Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha veteran from Nepal who served in the British Army for 15 years, faced a life-altering event when he lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan back in 2010. However, rather than focusing on his own challenges, Hari’s primary goal has been to inspire others with the belief that overcoming adversities is possible, regardless of the obstacles one encounters.
Setting an extraordinary example, Hari, now 46, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two summits away from accomplishing the unprecedented challenge of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, a goal he aims to fulfill by January 2026.
Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards was a moment of immense pride and honor for Hari. “I was absolutely thrilled,” he expressed. “It was a true privilege. I simply wanted to scale mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.”
Despite having traveled the world to climb mountains, Hari had never experienced a cruise holiday. However, in a surprise gesture, P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, provided each winner with a cruise vacation.
“It was truly amazing and something I never expected,” shared Hari, a devoted husband and father of three children aged 12 to 29. “The vacation was not just for me but for the entire family. We had never been on a cruise before. Given my busy schedule with constant travel, it was a perfect opportunity for us to spend quality time together and engage in new experiences.”
Embarking on a journey to the Norwegian Fjords with P&O Cruises’ luxurious ship, Iona, the family savored a week exploring the breathtaking landscapes and activities both onshore and onboard. Hari remarked, “We anticipated spending limited time on land during a cruise, but we had ample opportunities to explore ashore, including taking cable cars up mountains and admiring the fjords.”
Among the highlights was riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven, providing panoramic views of Nordfjord, including a snow-covered peak and a glass-floored lookout tower. Hari also cherished the train ride to Olden, renowned for its picturesque scenery of valleys, peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls, offering accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
Additionally, the family indulged in various onboard amenities such as the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Hari fondly recalled celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a lavish dinner at Epicurean, complete with a six-course meal and a special birthday cake.
Not missing an opportunity to inspire others, Hari shared his motivational journey with fellow guests aboard Iona, receiving overwhelming support and engagement. Reflecting on his sea voyage, Hari expressed his newfound love for cruising, hinting at future cruise holidays while commending the ship’s wheelchair accessibility and the friendly atmosphere onboard.
Encouraging others facing similar concerns, Hari offered advice: “Just go for it. Once you begin, you will always find a way. People are kind and helpful. Be courteous, seek assistance, and you’ll have a fantastic experience.”