Mountaineer Nirmal Purja's Legacy Lives On: Nepal Mourns Legendary Climber

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:08:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Over the past 24 hours a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak has shocked Nepal and the global mountaineering community, prompting tributes from leaders, friends and fans.

When an avalanche swept through a 10‑member expedition on Pakistan's Broad Peak, all members—including famed Nepali climber Nirmal Purja—were lost. Tributes poured in from Nepal's top officials, Purja's family and schoolmates, who lit candles at his former school. Purja, known for conquering the world’s 14 tallest peaks in nine months, had also served in the British special forces before years of climbing. Amid the grief, his legacy is celebrated for highlighting Nepali guides on the global stage, while recent allegations against him add complexity to his story. The response shows how one climber’s survival story sparked international fame and local pride.

Nirmal Purja's Legacy Lives On

A tragic avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak has left Nepali climbers and the global mountaineering community in shock. The 10‑member expedition, which included six Nepalese members, was wiped out last Thursday, killing everyone aboard.

The loss of Nirmal Purja – the climber who famously scaled all 14 of the world’s highest peaks in just over six months – echoes far beyond the climbing world. Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the nation, saying Purja’s “history of courage, dedication and contribution will always remain inspiring.”

His brother Kamal shared a moving tribute on Facebook: “I feel as though I have lost my whole world. My brother was not only my younger brother – he was my heart.” Purja’s legacy will live forever, according to Kamal.

Students and staff at Purja’s former Small Heaven School in Chitwan lit candles in a silent vigil. Sarbagya Paudel, a student who witnessed his courage from a young age, said, “Purja’s bravery has set a great example for our school. Not only has he made our school proud, but he has also brought pride to Nepal.”

Purja’s formal education history also highlights his character. School supervisor Shailendra Baral recalled a fearless child who “found courage even when he was a child.” School friend Bahadur Panta mentioned, “People all over the world prayed for him even after news broke of his disappearance. It was his fate, nobody could avoid it.”

Social media was awash with tributes, with many describing Nepal as mourning a “legend” and declaring their legacy would live on. Purja’s international star rose after a 2021 Netflix documentary featuring his 14‑peak run.

Purja’s 16‑year tenure in the British military, including 10 years in special forces, earned him an MBE in 2018. Though famed as the first Gurkha to summit Everest while in service, he faced allegations of misconduct in 2024, which he denied through legal representation.

Other members of the ill‑fated team, like Pur Bahadur Gurung, who climbed Everest ten times, and Kili Pemba Sherpa, played historic roles in Nepal’s mountaineering history. Their stories emphasize the deep national pride that is now expressed in remembering Purja’s contributions.