Nirmal Purja
Legendary Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja has died in a devastating avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, bringing a tragic end to one of the most extraordinary careers in modern mountaineering.
His expedition company, Elite Exped, confirmed his death after rescue teams located the victims following an intensive search operation. The avalanche also claimed the lives of several other climbers from different countries.
Purja achieved worldwide fame in 2019 by climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just 189 days, shattering the previous record that had stood for years.
The achievement became the subject of the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,” inspiring millions around the world and redefining what was considered possible in high-altitude climbing.
The avalanche struck while Purja and his team were attempting Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain at 8,051 metres.
Initially reported missing, Purja and several teammates were later confirmed dead after rescue teams used drone surveillance to locate the victims. Recovery efforts have been hampered by dangerous terrain, heavy snow and limited helicopter rescue capabilities in the region.
Tributes have poured in from leaders, fellow climbers and adventure enthusiasts across the world.
Before becoming a professional mountaineer, Purja served in the British Army’s Gurkhas and later joined the elite Special Boat Service (SBS). Beyond his record-breaking climbs, he earned admiration for repeatedly risking his own life to rescue stranded climbers in the Himalayas.
His courage, determination and belief that “nothing is impossible” transformed him into one of the most influential mountaineers of his generation. His legacy is expected to inspire climbers for decades to come.
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