Nirmal Purja, a renowned British-Nepali mountaineer, has tragically lost his life in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan on July 30, 2026. He was 43 years old and one of the 10 people who lost their lives in the disaster.

Reactions and Tributes

Purja’s death has sent shockwaves across the mountaineering community, with many paying tribute to his incredible achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Elite Expeditions, Purja’s company, released a statement on Instagram, confirming his passing and expressing their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

“Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive. Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy,” the statement read.

The statement continued, “The world has lost one of mountaineering’s greatest climbers, a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility, and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine.”

Purja’s brother, Kamal, also released a statement, expressing his family’s devastation and pride in Nirmal’s achievements.

“It is with the heaviest heart that I share the devastating news that my beloved younger brother, Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, and the other climbers are no longer with us. Although our hearts are broken, we are incredibly proud of you. Your legacy will live forever,” Kamal said.

Purja’s Achievements and Legacy

Nirmal Purja was a highly accomplished mountaineer, best known for his incredible feat of scaling the world’s 14 highest peaks in just over six months in 2019. This achievement was chronicled in the Netflix documentary ’14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible’, which showcased Purja’s determination, self-belief, and positivity.

Purja served in the British military for 16 years and was awarded an MBE in 2018 for his achievement in extreme high-altitude mountaineering. He lived in Hampshire, England, with his wife and three-year-old daughter, who are now left to mourn his passing.

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, also paid tribute to Purja, stating that the tragic loss of six Nepalese and four other foreign climbers, including world record holder Nirmal Purja, in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan, has shocked us.

The Prime Minister continued, “The history of their courage, dedication, and contributions will always remain inspiring.”

Purja’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of mountaineers and adventurers to come, and his incredible achievements will never be forgotten.