An avalanche struck a 10-member expedition on Broad Peak on July 30, killing all the climbers, including Nepal-born British mountaineer Nirmal Purja. 'Nimsdai' was renowned for climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in record time.

Nepal Mourns Mountaineering Icon Nirmal Purja | Wion News

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers have been confirmed dead after a devastating avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range.

The avalanche hit below Camp III at an altitude of around 7,000 meters, trapping members of the expedition. Rescue teams, including Pakistani military helicopters and ground crews, were deployed to recover the victims.

Purja was celebrated worldwide for redefining high-altitude mountaineering and completing some of the sport's most extraordinary feats.


Mountaineering legend Nirmal Purja killed in broad peak avalanche

Rescuers recovered the body of renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja on Sunday, three days after an avalanche killed him and nine other climbers on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Gilgit-Baltistan. Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest and considered one of the most challenging to climb.&nbsp;The Alpine Club of Pakistan said Purja’s body was found about 5,700 m up the mountain, where three further bodies have been sighted, but their identities have not been confirmed.&nbsp;The 43-year-old’s death was announced on Saturday by his company, Elite Expeditions, which said he was among the 10 people killed in the avalanche.&nbsp;&nbsp;The avalanche struck on Thursday, cutting off contact with the international expedition led by Purja.&nbsp;“The ground rescue team has reached Nims Dai (Purja) at approximately 5,700m on Broad Peak—a mountain he loved and a mountain that has now taken him from us,” the club posted on social media.&nbsp;Purja was leading the expedition with five climbers from Nepal, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American, and one Chinese.&nbsp;<h2>‘Rescue team transporting four bodies’</h2>&nbsp;A rescue team was transporting four bodies, including those of Purja, two other Nepali nationals, and a Chinese citizen, down from the mountain, said the club’s general secretary, Ayaz Shigri.&nbsp;“Rescuers have also confirmed the presence of one additional body at a significantly higher elevation,” he added in a statement.&nbsp;The risk of avalanches and steep slopes is posing challenges to the rescue efforts, and helicopters cannot be deployed owing to rough weather conditions.&nbsp;“Due to the extremely hazardous terrain and prevailing conditions, it is unlikely that a recovery attempt will be made at this stage,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regional authorities said the remains of three climbers—an Omani woman, a Nepali man, and an American woman—had been recovered and flown to the city of Skardu on Friday.The three were identified as Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung, and American Mallory Geis.&nbsp;The avalanche sparked an outpouring of shock in the mountaineering community.&nbsp;<h2>Purja broke multiple climbing records</h2>&nbsp;Purja, who served with Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas before joining the Special Boat Squadron of the Royal Marines, broke multiple climbing records since becoming a full-time mountaineer and tour guide.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2019, Purja had climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres around the world in six months and six days, setting a new record.&nbsp;“Nims (Purja) served with distinction in the British Armed Forces before becoming one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, putting Nepalese climbers on the map,” Prince William posted on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;Purja had written on X on Monday that he was close to becoming the first person to climb all 14 “super peaks” twice without oxygen.&nbsp;“Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down,” he wrote.&nbsp;Rescuers have been scouring the difficult, high-altitude mountainside for days by air and ground after contact was lost with the team on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My loving brothers... We will take you back home to see (your) families,” Mingma G Sherpa, a mountaineer involved in rescue, posted on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Messages of grief poured out after the confirmation that none of the team had survived.&nbsp;&nbsp;Broad Peak is the world’s 12th highest mountain, located in the Karakoram range, and is regarded as one of the toughest and most technical climbs of all the 8,000-metre-plus ascents. It was first summited by an Austrian team in 1957.&nbsp;

Renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja was leading the expedition with five climbers from Nepal, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American, and one Chinese. Purja, who earlier served with Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas, broke multiple climbing records.

