Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, served in the British Army for 15 years until he lost both his legs in a devastating IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010. Despite facing immense adversity, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others by showcasing that any obstacle can be overcome with determination.
Setting a remarkable example, 46-year-old Hari became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two summits away from achieving the extraordinary feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, aiming to accomplish this by January 2026.
His outstanding efforts were recognized when he received a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards. Expressing his joy, Hari stated, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Although Hari has extensively traveled the globe climbing mountains, he had never experienced a cruise journey. However, P&O Cruises, the new headline partner of the awards, surprised all the winners with a cruise vacation, including Hari.
Thrilled by the unexpected gesture, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, remarked, “The holiday was not just for me but for the entire family. We had never been on a cruise holiday before. It provided us with a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and engage in new experiences.”
Embarking on a voyage to the Norwegian Fjords in spring, Hari and his family savored a week exploring ashore and indulging in the offerings of the cruise ship Iona. They relished various activities together, including riding the Loen Skylift to the peak of Mount Hoven, where they enjoyed mesmerizing views of Nordfjord and played in the snow.
Hari cherished the trip to the picturesque fjord village of Olden, known for its lush landscapes, glaciers, and waterfalls. The family made the most of the onboard amenities, such as the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Hari’s daughter’s birthday celebration onboard with a family dinner at Epicurean, featuring a six-course meal and a birthday cake, stood out as a particularly special moment.
Keen on giving back, Hari shared his inspiring journey with fellow passengers on Iona, receiving warm responses and engaging interactions. Despite his mountainous background, Hari found himself enamored with the sea and expressed interest in planning future cruise holidays.
Reflecting on his cruise experience, Hari commended the ship’s wheelchair accessibility and the friendly atmosphere onboard. Encouraging others with disabilities to embark on a cruise adventure, he emphasized the importance of being open to assistance and highlighted the accommodating nature of the crew and fellow travelers.