Kathmandu, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Renowned mountaineer Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja died after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, while attempting to achieve another historic milestone in his climbing career.
Purja’s company, Elite Exped, confirmed on Saturday that the Nepal-born British citizen lost his life in the avalanche that hit the 8,051-metre peak on July 30. The company also confirmed the deaths of other expedition members, including Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa.
“Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones,” Elite Exped said in a statement.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah also expressed grief over the deaths, confirming that six Nepali climbers, including Purja, lost their lives during the expedition along with four foreign climbers.
Shah said the loss of the climbers had left the country deeply shocked and saddened, adding that their courage, dedication and contributions would continue to inspire future generations.
Purja was attempting Broad Peak as part of a goal to become the first person to climb all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres twice without supplemental oxygen. The climb was not part of his original plan, as he had initially intended to summit only Gasherbrum II, but he decided to attempt Broad Peak after recognising an opportunity to complete the historic challenge.
In a social media post before the expedition, Purja said reaching the summit of Broad Peak would leave only Cho Oyu before he could complete the double ascent of all 14 eight-thousanders.
The climber shot to global fame in 2019 after completing the ascent of all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in just over six months under his ‘Project Possible’ initiative, breaking the previous record of nearly eight years.
Born in Nepal’s Dhaulagiri region and raised in Chitwan, Purja served in the military for 16 years, including with the British Gurkhas and the United Kingdom’s elite Special Boat Service. He became the first Gurkha to join the special forces unit.
He entered mountaineering in 2012 after trekking to Everest Base Camp and later set records, including climbing Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu within five days in 2018.
Apart from his climbing achievements, Purja was recognised worldwide for high-altitude rescue missions and his efforts to inspire people to push beyond perceived limits.
Elite Exped described him as one of mountaineering’s greatest figures, saying his legacy would continue through the inspiration he provided to millions around the world.
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