Explained: What Happened to Nirmal Purja on Pakistan's Broad Peak?

Few names in mountaineering command as much respect as Nirmal Purja. The Nepal-born climber, popularly known as Nims Dai, rewrote the history books in 2019 by scaling all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in just over six months, a feat many believed was impossible.

Now, the man celebrated for conquering the world's highest mountains is at the centre of a desperate search-and-rescue mission after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, in Pakistan's Karakoram range.

Here's what we know so far.

What happened on Broad Peak?

An avalanche struck Broad Peak (8,047 metres) around midday on Thursday, hitting an international climbing expedition near the summit. According to Pakistan's Alpine Club, the entire team reportedly lost communication after the avalanche, triggering an emergency search operation. Rescue efforts have been complicated by difficult weather and operational conditions, with helicopters being deployed whenever conditions permit.

Who is Nirmal Purja?

Nirmal Purja is one of the world's most accomplished high-altitude climbers. A former Gurkha and UK Special Boat Service (SBS) soldier, he shot to global fame in 2019 after completing Project Possible, climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just six months and six days, shattering the previous record of nearly eight years. His exploits were later chronicled in the acclaimed Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, turning him into one of mountaineering's most recognisable faces.

Who else is missing?

Purja was leading a 10-member international expedition that included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, China and Oman. According to Nepal's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the missing climbers include expedition leader Nirmal Purja, along with Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa. The team also includes Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, American climber Mallory Geis, Omani climber Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and another foreign climber.

Have any climbers been found?

Search teams have recovered four bodies from the avalanche site. However, authorities have not yet confirmed their identities, and rescue teams continue searching for those still missing.

What is Nepal doing?

Nepal has expressed deep shock over the incident and said it is working closely with the Pakistani government through its embassy in Islamabad to support search and rescue efforts. The ministry said it is maintaining continuous coordination with Pakistani authorities and urged all stakeholders to ensure a swift rescue operation despite the challenging weather.

Why is Broad Peak so dangerous?

Standing at 8,047 metres, Broad Peak is the 12th-highest mountain in the world and one of the five 8,000-metre peaks in Pakistan's Karakoram range. Like neighbouring K2, it is known for rapidly changing weather, extreme altitude, avalanche-prone slopes and narrow climbing windows, making rescue operations exceptionally difficult.

What happens next?

For now, the focus remains on the search. Authorities in Pakistan, together with Nepalese officials and the Alpine Club of Pakistan, are coordinating rescue efforts, while helicopters and ground teams continue to scan the mountain whenever weather conditions allow. For the global climbing community, the hope is that Nirmal Purja and the remaining members of the expedition are found alive. Until then, one of mountaineering's greatest adventurers remains at the heart of a rescue mission unfolding on one of the world's most unforgiving peaks.

(With inputs from ANI)