Renowned Climber Nirmal Purja Missing After Avalanche in Pakistan

Jul 31, 2026

70 min

Jul 31, 2026 05:31

World-famous climber Nirmal Purja among 10 missing after Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan: ‘Space for hope is narrow’ as rescue launched

## Avalanche on Broad Peak

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja is among ten climbers missing following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. The incident has prompted an urgent rescue operation involving helicopters and ground teams, although adverse weather conditions are complicating efforts.

## International Rescue Effort

The missing group includes climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China, and the United States. The Alpine Club of Pakistan has confirmed that communication with the team has been lost since the avalanche. Rescue operations are being coordinated with Nepal's Mountaineering Association, and climbers from nearby peaks are joining the search.

## Nirmal Purja's Legacy

Purja, a former member of Britain's Brigade of Gurkhas and the Royal Marines, is celebrated for his record-breaking climbs, including summiting all 14 of the world's highest peaks in just over six months. His presence on the expedition has drawn significant international attention.

## Challenges of High-Altitude Rescue

Rescue operations at such high altitudes are fraught with challenges, including thin air, unstable snow, and rapidly changing weather. The summit of Broad Peak is in the "death zone," where oxygen levels are critically low, making survival and rescue efforts extremely difficult.

## Hope Diminishing

Two bodies have been found, and the chances of finding other climbers alive are considered slim. The urgency of the rescue is underscored by the harsh conditions and the narrow window for survival after an avalanche.

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