Key Points
- Six of the victims were Nepalese climbers
- Nirmal Purja among world’s greatest mountaineers
- Nepal honours legacy of national climbing hero
ISLAMABAD: Nepal is mourning the loss of legendary mountaineer Nirmal Purja and five fellow Nepalese climbers after an avalanche claimed the lives of all 10 members of an expedition on Pakistan’s Broad Peak.
The incident triggered an outpouring of grief across the Himalayan nation.
Purja, widely known as “Nims”, rose to international prominence after scaling the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in just over six months, a feat that redefined high-altitude mountaineering.
His achievements also helped bring long-overdue international recognition to Nepal’s elite climbing guides, who have long played a vital role in Himalayan expeditions.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, paid tribute to Purja, saying his “history of courage, dedication and contribution will always remain inspiring”.
In an emotional Facebook message, Purja’s brother, Kamal Purja, described the loss as deeply personal.
“I feel as though I have lost my whole world. My brother was not only my younger brother — he was my heart,” he wrote, adding that although the family was devastated, “your legacy will live forever.”
At the Small Heaven School in Nepal’s Chitwan district, where Purja studied as a child, students and teachers held a candlelight vigil in his memory. Students said his determination and courage had inspired generations and brought pride not only to the school but to the entire country.
Former teachers and classmates recalled Purja as a fearless and disciplined student whose determination was evident from an early age.
His former hostel supervisor, Shailendra Baral, remembered him as “honest and an obedient student,” who displayed unusual courage even as a child.
Childhood friend Bahadur Panta said he had spent sleepless nights praying for Purja after news emerged that the expedition was missing, reflecting the anxiety shared by countless admirers.
Social media platforms were flooded with tributes describing Purja as a “legend” whose achievements transformed Nepal’s place in global mountaineering.
Many also honoured the other climbers who perished, saying their contributions and legacy would endure.
Purja’s global profile expanded further after his extraordinary journey was chronicled in a 2021 Netflix documentary, introducing millions of viewers to his record-breaking achievements and Nepal’s climbing heritage.