Rescuers recovered the body of renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja on Sunday, three days after an avalanche killed him and nine other climbers on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Gilgit-Baltistan. Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest and considered one of the most challenging to climb. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said Purja’s body was found about 5,700 m up the mountain, where three further bodies have been sighted, but their identities have not been confirmed. The 43-year-old’s death was announced on Saturday by his company, Elite Expeditions, which said he was among the 10 people killed in the avalanche. The avalanche struck on Thursday, cutting off contact with the international expedition led by Purja. “The ground rescue team has reached Nims Dai (Purja) at approximately 5,700m on Broad Peak—a mountain he loved and a mountain that has now taken him from us,” the club posted on social media. Purja was leading the expedition with five climbers from Nepal, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American, and one Chinese. ‘Rescue team transporting four bodies’ A rescue team was transporting four bodies, including those of Purja, two other Nepali nationals, and a Chinese citizen, down from the mountain, said the club’s general secretary, Ayaz Shigri. “Rescuers have also confirmed the presence of one additional body at a significantly higher elevation,” he added in a statement. The risk of avalanches and steep slopes is posing challenges to the rescue efforts, and helicopters cannot be deployed owing to rough weather conditions. “Due to the extremely hazardous terrain and prevailing conditions, it is unlikely that a recovery attempt will be made at this stage,” he added. Regional authorities said the remains of three climbers—an Omani woman, a Nepali man, and an American woman—had been recovered and flown to the city of Skardu on Friday. The three were identified as Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung, and American Mallory Geis. The avalanche sparked an outpouring of shock in the mountaineering community. Purja broke multiple climbing records Purja, who served with Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas before joining the Special Boat Squadron of the Royal Marines, broke multiple climbing records since becoming a full-time mountaineer and tour guide. In 2019, Purja had climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres around the world in six months and six days, setting a new record. “Nims (Purja) served with distinction in the British Armed Forces before becoming one of the world’s greatest mountaineers, putting Nepalese climbers on the map,” Prince William posted on X. Purja had written on X on Monday that he was close to becoming the first person to climb all 14 “super peaks” twice without oxygen. “Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down,” he wrote. Rescuers have been scouring the difficult, high-altitude mountainside for days by air and ground after contact was lost with the team on Thursday. “My loving brothers... We will take you back home to see (your) families,” Mingma G Sherpa, a mountaineer involved in rescue, posted on Saturday. Messages of grief poured out after the confirmation that none of the team had survived. Broad Peak is the world’s 12th highest mountain, located in the Karakoram range, and is regarded as one of the toughest and most technical climbs of all the 8,000-metre-plus ascents. It was first summited by an Austrian team in 1957.

Renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja was leading the expedition with five climbers from Nepal, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American, and one Chinese. Purja, who earlier served with Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas, broke multiple climbing records.&nbsp;

Mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body recovered from Broad Peak three days after avalanche

The bodies of three climbers have now been identified after a deadly avalanche struck an international expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range, while search teams continue looking for several others still missing.Local authorities said the remains of US climber Mallory Geis, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman, and Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal have been recovered. Their bodies were airlifted to a hospital for identification and legal formalities. 10 other climbers, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja, remain missing.The avalanche hit below Camp III on the 8,047-metre Broad Peak on Thursday, engulfing a multinational climbing team attempting one of the world's most challenging mountains.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-avalanche-four-bodies-found-as-search-for-nirmal-purja-nims-dai-and-9-other-climbers-enters-critical-phase-1785481985071">Pakistan avalanche: Four bodies found as search for Nirmal Purja and 9 other climbers enters critical phase</a><h2>Search operation hampered by weather</h2>Rescue operations have been slowed by poor weather, preventing helicopters from consistently reaching the avalanche site.The Alpine Club of Pakistan initially reported that four bodies had been found before clarifying that rescuers had recovered two bodies and one body part. Aerial drones later spotted several more victims, but officials said their condition cannot be confirmed until ground rescue teams reach the area. One climber's location remains unknown.Authorities said rescue efforts will resume on Saturday, although reaching the site could take several hours due to the difficult terrain.<h2>International team caught in avalanche</h2>The expedition included climbers from multiple countries and was being led by renowned Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as "Nims Dai", who is among those still missing. Purja became internationally famous in 2019 after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just over six months, setting a world record.The Alpine Club of Pakistan said GPS trackers initially showed movement from three expedition members, including Purja. However, rescuers later found one of the trackers smashed, leading officials to believe the apparent movement may have been caused by a technical glitch.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/buying-russian-oil-could-cost-india-dearly-mea-breaks-silence-on-us-100-tariff-bill-india-closely-monitoring-situation-1785545926163">Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill</a><h2>Chances of survival fading</h2>Officials have acknowledged that hopes of finding survivors are diminishing as more than 24 hours have passed since the avalanche. "The chances of survival in such harsh conditions are very slim," Alpine Club of Pakistan communications lead Naila Kiani said, while adding that "miracles do happen."Earlier, the Pakistan Army dispatched two rescue helicopters carrying specialist personnel and equipment to assist with the search.<h2>Experienced climbers among the missing</h2>Several accomplished mountaineers remain unaccounted for, including Kili Pemba Sherpa, who has summited Mount Everest 15 times and was part of the historic all-Nepali team that completed the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021.Another missing climber is Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, whose GPS tracker was later found destroyed near the avalanche zone.Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, is regarded as one of the most technically demanding peaks in the Karakoram. First climbed in 1957, it has claimed dozens of lives over the decades, underscoring the risks faced by climbers attempting its summit.

