Nepal mourns famed climber Nirmal Purja killed in Pakistan avalanche

Nepal mourns the loss of celebrated mountaineer Nirmal Purja, a figure who shattered climbing records and inspired many. Prime Minister Balendra Shah led national tributes to the 43-year-old, who died with nine others in an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak.

Purja, a British citizen born in Nepal, was a former soldier in the British Army's Gurkha Brigade and Special Boat Service. He became a full-time mountaineer and expedition guide, achieving global fame in 2019 by scaling all 14 of the world's highest peaks in just over six months, a feat that broke the previous record of seven years.

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No words can express the sorrow of this unimaginable loss.

Elite Expeditions, Purja's expedition company, expressed profound grief, stating, "No words can express the sorrow of this unimaginable loss." The avalanche occurred Thursday as the group attempted to summit Broad Peak, which stands at 8,047 meters, at an altitude of approximately 6,600 meters, according to Pakistani authorities.

Prime Minister Shah described the deaths as a "shocking tragedy" for Nepal. "The physical journeys of all the climbers who perished have ended, but the history of their courage, dedication, and contributions will continue to inspire," Shah said in a social media statement. In Kathmandu, a large billboard in the main city square displayed a photo of Purja in climbing gear with the message, "You will always be remembered."

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The physical journeys of all the climbers who perished have ended, but the history of their courage, dedication, and contributions will continue to inspire.