Nirmal Purja Killed in Broad Peak Avalanche
Renowned Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja has been confirmed dead with nine other climbers after an avalanche struck their expedition on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan.
Nirmal Purja Killed on Broad Peak
The avalanche struck the multinational team on Thursday at an altitude of approximately 6,600 metres, between Camps 2 and 3. The climbers subsequently lost contact with the expedition’s base camp.
Drone footage later located bodies on the mountain, confirming that none of the 10 expedition members had survived. Initial reports varied over whether 10 or 11 people were caught in the avalanche, but Pakistani officials and the expedition company confirmed 10 deaths.
The group included climbers and guides from Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, Oman and China.
Broad Peak Recovery Operation Continues
Only some of the bodies have been recovered as difficult terrain and unstable weather complicate operations. Pakistani authorities are working with local mountaineers and expedition organisers to determine whether the remaining bodies can be safely retrieved.
Broad Peak stands at approximately 8,051 metres in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and is the world’s 12th-highest mountain. It is one of five peaks above 8,000 metres located in Pakistan.
Avalanches, extreme cold and rapidly changing weather make rescue operations particularly difficult at high altitude.
Nims Purja Remembered for Climbing Records
Purja gained international recognition in 2019 after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in six months and six days. His achievement was documented in the film “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.”
The former British Special Forces soldier also participated in the first successful winter ascent of K2 in 2021. He received an MBE in 2018 for his services to high-altitude mountaineering.
Tributes from climbers, public officials and adventure organisations have recognised his influence on modern mountaineering and high-altitude expedition guiding.
