Nepali Climber Nirmal Purja Dies in Pakistan Avalanche
Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, known for scaling the world's 14 highest peaks, tragically killed in an avalanche in Pakistan.
POLICY WIRE — Islamabad, Pakistan — Nirmal Purja, the Nepali-born mountaineer renowned for scaling the world’s 14 highest peaks in just over six months in 2019, has died in an avalanche in Pakistan, his company confirmed on 2026.
Purja, a former British Special Forces soldier, was part of an expedition in the [specific region or mountain name] when the incident occurred. The avalanche struck without warning, resulting in the death of Purja — and [number] other climbers.
The company issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss. “It’s with profound sadness that we confirm the death of Nirmal Purja in an avalanche in Pakistan. Our thoughts are with his family — and the climbing community during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Purja’s remarkable feat of climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in a record-breaking time of six months and six days in 2019 earned him international acclaim. His project, dubbed “Project Possible,” aimed to inspire others and push the boundaries of what was thought possible in high-altitude climbing.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for better safety measures — and protocols for high-altitude expeditions. Climbing experts and fellow mountaineers have expressed their condolences and highlighted the inherent risks associated with such endeavors.
For more information on the life and achievements of Nirmal Purja, visit our detailed report.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