Three climbers, including an American, an Omani and a Nepali national, have been identified among the victims of the deadly Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan's Karakoram. Search teams continue looking for 10 missing climbers, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja.

The bodies of three climbers have now been identified after a deadly avalanche struck an international expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range, while search teams continue looking for several others still missing. Local authorities said the remains of US climber Mallory Geis, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman, and Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal have been recovered. Their bodies were airlifted to a hospital for identification and legal formalities. 10 other climbers, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja, remain missing. The avalanche hit below Camp III on the 8,047-metre Broad Peak on Thursday, engulfing a multinational climbing team attempting one of the world's most challenging mountains. Also read | Pakistan avalanche: Four bodies found as search for Nirmal Purja and 9 other climbers enters critical phase Search operation hampered by weather Rescue operations have been slowed by poor weather, preventing helicopters from consistently reaching the avalanche site. The Alpine Club of Pakistan initially reported that four bodies had been found before clarifying that rescuers had recovered two bodies and one body part. Aerial drones later spotted several more victims, but officials said their condition cannot be confirmed until ground rescue teams reach the area. One climber's location remains unknown. Authorities said rescue efforts will resume on Saturday, although reaching the site could take several hours due to the difficult terrain. International team caught in avalanche The expedition included climbers from multiple countries and was being led by renowned Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as "Nims Dai", who is among those still missing. Purja became internationally famous in 2019 after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just over six months, setting a world record. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said GPS trackers initially showed movement from three expedition members, including Purja. However, rescuers later found one of the trackers smashed, leading officials to believe the apparent movement may have been caused by a technical glitch. Also read | Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill Chances of survival fading Officials have acknowledged that hopes of finding survivors are diminishing as more than 24 hours have passed since the avalanche. "The chances of survival in such harsh conditions are very slim," Alpine Club of Pakistan communications lead Naila Kiani said, while adding that "miracles do happen." Earlier, the Pakistan Army dispatched two rescue helicopters carrying specialist personnel and equipment to assist with the search. Experienced climbers among the missing Several accomplished mountaineers remain unaccounted for, including Kili Pemba Sherpa, who has summited Mount Everest 15 times and was part of the historic all-Nepali team that completed the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021. Another missing climber is Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, whose GPS tracker was later found destroyed near the avalanche zone. Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, is regarded as one of the most technically demanding peaks in the Karakoram. First climbed in 1957, it has claimed dozens of lives over the decades, underscoring the risks faced by climbers attempting its summit.

Three climbers, including an American, an Omani and a Nepali national, have been identified among the victims of the deadly Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan's Karakoram. Search teams continue looking for 10 missing climbers, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja.

Pakistan Broad Peak avalanche: Body of US's Mallory Geis identified; Nirmal Purja, 9 others remain missing

Four bodies have been recovered after an avalanche struck below Camp III on Broad Peak (8,047 metres) in Pakistan's Karakoram range, while renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja remains among around 10 climbers feared missing.Pakistani mountaineering authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the recovered bodies, and there has been no communication with the missing expedition members since the avalanche occurred on Thursday.According to Thaneshwar Guragain, general manager of Seven Summit Treks, the missing climbers belong to multiple expedition teams. Three are from Seven Summit Treks, three from Purja's team, two from Imagine Nepal, and one each from Pakistan and the United States.Initially, two bodies were found during ground rescue efforts, but the recovery count has now risen to four. Authorities are still working to establish their identities.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-4-killed-several-injured-after-apartment-building-collapses-near-mumbai-1785467825590">Nine killed, several injured after apartment building collapses near Mumbai</a><h2>Helicopter rescue delayed</h2>Rescue operations have been slowed by poor weather, which has prevented helicopters from reaching the avalanche site.With aircraft grounded, rescuers were forced to launch an initial search on foot. Climbers swept downhill by the avalanche were brought back to base camp overland, during which the bodies were recovered.According to the BBC, a helicopter is expected to take off from Skardu once weather conditions improve."We have remained in constant contact with the relevant authorities to ensure all available resources are mobilised as quickly as possible," the Alpine Club of Pakistan said, expressing hope for the safe recovery of those still missing.Search teams have also been dispatched after reports suggested one climber's location may be near the foot of the mountain.<h2>Tracker offers faint hope</h2>Purja's business partner said a tracking device carried by the Nepal-born climber has continued to register movement since the avalanche.Speaking to Nepal's Kantipur, Mingma Gyabu Sherpa said the tracker initially suggested Purja had been swept downhill before later indicating another change in location.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyber-police-crackdown-on-obscene-morphed-pm-modi-videos-that-went-viral-during-cjp-led-neet-protests-meta-india-head-named-in-fir-1785462979108">Meta India head booked as cyber police crack down on 'obscene' morphed PM Modi videos</a>"Initially, it appeared that he had been swept downhill by the avalanche," Mingma said. "But after the point where the tracking had stopped, the location appears to have shifted again."He cautioned that the data alone could not confirm Purja's condition but said it provided some indication of activity.Purja, a former British Army soldier and Royal Marine, became internationally renowned in 2019 after climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in just over six months, setting a world record that was documented in the Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.<h2>Rescue window narrowing</h2>Guragain said rescue operations in Pakistan are generally slower than those in Nepal because helicopters are operated primarily by the military and require official clearance before deployment.He acknowledged that the chances of finding survivors diminish with every passing hour.Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, is regarded as one of the most technically demanding peaks in the Karakoram.&nbsp;

