Nepal's Mountaineering Icon Nirmal Purja, 9 Others Die in Deadly Broad Peak Avalanche in PoK

Nepali mountaineering legend Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja and nine other climbers were killed after a deadly avalanche struck Broad Peak, the world’s 12th highest mountain, in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Purja’s expedition company Elite Exped confirmed his death on Saturday, ending the search for the record breaking climber.

“Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak,” Elite Exped said. The company added that other members of the expedition also did not survive.

“Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa,” Elite Exped said, offering condolences to their families and loved ones.

The 10 member international climbing team included six Nepali climbers, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American and one Chinese climber. Among the victims were Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, American climber Mallory Geis, and Nepali climbers Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa. Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, a respected high altitude guide and photographer, was also among those affected.

The avalanche struck along Broad Peak’s standard West Ridge route at an altitude of around 21,600 to 21,850 feet (about 6,600 metres) while the team was attempting the 8,051 metre mountain in the Karakoram range. Broad Peak is located near K2, close to the Pakistan China border.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan said GPS signals from some climbers showed that the avalanche swept the group nearly 1,000 metres downhill, leaving them trapped. Rescue teams from the Pakistan Army, local authorities and fellow climbers used helicopters, drones and ground searches to locate victims, but extreme weather, steep slopes and dangerous conditions made the operation difficult.

Authorities had earlier recovered several bodies after the avalanche struck. Drone footage helped rescuers identify more climbers on the mountain, while officials also raised concerns that some high altitude porters may have been caught in the disaster.

Purja, 43, was one of the most recognised mountaineers in the world. A former member of the British Brigade of Gurkhas and the Royal Marines’ elite Special Boat Service, he became famous after completing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record six months and six days in 2019 through his “Project Possible” expedition.

In 2021, Purja was part of the team that made the first successful winter ascent of K2. His journey was featured in the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,” which inspired millions around the world.

Elite Exped said Purja’s vision and leadership built organisations including Elite Exped, Nimsdai Foundation, Skydive Nimsdai and Nimsdai Store. The company said his legacy would live on through the people he inspired to dream bigger and overcome limits.

The global mountaineering community has paid tribute to Purja and the other climbers, remembering them for their courage, passion and achievements on some of the world’s most dangerous peaks.