Story perspectives

Broad Peak Avalanche Claims Nepali Mountaineer Nimsdai Purja

8/1/2026

Summary

Purja Body Recovered

An avalanche struck the 10-person Broad Peak expedition on Thursday midday at 6,600 metres, sweeping all climbers.
Bodies were recovered: Mallory Geis (U.S.), Nadhira Al Harthy (Oman) and Pur Bahadur Gurung (Nepal).
Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja’s body was later found, bringing the total recovered to four.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the deaths shocked the nation.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja an inspirational man.

Summary

Pakistan Army Search

Two Pakistan Army helicopters and teams were deployed to Broad Peak on July 31 to locate the team after the avalanche.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan coordinated the search, drones spotting seven bodies that could not be verified.
Rescue operations were suspended Friday night because of weather and limited helicopter access, to resume on Aug. 1.
Chinese ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing would assist any Chinese citizen involved and cooperate with Pakistani authorities.

History

Historical Context

On 10–11 May 1996 a blizzard on Everest killed eight climbers, including Adventure Consultants leader Rob Hall and Mountain Madness guide Scott Fischer, sparking global debate over commercial expeditions and intense scrutiny of their practices. The tragedy’s legacy shapes today’s multinational rescue on Broad Peak, coordinated by the Alpine Club of Pakistan and Chinese officials.

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Purja Body Recovered

An avalanche struck the 10-person Broad Peak expedition on Thursday midday at 6,600 metres, sweeping all climbers.
Bodies were recovered: Mallory Geis (U.S.), Nadhira Al Harthy (Oman) and Pur Bahadur Gurung (Nepal).
Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja’s body was later found, bringing the total recovered to four.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the deaths shocked the nation.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja an inspirational man.

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