination. Sharing the news on social media after reaching the summit, Nabiev posted a photo of himself at the top of Everest holding a plaque that read: “To those who thought that life ended after the fall. Rustam Nabiev, Everest 2026.” (Image: Instagram/@rustam_nabiev92)
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3 / 6 In an emotional caption, he wrote: “On May 20th, at 8:16 am Nepal time, for the first time in the history of mountaineering, for the first time in human history, I, Rustam Nabiev, reached the summit of Everest using only my arms! I dedicate this ascent to everyone watching me. With this act, I simply want to say one thing: as long as there's life left in you, fight! Fight to the end, please! It's worth it!” he added. (Image: Instagram/@rustam_nabiev92)
4 / 6 The achievement was also confirmed by Khim Lal Gautam, field office coordinator at Everest Base Camp, in a conversation with Anadolu Agency. “Yes, he successfully climbed Everest. He's now descending to the base camp,” Gautam said. Nabiev’s climb quickly went viral across social media, with thousands praising his courage, discipline and mental strength. (Image: Instagram/@rustam_nabiev92)
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5 / 6 “Congratulations! I didn't even doubt for a second,” one user commented. Another wrote: “I'm sitting here crying, I was so worried all this month. You are such a great guy. Now return to your family.” A third said: “Congratulations on the mountain, brother!! You're the best motivator on the planet! Shine brother, shine. I wish you happiness and prosperity! Good health to you and to your relatives and friends.” A fourth added: “Oh, how glad we are you made it!!! Come back healthy after such an amazing victory. It gives hope to all of us that anything is possible! What is inside us is a great power.” (Image: Instagram/@rustam_nabiev92)
