Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai)
World-renowned Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja is among ten international climbers missing after an avalanche struck their expedition on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan, triggering an urgent high-altitude search operation.
The avalanche reportedly hit the team on Thursday as it attempted to climb the 8,047-metre peak in the Karakoram range. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the expedition had been out of communication since the incident.
Purja was reportedly leading the international group, which included five Nepali climbers. The other members were identified as Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, Omani climber Nathira, American climber and travel photographer Mallory Geis, a Chinese climber identified as Wang, and another foreign national whose name had not been released.
Search operation faces severe mountain conditions
Officials from the Alpine Club of Pakistan said they were in contact with government agencies to facilitate an immediate search-and-rescue mission.
Efforts were being made to deploy helicopters and other emergency resources, although the operation remained dependent on weather, visibility and aviation conditions around the mountain.
Helicopter rescue missions above the Karakoram are particularly difficult because of the altitude, unpredictable winds and limited landing options.
A later report by The Kathmandu Post, citing Seven Summit Treks, said two bodies had been found at the avalanche site. Their identities had not been established, and Purja remained listed among those missing at the time of the update.
No official statement confirming the condition of Purja or identifying the reported victims had been released when this article was prepared.
Concern spreads through Nepal and the climbing community
News of Purja’s disappearance has generated widespread concern in Nepal and across the international mountaineering community.
Supporters have flooded social-media posts with prayers and messages of hope. However, several unverified posts have also circulated with conflicting claims about the climbers’ condition.
Readers should rely only on information issued by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Pakistani rescue authorities, the expedition organiser, Purja’s official platforms or his family.
Nirmal Purja | Nims Dai
Who is Nirmal Purja?
Purja, popularly known as Nims Dai, is one of Nepal’s most internationally recognised mountaineers.
He gained global attention in 2019 after completing ascents of all 14 mountains higher than 8,000 metres in 189 days. That journey became the subject of the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
A former member of the British military and Special Forces, Purja has also participated in difficult mountain rescue missions and record-setting expeditions.
Broad Peak is familiar territory for him. He climbed it during his historic 2019 campaign after completing ascents of several other major Pakistani peaks.
Broad Peak and its dangers
Broad Peak stands at 8,047 metres near K2 in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is among the world’s 14 highest mountains and attracts international expeditions during the summer climbing season.
Despite its name and relatively broad summit ridge, the mountain presents serious dangers, including avalanches, crevasses, severe storms and prolonged exposure in the so-called death zone above 8,000 metres.
The latest incident has once again highlighted how quickly conditions can change on the world’s highest peaks even for highly experienced climbers.
The search remains active, and further information is expected from Pakistani authorities and mountaineering organisations.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story. Details may change as rescue teams reach the avalanche area and officials verify the identities and condition of the climbers.
