Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja tragically lost his life along with nine other climbers in an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, an 8,051-metre mountain in Gilgit-Baltistan. Purja gained worldwide acclaim for setting a record by summiting the world’s 14 highest peaks in just over six months. His expedition company, Elite Exped, confirmed the devastating news, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Purja and his fellow climbers.
Former cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi honored Purja on the X platform, emphasizing that some heroes achieve greatness not on playing fields but by conquering the planet’s tallest mountains. Afridi highlighted Purja’s courage, discipline, and determination, noting that these qualities made the impossible achievable and that his bravery will inspire future generations.
In a significant development, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, also paid tribute through a joint statement on X. They described Purja as one of the world’s foremost mountaineers who elevated the global profile of Nepalese climbers. The royal couple noted his distinguished service in the British Armed Forces and praised his humility, selflessness, and relentless pursuit of extraordinary challenges.
Guinness World Records commemorated Purja’s exceptional accomplishments in mountaineering, recalling that he held several records, including the most verified summits of 8,000-metre peaks, with 49 ascents as of September 2025. Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, remarked that Purja pushed the boundaries of human endurance and left a lasting legacy by spotlighting the vital role of Sherpa guides and porters.
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed condolences, acknowledging that while the climbers’ physical journeys had ended, their courage, dedication, and contributions would continue to motivate many. Purja, aged 43, had a background in the British Army’s Gurkhas and special forces before his historic mountaineering achievements. His record-breaking “Project Possible” feat in 2019 captured global attention, later documented in the Netflix film “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,” which highlighted both his triumphs and the dangers of high-altitude climbing.
The avalanche struck on Thursday as the climbers attempted to summit Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s most formidable mountains. Rescue teams, aided by drone technology, recovered the bodies, though challenging terrain and severe weather conditions have complicated recovery efforts. The mountaineering community worldwide mourns the loss of Purja and his companions, remembering him as a trailblazer who redefined what could be accomplished in extreme altitude climbing.
