Photo credit: Kathmandu Post
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Rest in Peace, Nims Dai.

The mountains have claimed one of their greatest sons.

Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja — the legendary Nepali-British mountaineer who redefined what is possible in high-altitude climbing — lost his life in the avalanche that struck Broad Peak on 30 July 2026. He was 43.

Elite Exped, the company he co-founded, confirmed the heartbreaking news:

“Today it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive.”

Ten climbers in total — six from Nepal and four from other nations — were taken by the mountain. Among them were Nims’ trusted partners and guides, including Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa.

His body was later recovered at approximately 5,700 metres.

A Legacy That Will Never Fade

Nims Dai was more than a climber. He was a force of nature.

In 2019 he completed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in just 6 months and 6 days — a feat that stunned the world and was later captured in the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.

He led the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021.
He served with the British Gurkhas and the elite Special Boat Service.
He lifted the voices of Nepali high-altitude workers and inspired millions to believe that “impossible” is just a mindset.

His final words before the climb still echo:

“Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down. I take zero mountains for granted. Not one.”

Tributes from Around the World

Nepal’s Prime Minister, fellow climbers, royalty, and ordinary people who never set foot on a mountain have all paid tribute. The mountaineering community is united in grief for a man who changed the sport forever.

To the families of all ten climbers — our deepest condolences.
To Nims’ loved ones — may you find strength in the extraordinary life he lived.

Nims Dai showed us that human potential is far greater than we usually dare to imagine.
His footsteps will remain on every high ridge, and his spirit will continue to push others higher.

Rest in peace, Nims Dai.
You climbed higher than almost anyone. Now the mountains keep you forever.

Om Shanti. 🙏

In memory of Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja and all those lost on Broad Peak, 30 July 2026.

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