Nepal expresses shock over missing climbers after Broad Peak avalanche; assures coordination with Pakistan
Kathmandu, July 31
Nepal on Friday expressed deep shock over the disappearance of multiple international mountaineers, including world-renowned Nepali climbers, following an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak in the Karakoram Range on Thursday.
In a statement, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal stated that it is ensuring coordination with the Pakistani government through the Nepal Embassy for effective search and rescue of the missing climbers.
Naming the missing climbers, the Ministry said, "expedition leader Nirmal Purja ("Nims Dai"), Pur Bahadur Gurung ("Yukta"), Kili Pemba Sherpa ("Kilu"), Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa."
"We are shocked by the news that mountaineers from various countries, including world-renowned Nepali climbers, have disappeared in an avalanche on Broad Peak (8,047 meters) in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan on 2083 Shrawan 14 (correspondingly 30 July, 2026). We request all concerned stakeholders to take necessary initiatives and coordinate for the speedy search and rescue of the missing climbers," the Ministry said.
"We request all concerned to inform us that continuous coordination is being carried out with the Pakistani government through the Nepali Embassy in Pakistan for the speedy search and rescue of the missing Nepali climbers. Search-and-rescue teams are actively working at the site, though operations continue to navigate challenging weather and operational conditions," it added.
Four bodies have been recovered following an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan, with search and rescue teams continuing efforts to locate climbers who remain missing, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Among those reported missing is world-famous Nepal-born climber and former Royal Marine Nirmal Purja, who was leading a 10-member international mountaineering team
An American, a Chinese national, an Omani and five Nepalis are said to be part of the climbing group.
The Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain, located in the Karakoram mountain range was struck by an avalanche around Thursday midday. The identities of the four recovered bodies have not yet been confirmed, Alpine Club of Pakistan president Irfan Arshad Khan said as per the Nepal publication The Kathmandu Post.
"According to the initial information received, the expedition comprises 10 climbers, including five Nepalese mountaineers led by the renowned climber Nims Dai, one Pakistani climber, Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, one Omani climber, one American climber, one Chinese climber, Mr Wang, and one other foreign climber. The entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche," the club's vice-president, Karrar Haidri, said in a statement.
The club said that it had been "in constant contact" with the authorities to ensure that "all available resources are mobilised at the earliest opportunity".
"The Alpine Club of Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with all concerned stakeholders," it said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian who follows mountaineering closely, Nims Dai is an inspiration for all of South Asia. This avalanche shows how unpredictable the Karakoram can be. I hope the Pakistani authorities and the international community do everything possible for the rescue. Our thoughts are with the families.
This is a tragedy for the entire mountaineering community. The fact that Nepali Sherpas are always at the forefront of these expeditions, risking their lives, cannot be overstated. I hope rescue teams can reach them soon despite the bad weather. My prayers are with all of them.
It's devastating to hear about this. Nirmal Purja is a hero to so many of us who follow high-altitude climbing. I appreciate Nepal's quick response in coordinating with Pakistan. Let's hope for a miracle in these challenging conditions. My thoughts are with all the missing climbers and their families.
The courage of these climbers is beyond words, especially the Sherpas who risk their lives every time. The rescue operation must be mounted at the earliest. India stands in solidarity with Nepal and Pakistan in this hour of crisis. Hoping for the best. 🙏
This is incredibly sad news. As someone who has trekked in the Himalayas, I have immense respect for the Nepali guides and climbers who make these expeditions possible. The coordination between Nepal and Pakistan is crucial right now. Sending my deepest prayers to the missing climbers and their families.
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