Kathmandu: The world’s most daring and world record holder Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, fondly called ‘Nimsdai’, died in a massive avalanche at Broad Peak, the world’s 12th highest peak, located in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). His fellow guides Pur Bahadur Gurung and Nima Sherpa, along with other members of the expedition team, also lost their lives in this tragic accident.
The tragic accident occurred on Friday at an altitude of approximately 21,600 to 21,850 feet on the Broad Peak’s normal West Ridge route, where a large mass of snow (an avalanche) suddenly slid down. Following hours of rescue operations, his adventure company, Elite Exped, officially confirmed his death. Just hours before the accident, Nirmal Purja had sent his last voice message to an Indian journalist.
Adventure company Elite Expedition paid an emotional tribute: “The world has lost one of its greatest heroes.”
Nirmal Purja’s adventure company, Elite Exped, shared the news on social media and expressed its deepest condolences. The company wrote:
“The world has today lost one of the greatest and most courageous heroes in mountaineering history. Nirmal Purja was not just a mountaineer, but an example to millions that humans can achieve greater things than they imagine. His legacy, his vision, and his Nimsdai Foundation will always inspire people around the world to dream and achieve their dreams.”
The company has also appealed to people to respect the privacy of the bereaved families of the deceased climbers in this very difficult and sad time.
From British Special Forces to world record: Nirmal Purja’s historic journey
Nirmal Purja’s life is filled with stories of courage and making the impossible possible:
Military background: Before creating new history in mountaineering, Nirmal Purja served for many years in Britain’s ‘Brigade of Gurkhas’ and the Royal Marines’ elite commando unit ‘Special Boat Service’ (SBS).
14 Peaks in 6 Months (Project Possible): In 2019, under his much-talked-about “Project Possible,” he conquered all 14 of the world’s most dangerous peaks above 8,000 meters in just 6 months and 6 days (189 days), setting a world record that astonished the entire world. This indomitable feat has also been the subject of a famous Netflix documentary, “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.”
Winter conquest of K2: In 2021, he was a key member of a historic team of 10 Nepali climbers who, for the first time, conquered K2, the world’s second highest and most dangerous peak, during the harsh winter season.