Nirmal Purja's Body Found; All 10 Climbers Dead in Broad Peak Avalanche

Body Recovered After Three-Day Search

Rescuers have found the body of famed international climber Nirmal Purja, three days after a deadly avalanche swept through Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). With his recovery, all ten climbers who were caught in the incident have now been confirmed dead.

The search operation, which had been hampered by treacherous weather and difficult terrain, concluded on Sunday. Officials confirmed that Purja's body was among the last to be recovered, bringing a somber end to a rescue mission that had drawn global attention.

A Life of Extremes

Purja, widely known as 'Nimsdai', was no ordinary mountaineer. The former UK commando shot to international fame in 2019 when he climbed all 14 of the world's highest peaks—each above 8,000 metres—in a record-breaking six months and six days. That feat, which involved summiting Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga among others, shattered the previous world record by over seven years.

His achievement was not just about speed. Purja's expeditions often involved high-altitude rescues, and he was known for his extraordinary endurance and leadership in the death zone. After his record-breaking run, he continued to push boundaries, setting his sights on new challenges in the world's most unforgiving environments.

The Final Dream

For Purja, the 2026 expedition to Broad Peak was meant to be a crowning pursuit. At 8,051 metres, Broad Peak is the 12th highest mountain in the world and is known for its steep, icy slopes and unpredictable weather. It was on these slopes that the avalanche struck, catching the team of ten climbers in its path.

Details of the avalanche remain scarce. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances that led to the disaster, though rescue teams have described the conditions as extremely hazardous. The incident has sent shockwaves through the mountaineering community, which had come to regard Purja as a near-legendary figure.

Global Tributes Pour In

News of Purja's death has prompted an outpouring of grief from climbers, adventurers, and fans across the world. Many have recalled his famous mantra of 'never give up', a phrase he often repeated during his record-breaking climbs. Social media has been flooded with tributes, with colleagues describing him as a 'force of nature' who inspired a generation of high-altitude climbers.

The loss of all ten climbers marks one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents in recent years. Pakistani authorities have announced that an investigation into the avalanche will be conducted, though they have yet to release a timeline for the probe.

What Happens Next

As the bodies of the climbers are brought down from the mountain, attention will turn to the families and the broader climbing community. Questions will inevitably be raised about the risks of high-altitude expeditions and the changing conditions on peaks like Broad Peak. For now, the focus remains on honouring the memory of a man who redefined what was possible in the mountains.