Ten mountaineers, including Nirmal Purja, are feared missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range at around midday on Thursday, Pakistani officials have said. There has been no communication from the group since the incident.
High-profile climber among those unaccounted for
Purja, who rose to international prominence by climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000‑metre peaks in just over six months in 2019, was part of the expedition that Pakistani authorities say was caught by the avalanche on the mountain, which is listed at 8,047 metres and is ranked the world’s 12th highest peak.
In his last post on X before the trip, published on Monday, Purja said the Broad Peak climb had not been in his original plans. He had intended to climb only Gasherbrum II (G2) but decided to add Broad Peak while in Pakistan to edge closer to a record achievement.
"Initially, the plan was to climb just G2,"
He wrote that the additional objective was unplanned and reflected an opportunistic approach, adding that he asked only for "safe passage up and back down" and that he took no mountain for granted.
Who was in the party and what happened
Pakistani mountaineering authorities said the avalanche struck on Broad Peak at about midday. The group reported to include climbers of different nationalities: an American, a Chinese national, an Omani and five Nepalis, among others, making up a ten‑member expedition. Since the avalanche there has been no subsequent contact with the team.
- Mountain: Broad Peak — 8,047m (26,400ft)
- Reported timing: Around midday on Thursday
- Team composition (reported): American, Chinese national, Omani, five Nepalis and others within a ten‑member party
Broad Peak is considered one of the more demanding climbs in the Karakoram and sits among the 14 highest mountains in the world, commonly referred to as the eight‑thousanders because each exceeds 8,000 metres.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mountain | Broad Peak |
| Height | 8,047 metres (26,400 ft) |
| World rank by height | 12th |
| Reported party size | 10 climbers |
Context and implications
The missing climbers include internationally known figures and a multinational support team; their disappearance is likely to prompt a complex search and rescue operation in high‑altitude, volatile terrain. Broad Peak’s altitude places it within the so‑called death zone, where conditions severely limit human survival without supplementary oxygen and timely rescue.
Purja’s profile adds a significant public interest dimension. He is noted for shattering previous records on high‑altitude peaks and for holding multiple Guinness World Records related to rapid ascents. According to his public posts, he had been pursuing a unique double set of the 14 eight‑thousanders without supplementary oxygen.
At the time of writing, authorities in Pakistan are coordinating responses and investigations. Further updates are expected as rescue teams assess conditions and attempt to re‑establish contact with the team.
The international mountaineering community will watch developments closely, both for the fate of those involved and for any lessons about expedition planning and high‑altitude safety in a region where weather and avalanche risk are perennial threats.
