Nepal mourns ‘generation lost’ to Broad Peak avalanche

Nepal mourned the loss of 10 climbers, including celebrated mountaineer Nirmal Purja and six elite Nepali guides, who perished in an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak. Hundreds of Nepalis gathered in Kathmandu for a candlelight vigil, with Buddhist monks chanting prayers and mourners lighting candles and incense.

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Nepal has lost a generation of accomplished mountaineers.

"Nepal has lost a generation of accomplished mountaineers," said Tul Singh Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association. The gathering observed a minute of silence in memory of the climbers, whose photographs were displayed on a banner. Candles were arranged in the shape of Nepal's national flag.

"This is a big loss for our mountaineering sector," said international mountain guide Man Raj Gurung. "I think it might take years for us to see such climbers again, because not everyone will be willing to take on such a risky job."

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This is a big loss for our mountaineering sector. I think it might take years for us to see such climbers again, because not everyone will be willing to take on such a risky job.

Purja, 43, was known for his record-breaking feat of scaling the world's 14 highest peaks in just over six months in 2019, a story later featured in a Netflix documentary. He also led the first all-Nepali team to achieve a winter ascent of K2. Meanwhile, funeral prayers were held in absentia for Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi in his hometown of Aliabad, Hunza. Rescuers continue to face difficult weather conditions in their efforts to recover the bodies of Sakhi and a Nepali Sherpa, the last two climbers still missing.

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with profound sorrow after enduring days of hope, uncertainty and prayers