Hari Budha Magar, a Nepalese Gurkha who served in the British Army for 15 years, lost both his legs in a 2010 IED blast in Afghanistan. Instead of focusing on his own hardships, Hari’s aim has been to motivate others that no challenge is insurmountable in life.
Setting a remarkable example, the 46-year-old Hari became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest and is now only two peaks away from achieving the feat of scaling the highest summits on all seven continents by January 2026.
Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards was a moment of immense joy for Hari. “I was absolutely delighted,” he expressed. “It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Although Hari has traversed the globe climbing mountains, he had never experienced a cruise. Nevertheless, P&O Cruises, the new principal sponsor of the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners with a cruise holiday.
“I was completely taken aback; it was an amazing gesture,” Hari said. “The holiday wasn’t just for me but for the whole family. It was our first cruise experience, offering us a chance to bond and engage in new activities together.”
Embarking on a spring voyage to the Norwegian Fjords, Hari’s family relished a week exploring on land and savoring the amenities aboard the ship Iona.
“We anticipated spending minimal time on land during a cruise, but we had ample opportunities ashore, including cable car rides up mountains and fjord exploration,” remarked Hari.
Among the highlights was riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven, enjoying panoramic views of Nordfjord. Hari described the experience as incredible, especially the snowfall at the summit and the glass-floored lookout.
The family also relished a train ride to the picturesque village of Olden renowned for its natural beauty. The ship’s amenities like cinemas, pools, and spas were also thoroughly enjoyed by the family.
One particularly cherished memory for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a special family dinner onboard. Additionally, he shared his inspiring journey with fellow passengers on Iona and was overwhelmed by the positive response.
Although Hari is accustomed to mountain life, he found solace and joy at sea during the cruise. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed a desire to plan another cruise in the future, praising the ship’s accessibility and the welcoming atmosphere onboard.
Encouraging others in similar situations to embark on a cruise, Hari said, “Just go for it. Once you start, you’ll always find a way. People are friendly and helpful. Be kind, seek assistance when needed, and you’ll have a great time.”