Renowned Indian‑born Climber Nirmal Purja Among Ten Feared Lost in Broad Peak Avalanche

A massive snow slide struck Broad Peak, one of the Karakoram’s 8,000‑metre giants, on July 31, leaving ten climbers unaccounted for, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan. Among those feared missing is Nirmal "Nims" Purja, the celebrated Indo‑Pakistani mountaineer famed for summiting all fourteen eight‑thousanders in a record‑breaking 189 days.

The avalanche, described by officials as “large and sudden,” engulfed the expedition’s camp high on the mountain’s icy slopes. Rescue teams have been dispatched, but harsh weather and treacherous terrain are hampering recovery efforts. Local authorities are working with international specialists to locate any survivors and recover the fallen.

Purja’s disappearance reverberates across the South‑Asian diaspora, where his achievements have inspired countless aspiring climbers and highlighted the region’s mountaineering heritage. The incident also underscores the ongoing risks faced by adventurers in the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges, prompting calls for enhanced safety protocols and better coordination among trekking operators.

The mountaineering community worldwide awaits further updates as search operations continue.