Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, who dedicated 15 years to serving in the British Army, faced a life-altering event when he lost both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010. Instead of succumbing to his personal tragedy, Hari has made it his mission to motivate others that no challenge is insurmountable.
Leading by example, the 46-year-old Hari achieved the remarkable feat of being the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two peaks away from accomplishing the extraordinary challenge of scaling the tallest summits on all seven continents, with a goal to finish by January 2026.
Acknowledging his outstanding efforts, Hari was elated to receive a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards. “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor,” he expressed. “I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Despite his global mountain expeditions, Hari had never ventured on a cruise journey. However, P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, pleasantly surprised all the awardees with a cruise vacation, including Hari.
Thrilled by the unexpected gesture, Hari, a father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared, “The holiday wasn’t just for me, it was a trip for the whole family. We had never been on a cruise holiday before. I’m very busy going everywhere, so it was perfect for us to spend time together and do things we’ve never done before.”
Embarking on a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona in the spring, the family relished a week of onshore exploration and indulging in the offerings of the magnificent ship.
Hari recounted, “We expected that on a cruise holiday you might not spend much time on land, but we had so much time ashore, taking cable cars up mountains and exploring the fjords.”
The family embraced various activities to appreciate the awe-inspiring landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, reveling in shared experiences. A highlight was riding the Loen Skylift to the peak of Mount Hoven near Olden, offering breathtaking views across Nordfjord.
Hari shared his delight, “The Skylift was an amazing experience. There was snowfall at the top, and we enjoyed playing in the snow. There was also a bar and a lookout with a glass floor, which was scary but fun.”
Another cherished memory for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a lavish family dinner arranged by P&O Cruises onboard at Epicurean, featuring a six-course meal and a special birthday cake.
Taking the opportunity to inspire others, Hari delivered a motivational talk to guests aboard Iona, receiving warm reception and admiration from fellow passengers.
Reflecting on his cruise experience, Hari expressed his satisfaction, “The ship is all wheelchair accessible, and there wasn’t anywhere I couldn’t go on board.” Encouraging others with mobility challenges to embark on a cruise, he advised, “I would say be nice, ask for help, and you’ll be fine.”