Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, served in the British Army for 15 years until he tragically lost both legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010. Despite facing immense challenges, Hari has dedicated himself to inspiring others that achieving the impossible is within reach, regardless of life’s obstacles.
Leading by example, the 46-year-old became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest and is now only two mountains away from achieving the remarkable feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents by January 2026. His exceptional efforts were acknowledged when he received a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, an honor that deeply moved him.
Expressing his gratitude, Hari shared, “I was absolutely thrilled. It was a tremendous honor. I simply wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.” Despite his extensive global mountain expeditions, Hari had never ventured on a cruise ship until P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, pleasantly surprised all the winners with a cruise holiday.
Reflecting on the unexpected gift, Hari, a devoted father of three, remarked, “It was truly amazing and a complete surprise. The vacation was not just for me; it was a memorable experience for the entire family. We had never been on a cruise holiday before, and it provided us with a perfect opportunity to bond and engage in new activities collectively.”
Embarking on a journey to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the luxurious ship Iona in spring, the family relished a week exploring the picturesque landscapes and seizing every opportunity the cruise had to offer. Hari shared, “Contrary to our expectations of spending limited time on land during a cruise holiday, we had ample shore excursions, including cable car rides up mountains and fjord explorations.”
An exhilarating highlight for the family was riding the Loen Skylift to the summit of Mount Hoven near Olden, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, offering breathtaking views of Nordfjord. Hari described the experience, “The Skylift was truly remarkable. We enjoyed the snowfall at the top, played in the snow, and even visited a bar and a lookout with a glass floor, which was both scary and fun.”
Delighted with their visit to the fjord village of Olden, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, Hari explained, “The flexibility to stop at various points was ideal, especially for those with mobility challenges or those preferring shorter walks. It suited me perfectly. We made the most of the ship’s amenities, including the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa, and even dressed up for Celebration Night, which was a delightful experience. With a full week on board, we still couldn’t explore everything!”
Among the cherished memories was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean, where they enjoyed a six-course meal and a special birthday cake arranged by P&O Cruises. Hari also seized the opportunity to inspire fellow passengers by sharing his remarkable journey during a talk aboard the ship. He expressed, “I wanted to give back after receiving so much, so I was glad to share my story. It was heartwarming to see people recognize us and engage with us throughout the journey.”
While Hari’s comfort zone lies in the mountains, he discovered a newfound love for the sea. Reflecting on his cruise experience, he expressed a desire to plan another holiday in the future. Praising the wheelchair-accessible amenities on board Iona, Hari encouraged others with similar concerns to take the plunge and embark on a cruise adventure. He emphasized, “Once you start, you always find a way. People were incredibly friendly and accommodating. Just be kind, seek assistance when needed, and you’ll have a fantastic experience.”