Nepal's Mountaineering Legend Nirmal "Nims" Purja Dies in Pakistan Avalanche

The global mountaineering community is in mourning after renowned British-Nepali climber Nirmal "Nims" Purja and nine other climbers were confirmed dead following a massive avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

All 10 members of the international expedition have been declared dead, with Pakistani rescue teams recovering four bodies from the 8,047-meter peak by Saturday evening. The remaining six climbers were buried under snow and ice in the devastating avalanche.

The Tragedy

The avalanche struck at approximately 9:00 AM local time (around 11:30 AM Nepal time) as the team was ascending between Camp 2 and Camp 3 at an altitude of 6,600 to 7,000 meters. The climbers lost all communication with base camp immediately after the incident.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the powerful avalanche swept the entire team down the mountain's main west-facing gulley, covering a vertical distance of up to a mile. Rescue operations were immediately launched despite harsh weather conditions that hampered helicopter flights.

The Victims

The expedition included climbers from six different countries:

From Nepal:

Nirmal Purja (43) – British-Nepali expedition leader, former British Gurkha soldier, holder of the record for fastest ascent of all 14 eight-thousanders

Pur Bahadur Gurung "Yukta" – Body recovered and identified

Three other Nepali climbers (names not yet released)

International Climbers:

Mallory Geis (39) – American climber from San Antonio, Texas (body recovered)

Nadhira Al Harthy – First Omani woman to summit Mount Everest (body recovered)

Sohail Sakhi – Pakistani guide from Hunza, Moving Mountains

Wang – Chinese climber (identity partially released)

One additional foreign climber (nationality undisclosed)

Have a tip on this story?

WhatsApp Khabar Darjeeling at our channel or email nowanad@gmail.com. Your identity will be protected.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts!