Who Is Nirmal Purja AKA Nimsdai? Netflix’s ‘14 Peaks’ Star Among 10 Feared Missing After Pakistan Avalanche
Netflix's 14 Peaks star Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nimsdai, is among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. The British-Nepali mountaineer was leading an international expedition when communication was lost. Search and rescue operations are underway, with authorities awaiting favourable weather conditions.
World-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, widely known as "Nimsdai", is among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche struck an international expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the avalanche hit the team around midday on Thursday, with the climbers reportedly losing communication soon after. Search and rescue efforts are being coordinated with government authorities, although operations remain dependent on weather conditions.
The expedition reportedly includes climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China and the United States. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, helicopter support and other rescue resources are being mobilised as authorities race to locate the missing team. No fatalities have been officially confirmed, and the climbers are currently considered missing while rescue efforts continue.
Who Is Nirmal Purja AKA Nimsdai?
Nirmal Purja, widely known as "Nimsdai", is a British-Nepali mountaineer who made history in 2019 by climbing all 14 of the world's peaks above 8,000 metres in just six months and six days.
His achievement broke the previous record of nearly eight years and brought him global recognition. His record-breaking journey was later featured in the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
Born in Nepal, Purja served for 16 years in the British military, including time with the elite UK Special Forces and the Gurkhas. His mountaineering journey began in 2012 when he climbed Lobuche East, a 6,119-metre peak in Nepal. He later went on to conquer the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest, K2 and other peaks above 8,000 metres.
Avalanche Triggers Search Operation
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said it had received "deeply concerning reports" of an avalanche hitting a climbing team on Broad Peak around midday. The entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the incident.
According to initial reports, around 10 climbers were part of the expedition, including nationals from Pakistan, Oman, China and the United States. Purja, the expedition leader, is among those feared missing.
Broad Peak, located in Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range, stands at 8,047 metres and is the world's 12th-highest mountain. The peak is considered a challenging climb due to its steep terrain and unpredictable conditions.
The Alpine Club said it was in contact with government authorities and relevant agencies to begin an immediate search and rescue operation. "Every possible effort is being made to ensure that helicopter support and all available rescue resources are mobilised at the earliest opportunity, subject to weather and operational conditions," it said.
Rescue teams are working to reach the area, but operations remain subject to weather and high-altitude conditions. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said it is coordinating closely with government authorities as efforts continue to locate the missing climbers. As of the latest official updates, there has been no confirmed contact with the expedition and no official confirmation of casualties.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2026 07:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
