Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, dedicated 15 years of service to the British Army before losing both his legs in a devastating IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010. Despite facing this immense adversity, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others by demonstrating that no challenge is insurmountable in life.
Setting a remarkable example, Hari, aged 46, became the pioneer above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest and is now just two mountains away from achieving the feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, a feat he aims to accomplish by January 2026. His outstanding achievements were recognized when he received a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards.
Expressing his joy, Hari commented, “I was absolutely thrilled. It was a tremendous honor. I simply aspired to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.” Although Hari has traversed the globe conquering mountains, he had never experienced a cruise holiday until P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, surprised all winners, including Hari, with a cruise vacation.
Elated by the unexpected gift, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared, “It was truly amazing and completely unforeseen. The holiday was not just for me but for the entire family.” Embarking on a voyage to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the luxurious ship Iona in spring, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes and indulging in the various offerings of the cruise.
Reflecting on their adventure, Hari remarked, “We had anticipated spending minimal time on land during a cruise vacation, but we had ample opportunities to explore ashore, including taking cable cars up mountains and discovering the fjords.” One of the highlights was riding the Loen Skylift to the peak of Mount Hoven near Olden, offering breathtaking views of Nordfjord.
Hari cherished the train journey to the picturesque village of Olden, renowned for its lush valleys, glaciers, and waterfalls, emphasizing its accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. He also recounted the family’s enjoyment of ship amenities like the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa, culminating in a memorable Celebration Night where they dressed up for the occasion.
An unforgettable moment for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean, where they relished a six-course meal and a special birthday cake. Eager to give back, Hari shared his inspiring journey with fellow passengers aboard Iona, receiving overwhelming support and appreciation from guests who queued up to engage with him and his family.
Despite his passion for mountains, Hari discovered a newfound love for the sea during the cruise, expressing his desire to plan another cruise holiday in the future. Praising the wheelchair accessibility and the welcoming atmosphere on board, Hari encouraged others facing similar concerns to embark on a cruise adventure, emphasizing the friendliness of people and the ease of seeking assistance for a pleasant experience.