ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Diya TV) — Rescue teams have recovered the remains of renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja and three other climbers on Broad Peak after a deadly avalanche struck an international expedition in northern Pakistan. The tragedy has shocked the global climbing community and renewed attention on the dangers of high-altitude expeditions in the Karakoram mountain range.
Officials confirmed on Sunday that a ground rescue team found the bodies of Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa and Kili Pemba Sherpa on Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain. The Alpine Club of Pakistan identified the climbers and praised the military, civilian rescuers and volunteers who took part in the difficult recovery mission.
The avalanche swept through a 10-member international climbing expedition earlier this week. Since then, rescue teams have battled severe weather, freezing temperatures and dangerous terrain to locate those missing. Despite the harsh conditions, search crews have continued their efforts on the mountain.
Earlier on Friday, rescuers located four additional bodies. However, bad weather forced helicopters to remain on the ground. As a result, teams recovered only three victims. Officials identified them as Omani climber Nathira Ahmed, American climber Mallory Geis and Nepalese climber Bahadur Gurung.
Meanwhile, military-backed rescue teams resumed their search on Sunday for the two climbers who remain missing. Rescue workers also continued efforts to bring down the bodies of Purja and the three climbers discovered by the ground team. Local authorities said the challenging weather and steep landscape continue to slow operations.
Purja’s expedition company honored the celebrated climber on Saturday. The company described him as one of mountaineering’s greatest figures. It said Purja inspired millions through his courage, humility and belief that people could achieve far more than they imagined.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Club President Irfan Arshad Khan called the disaster an immeasurable loss for the global mountaineering community. He also thanked military personnel, civilian rescuers and Sherpas who risked their lives during the search mission.
Purja, who was widely known as “Nims Dai,” built an international reputation through remarkable climbing achievements. Born in Nepal, he later served in the British Army before becoming one of the world’s best-known mountaineers.
In 2019, Purja climbed the world’s 14 highest mountains in only 189 days. The historic achievement broke previous records and captured worldwide attention. His journey later appeared in the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.” Although another climber surpassed the record in 2023, Purja’s accomplishment remains one of the most celebrated feats in modern mountaineering.
The tragedy also claimed the life of Mallory Geis, whose family remembered her with heartfelt words. In a statement, they described Geis as a bright light who brought joy to everyone around her. They said her family and friends would miss her deeply.
The expedition also included Pakistani mountain guide Sohail Sakhi. He worked with Moving Mountains, a Pakistan-based adventure travel company, and had guided climbers on several major peaks. Besides guiding expeditions, Sakhi built a reputation as a geographer and high-altitude photographer. His body remained missing on Sunday as rescue efforts continued.
Broad Peak stands in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region near K2. Every climbing season, the mountain attracts experienced mountaineers from around the world. However, the route presents serious risks because of deep snow, unstable ice, avalanches and sudden weather changes. Even skilled climbers face life-threatening conditions at extreme altitude.
Pakistan is home to five of the world’s 14 mountains that rise above 8,000 meters. As a result, the country remains one of the top destinations for elite climbers. At the same time, rescue operations in the region often become difficult because helicopters cannot always fly in poor weather and crews must cross dangerous terrain on foot.
The search for the remaining climbers continues as families await answers and rescue teams press forward. Meanwhile, the loss of Nirmal Purja and the other climbers has left a lasting mark on the international climbing community. Their achievements, determination, and passion for the mountains will continue to inspire climbers around the world, even as this disaster highlights the serious risks that accompany high-altitude expeditions.
