World-renowned Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja has died following the avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, his expedition company Elite Exped has confirmed.
In an official statement shared on Saturday, Elite Exped said it had received confirmation that Purja had lost his life in the avalanche. The company also confirmed that other members of the expedition did not survive.
Among those named in the statement were Purja’s trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung, known as Yukta, and Nima Sherpa.
“The world has lost one of mountaineering’s greatest climbers,” the company said in its tribute, describing Purja as a leader whose courage, humility and belief in human potential inspired millions.
Elite Exped also thanked search-and-rescue teams and everyone involved in the response under extremely difficult conditions. It requested privacy for the families and said it would make no further comment beyond information confirmed by the relevant authorities.
End of days of uncertainty
Purja had been missing since an avalanche struck an international climbing team on Broad Peak on Thursday.
Pakistan Army helicopters, ground rescuers and high-altitude mountaineers had been searching the avalanche zone in severe weather and dangerous terrain.
Before Elite Exped’s announcement, authorities had confirmed the recovery of several victims, including Nepali guide Pur Bahadur Gurung, Omani mountaineer Nadhira Al Harthy and American climber Sarah Mallory Geis.
Elite Exped’s statement now ends the uncertainty surrounding Purja’s condition, although it does not clarify whether his body has been recovered or explain the identification process.
A towering figure in modern mountaineering
Purja became one of the world’s most recognised mountaineers after climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in 189 days in 2019.
His record-breaking Project Possible expedition was documented in the Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
Elite Exped said his vision and determination helped build the company and several other initiatives, including the Nimsdai Foundation and Skydive Nimsdai.
“Your spirit, your purpose and your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” the company said in its farewell message.
A loss felt far beyond Nepal
Purja’s death is a profound loss for Nepal and the international climbing community.
His achievements changed how the world viewed speed, endurance and ambition in high-altitude mountaineering. He also helped bring greater global recognition to Nepali climbers and guides.
Tributes are expected from climbers, expedition organisations, admirers and institutions around the world.
Editor’s note: Elite Exped has confirmed Nirmal Purja’s death. Details regarding the recovery of his body, the complete casualty count and the status of other expedition members remain subject to further official clarification.
