In brief
The world mourns Nepali‑British climber Nirmal Purja after an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak killed all ten expedition members, including six Nepali climbers. Tributes poured in from Nepal’s Prime Minister, his family and school friends, with social media overflowing with messages of loss and admiration. Students at Purja’s former school lit candles to honor him, while mountaineers worldwide remember his record‑breaking climbs. Purja’s daring ascent of all 14 tallest peaks in just over six months earned him global acclaim, but his death also shadowed sexual allegations that surfaced in 2024. His legacy, however, continues to inspire climbers and fans alike, signaling that his courage will never fade.
Tributes pour in for Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja after his tragic death in a Pakistan avalanche.
The world mourns. Purja, who climbed all 14 highest peaks in a little over six months, was part of a 10‑member team that perished when an avalanche hit Pakistan’s Broad Peak on Thursday.
Neal Bihar’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah lifted his voice on social media, calling Purja’s life a “history of courage and dedication” that will remain an inspiration forever.
His brother Kamal wrote on Facebook that losing his younger brother felt like losing the whole world, yet remained proud, noting that Purja’s legacy will live forever.
Students and staff at Purja’s former Small Heaven school in Chitwan lit candles and gathered around a blue table to remember the climber who once walked their campus halls.
Across Nepal, social media buzzed with comments celebrating a national legend: a mountain icon whose bravery “has set a great example for our school and the country.”
Purja’s unforgettable record earned him an MBE in 2018, and his story was later documented in a 2021 Netflix series that captured his fearless climbs. Although the mountaineer became celebrated worldwide, 2024 brought sexual assault allegations from two women that he denied outright.
Fans, fellow climbers and friends, however, continue to honor his daring spirit, ensuring his daring achievements remain part of Nepal’s proud mountaineering heritage.
