Nirmal Purja, celebrated mountaineer, confirmed dead in Pakistan avalanche

The British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal "Nims" Purja has been confirmed dead at the age of 43 after an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. His expedition company, Elite Expeditions, announced on August 1, 2026, that Purja and the other members of his climbing group did not survive the incident, which occurred on July 30, 2026.

The avalanche struck the 10-person international expedition led by Purja at an altitude of approximately 6,600 metres on Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain. Contact with the team was lost on Thursday, initiating a search and rescue operation by Pakistani authorities that utilized army helicopters, drone systems, and ground rescue teams.

According to officials, search teams located the victims over the following days. On July 31, rescue personnel recovered four bodies from the slopes, while drone operations subsequently located the remaining six climbers. Elite Expeditions later confirmed there were no survivors from the group.

Purja was on Broad Peak attempting his "Hat-Trick Challenge," a project continuing his career of high-altitude accomplishments. Known for his rapid ascents and specialized expeditions, he had established himself as one of the most prominent figures in modern climbing. The loss of Purja and his team marks a tragic end to a career defined by pushing the limits of human endurance and mountaineering achievement.