Kathmandu, 02 August (H.S.):

The body of renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as ‘Nimsdai’, was found on Pakistan’s Broad Peak on Sunday, three days after he went missing during an expedition. Purja had disappeared at an altitude of around 5,700 metres on Broad Peak.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), contact with Nirmal Purja and his team was lost on Thursday morning after they were caught in an avalanche while climbing the mountain. Earlier on Saturday, Elite Exped, the company organising the expedition, confirmed the deaths of all members involved in the mission, including Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi.

ACP official Naila Kiani confirmed in an official statement that the body of Nirmal Purja ‘Nimsdai’ had been located. The statement said, “It is with profound sorrow that we share the news that the rescue team, which reached the site by land, has located the body of Nirmal Purja ‘Nimsdai’ at an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres on Broad Peak. Three other bodies have also been spotted at the site, but their identities have not yet been confirmed. The rescue team will bring all the bodies to the Japanese Camp.”

The ACP further stated that rescue and recovery operations are continuing despite extremely challenging geographical conditions. The organisation urged people not to circulate unverified information until official confirmation is available, as the details emerging from the accident site are still preliminary.

Nirmal Purja, one of the world’s most celebrated mountaineers, gained global recognition after completing the ascent of all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in record time. His achievements made him one of the most prominent figures in modern mountaineering.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar