Nirmal Purja Among 10 Climbers Missing After Broad Peak Avalanche: What We Know So Far
The mountaineering community is anxiously awaiting updates after renowned Nepali-British mountaineer Nirmal "Nims" Purja and nine other climbers were reported missing following a major avalanche on Broad Peak (8,047 m) in Pakistan's Karakoram Range. Rescue operations are underway, but officials have not yet confirmed the condition or whereabouts of the climbers.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the avalanche struck during a summit push on Broad Peak (8,047 m), the world's twelfth-highest mountain. The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) reported that communication with the expedition team was lost shortly after the avalanche. The missing team comprises climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China, the United States, and another foreign nation. Several media outlets have independently reported the incident, emphasizing that search-and-rescue efforts are continuing and that no official confirmation of the climbers' status has been released.
On 30 July 2026, an international expedition led by Purja was struck by a massive avalanche while making a summit push on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram Range. According to preliminary reports, the avalanche occurred at an altitude of approximately 7,400 metres (24,300 feet), in the upper reaches of the mountain below the summit ridge. Following the avalanche, communication with the climbing team was lost.
Avalanche on the Broad Peak
Nims Dai
Nirmal Purja, widely known as 'Nims Dai ', is one of the most accomplished mountaineers of the modern era. A former Gurkha and UK Special Boat Service (SBS) soldier, he gained worldwide recognition in 2019 by climbing all fourteen mountains above 8,000 metres in just 189 days without supplemental oxygen, shattering the previous record of nearly eight years. His achievement was documented in the Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. Beyond his climbing records, Purja has earned international respect for leading numerous high-altitude rescue missions in the Himalayas and Karakoram, often risking his own safety to assist stranded climbers.
The Rescue Operations
The Alpine Club of Pakistan stated that it is working closely with Pakistani authorities to coordinate search-and-rescue efforts. Helicopter deployment and ground operations are being planned, although adverse weather conditions, avalanche hazards, and the extreme altitude continue to pose significant challenges.
Mountain rescue above 8,000 metres, often referred to as the 'Death Zone ', is exceptionally difficult because of extremely low oxygen levels, unstable snow conditions, and limited opportunities for helicopter operations.
Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram Range, rises to 8,047 m. Despite being considered technically less demanding than neighbouring K2, the mountain is notorious for rapidly changing weather, heavy snowfall, avalanche-prone slopes, and prolonged exposure to extreme altitude. These conditions make both climbing and rescue operations highly hazardous.
As of this morning, 31 July 2026, there has been 'no official confirmation' regarding the fate of Nirmal Purja or the other nine missing climbers. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions while conducting search-and-rescue operations.
Nirmal Purja's GPS tracker
Morning Update (6:18 am):
Mingma David Sherpa has shared Purja's GPS traces, and the movement of the tracker is observed. "At 06:18 AM there were signs of movement. He appears to be alive, conscious and waiting for rescue," he said.
GPS tracker - 6:18am, 31 July 2026
