Legendary mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja has died after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, bringing a tragic end to the life of one of the most accomplished climbers in history. His expedition company, Elite Exped, confirmed the news on Instagram after Purja and five other climbers had been missing since Friday.
The avalanche hit the standard West Ridge route of Broad Peak at an altitude of approximately 21,600 to 21,850 feet. Elite Exped also confirmed that Purja’s trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa, were among those who lost their lives. The company extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of all the victims, requesting privacy as they mourn the devastating loss.
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Hours before the tragedy, Purja reportedly sent a voice message to NDTV’s Vishnu Som, which is believed to be among his final communications.
Located in the Karakoram mountain range near K2, Broad Peak straddles the border between Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and China’s Xinjiang province.
Purja, a former member of Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas and the elite Special Boat Service (SBS), transformed modern mountaineering through a series of extraordinary achievements. In 2019, he stunned the world by climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in just six months and six days as part of his ambitious “Project Possible.” Two years later, he joined a team of Nepali climbers to complete the first successful winter ascent of K2.
His achievements reached a global audience through the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, inspiring countless adventurers to pursue high-altitude climbing.
Remembered for his courage, determination and belief that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary goals, Purja leaves behind a lasting legacy that extends far beyond mountaineering, inspiring generations to dream bigger and push the limits of human potential.
