Mountaineering legend Nirmal Purja among 10 climbers killed in PoK avalanche

Veteran Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja died in an avalanche on Broad Peak, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Gilgit Baltistan, his expedition company said on Saturday. Purja, 43, was among 10 climbers swept away by the avalanche that struck Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range near K2, at an altitude of around 7,000 metres on Thursday. Three bodies, including a Nepalese mountaineer, have already been identified, and six other bodies have been located at the mountain, said a Nepal Mountaineering Association official. “It is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak,” Elite Expedition said in a statement on social media.

“Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa,” it said. “The world has lost one of mountaineering's greatest climbers; a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine,” it added. Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah extended his condolences on the death of Purja and five other Nepalese climbers.

“Only the physical journeys of Nirmal Purja and all the other departed mountaineers have come to an end; the legacy of their courage, dedication, and contributions will forever remain alive and inspiring. Heartfelt tributes to all the departed mountaineers. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, and well-wishers,” he said in a social media post. The Broad Peak expedition marked the end of Purja's illustrious mountaineering career. It is the world's 12th-highest mountain and is considered one of the most challenging peaks to climb. Purja had successfully climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres around the world in just six months and six days, setting a new record in 2019. He was about to complete his mission of climbing all 14 eight-thousanders twice after completing the Broad Peak.

Beginning in 2003, Purja had a distinguished 16-year military career, of which he spent six years as a Gurkha and 10 years with the UK Special Forces. Purja was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2018. The avalanche struck the mountain at an altitude of around 7,000 metres on Thursday, sweeping away the 10-member climbing team that had begun its summit push, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP). The climbers -- six from Nepal, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American and one Chinese -- went missing at around 9 am on Thursday following the avalanche.