Four bodies have been recovered after an avalanche struck below Camp III on Pakistan's Broad Peak, while around 10 climbers—including renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja—remain missing.

Four bodies have been recovered after an avalanche struck below Camp III on Broad Peak (8,047 metres) in Pakistan's Karakoram range, while renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja remains among around 10 climbers feared missing. Pakistani mountaineering authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the recovered bodies, and there has been no communication with the missing expedition members since the avalanche occurred on Thursday. According to Thaneshwar Guragain, general manager of Seven Summit Treks, the missing climbers belong to multiple expedition teams. Three are from Seven Summit Treks, three from Purja's team, two from Imagine Nepal, and one each from Pakistan and the United States. Initially, two bodies were found during ground rescue efforts, but the recovery count has now risen to four. Authorities are still working to establish their identities. Also read | Nine killed, several injured after apartment building collapses near Mumbai Helicopter rescue delayed Rescue operations have been slowed by poor weather, which has prevented helicopters from reaching the avalanche site. With aircraft grounded, rescuers were forced to launch an initial search on foot. Climbers swept downhill by the avalanche were brought back to base camp overland, during which the bodies were recovered. According to the BBC, a helicopter is expected to take off from Skardu once weather conditions improve. "We have remained in constant contact with the relevant authorities to ensure all available resources are mobilised as quickly as possible," the Alpine Club of Pakistan said, expressing hope for the safe recovery of those still missing. Search teams have also been dispatched after reports suggested one climber's location may be near the foot of the mountain. Tracker offers faint hope Purja's business partner said a tracking device carried by the Nepal-born climber has continued to register movement since the avalanche. Speaking to Nepal's Kantipur, Mingma Gyabu Sherpa said the tracker initially suggested Purja had been swept downhill before later indicating another change in location. Also read | Meta India head booked as cyber police crack down on 'obscene' morphed PM Modi videos "Initially, it appeared that he had been swept downhill by the avalanche," Mingma said. "But after the point where the tracking had stopped, the location appears to have shifted again." He cautioned that the data alone could not confirm Purja's condition but said it provided some indication of activity. Purja, a former British Army soldier and Royal Marine, became internationally renowned in 2019 after climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in just over six months, setting a world record that was documented in the Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. Rescue window narrowing Guragain said rescue operations in Pakistan are generally slower than those in Nepal because helicopters are operated primarily by the military and require official clearance before deployment. He acknowledged that the chances of finding survivors diminish with every passing hour. Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, is regarded as one of the most technically demanding peaks in the Karakoram.

Four bodies have been recovered after an avalanche struck below Camp III on Pakistan's Broad Peak, while around 10 climbers—including renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nims Dai" Purja—remain missing.

Pakistan avalanche: Four bodies found as search for Nirmal Purja and 9 other climbers enters critical phase

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Nepal Mourns Mountaineering Icon Nirmal Purja | Wion News

Mountaineering legend Nirmal Purja killed in broad peak avalanche

Mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body recovered from Broad Peak days after avalanche

Pakistan avalanche: Body of US climber identified; Nirmal Purja still missing

Pak avalanche: Search for Nirmal Purja, other climbers enters critical phase