Nirmal Purja Dies in Broad Peak Avalanche in Pakistan
Why in the news
Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja, the Nepali mountaineer who redrew record books, died when an avalanche hit Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The Kathmandu Post dates his death to 30 July 2026, and about 10 climbers were reported dead in the disaster.
Key facts
- Location: Broad Peak (8,051 m), a Karakoram peak and the world’s 12th highest.
- Purja was 43; he was born on 25 July 1983 in Dana village, Myagdi district, Nepal.
- Record: all 14 eight-thousanders in 6 months 6 days (2019, Project Possible).
- First winter ascent of K2 in January 2021 with an all-Nepali team.
- Honour: MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), 2018.
About Purja
He served with the British Gurkhas and was the first Gurkha taken into the Special Boat Service. His documentary on the 14-peak project, 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, reached viewers in 191 countries. Other victims reported included Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy and American climber Mallory Geis.
Exam angle
- Broad Peak lies in the Karakoram range in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- The record of 14 peaks in 6 months 6 days is a frequent GK item.
- Link the person to K2’s first winter ascent (2021).