It is with profound grief that we at Himalaya Hub Adventure share the heartbreaking news of the passing of legendary mountaineer Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja, along with nine other climbers, in a devastating avalanche on Broad Peak (8,047m) in Karakoram Range, Pakistan. This tragic event has shaken the global climbing community, and our hearts ache for the families, friends, and teammates left behind.
A Hero Lost to the Mountains
Nirmal Purja, widely known as Nims Dai, was more than a mountaineer, he was an inspiration to adventurers around the world. Born in Nepal and later serving in the British Army and Special Boat Service, Nims became a symbol of courage, resilience, and boundless human potential.
His most celebrated achievement, Project Possible, saw him summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just 6 months and 6 days, a record that shattered previous expectations and redefined what was thought achievable in high-altitude climbing. He also co-led the first-ever winter ascent of K2 in 2021 and set numerous other speed and endurance records that will stand as testaments to his extraordinary spirit.
Nims’ legacy is not only in the peaks he conquered but in the lives he touched, through his Netflix documentary, his advocacy for climbers, and his unwavering belief in the power of dreams.
The Broad Peak Avalanche: What Happened
On Thursday, 30 July 2026, Nims was leading a 10-person expedition to summit Broad Peak, the world’s 12th highest mountain, located on the Pakistan-China border. At approximately midday, while the team was ascending from Camp II to Camp III at around 6,600 meters, a sudden and powerful avalanche struck.
Rescue efforts began immediately, with the Pakistan Army deploying helicopters and ground teams. However, severe weather conditions and the remote, treacherous terrain hampered operations. As of Friday night, three bodies had been recovered, those of Sarah Mallory Geis (USA), Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy (Oman), and Pur Bahadur Gurung (Nepal), with signs of more victims spotted by drone.
The missing climbers include:
- Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja (Nepal/UK)
- Wang Zhong (China)
- Gyalu Sherpa (Nepal)
- Nima Sherpa (Nepal)
- Kili Pemba Sherpa “Kilu” (Nepal)
- Suhail Shahzad (Pakistan)
- Others from the Elite Exped team
Our Heartfelt Condolences
At Himalaya Hub Adventure, we stand in solidarity with the global mountaineering family in this time of immeasurable sorrow. The loss of Nims Dai and his teammates is a stark reminder of the dangers that come with chasing the highest summits, but also of the unbreakable spirit that drives us to explore, to dream, and to push beyond limits.
We extend our deepest sympathies to:
- The families and loved ones of Nirmal Purja and all those lost
- The Nepalese and international climbing communities
- The Elite Exped team and all who knew these brave souls
Their passion, determination, and commitment to the mountains will continue to inspire generations of trekkers, climbers, and adventurers.
A Tribute in Spirit
Though gone from our sight, Nims Dai and his fellow climbers live on in every footprint left on the trails they loved, in every summit reached by those they inspired, and in the stories we tell around campfires under the stars.
May their souls rest in eternal peace.
May their families find strength in this time of grief.
And may their legacy guide us all to climb with courage, humility, and respect for the mountains.
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