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 blast in Afghanistan in 2010. Rather than succumb to despair, Hari has dedicated himself to motivating others to believe in the limitless possibilities despite life’s obstacles.
Setting an extraordinary example, Hari, aged 46, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He now stands on the verge of completing the challenge of scaling the tallest peaks on all seven continents, with his sights set on accomplishing this goal by January 2026.
Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards was a moment of immense pride for Hari. “I was absolutely thrilled and deeply honored,” he expressed. “My primary goal has always been to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.”
Despite his extensive mountain climbing endeavors worldwide, Hari had never embarked on a cruise ship journey. However, P&O Cruises, the new primary sponsor of the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners with a cruise holiday.
Reflecting on this unexpected gift, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared, “The holiday was truly amazing and beyond my expectations. It was a family trip, and we had never experienced a cruise before. It provided us with a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and engage in new adventures.”
Venturing to the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona cruise ship in spring, the family savored a week filled with on-shore explorations and the diverse offerings of the ship. Hari recalled with excitement, “Contrary to our expectations, we had ample time on land, taking cable cars up mountains and immersing ourselves in the beauty of the fjords.”
A standout moment for the family was the exhilarating ride on the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven near Olden port, boasting awe-inspiring views across Nordfjord. Hari described the experience, “The Skylift was truly remarkable, with snowfall at the top where we enjoyed playing. The glass-floored lookout was both scary and fun.”
Another highlight for Hari was the train journey to the picturesque village of Olden, known for its lush landscapes and natural wonders. “The flexibility to stop at different points was ideal, especially for those with mobility constraints. It suited me perfectly,” he remarked.
The family relished various onboard activities such as the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Hari fondly recalled dressing up for Celebration Night and the unforgettable family dinner at Epicurean to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
Eager to inspire others, Hari shared his uplifting story with fellow passengers on the ship, receiving overwhelming support and recognition. Reflecting on his cruise experience, Hari expressed his desire to plan future cruise holidays, emphasizing the ship’s wheelchair accessibility and the warm hospitality of the crew and guests.
Encouraging those with similar concerns, Hari concluded, “Don’t hesitate to embark on a cruise. Once you take the first step, you’ll always find a way. People are friendly and willing to assist. Just be kind, ask for help when needed, and enjoy the journey.”
