Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, had a distinguished 15-year tenure with the British Army until a tragic IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010 cost him both his legs.
However, rather than succumb to his personal tribulations, Hari’s unwavering mission has been to motivate others that overcoming life’s challenges is within reach for anyone.
Setting an extraordinary example, Hari, aged 46, became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now on the verge of achieving the remarkable feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, with only two mountains left to conquer before his target completion date of January 2026.
Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards was a moment of immense joy for Hari. “I was absolutely thrilled,” he expressed. “It was a tremendous honor. My aspiration was simply to scale mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.”
Despite his global mountaineering exploits, Hari had never embarked on a cruise journey before. However, P&O Cruises, the new primary partner for the awards, surprised all recipients with a cruise vacation.
“It was truly astounding, catching me off guard,” shared Hari, a devoted husband and father of three, aged between 12 and 29. “The holiday wasn’t just for me, but for the entire family. We had never experienced a cruise vacation before. Given my busy travel schedule, it was a perfect opportunity to bond and partake in novel experiences together.”
Embarking on a spring voyage to the picturesque Norwegian Fjords, the family relished a week of onshore explorations and savored the abundant offerings of the Iona cruise ship.
“We had anticipated spending limited time on land during a cruise holiday, but we had ample shore time, including riding cable cars up mountains and exploring the fjords,” recounted Hari.
The family relished discovering innovative ways to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, relishing a variety of shared activities.
A standout experience was ascending Mount Hoven near Olden, aboard the Loen Skylift, one of the world’s steepest cable cars. “The Skylift was an unforgettable adventure,” Hari reminisced. “Snowfall at the peak allowed us to enjoy snow play. Additionally, a glass-floored lookout provided thrilling yet enjoyable moments.”
Hari particularly cherished the train journey to the scenic village of Olden, renowned for its verdant valleys, towering peaks, icy glaciers, and cascading waterfalls. “The flexibility to stop at various points made it ideal, especially for individuals with mobility constraints like myself,” he noted.
The family also made the most of shipboard amenities, including the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Hari’s daughter’s birthday celebration aboard the ship, featuring a lavish six-course dinner at Epicurean and a special birthday cake, left an indelible mark.
Keen to reciprocate the goodwill they received, Hari shared his inspiring narrative with fellow passengers aboard the Iona. “Given all we were blessed with, I felt compelled to give back. The positive response was heartening, with guests queuing up to engage with us,” he recounted.
While mountains typically beckon Hari, his newfound fondness for the sea has him contemplating future cruise adventures. Praising the ship’s wheelchair accessibility and the warm hospitality he encountered, Hari encourages others facing mobility concerns to embrace the cruise experience without hesitation.
Reflecting on his journey, he concluded, “Once you embark, solutions present themselves. People are kind and supportive. My advice is to be open, seek assistance, and enjoy the voyage.”