- Purja, also known as Nims Dai, is among the missing after an avalanche on Thursday on Broad Peak, an 8,047m (26,400ft) mountain in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan; search operations are under way.
- In 2024, a New York Times article detailed sexual allegations two women made against Purja; he denied the claims through his lawyer.
Nirmal Purja, a renowned British-Nepali climber, is missing along with ten others following an avalanche on Broad Peak, a perilous 8,047m mountain in Pakistan. Search operations commenced after the incident on Thursday, with hopes of locating the climbers still alive.1
Purja, known as Nims Dai, gained fame for his record-breaking ascent of the world's 14 tallest peaks in just over six months in 2019, a feat that earned him an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II. His journey began in a small village in Nepal's Myagdi district, where he was born into a family of Gurkhas, renowned soldiers in the British Army.
In a recent post on X, Purja revealed that he had not initially planned to climb Broad Peak, stating, "Initially, the plan was to climb just G2," referring to Gasherbrum II. However, he decided to attempt Broad Peak to become the first person to climb all 14 eight-thousanders twice without oxygen.
His last successful summit was Gasherbrum II on July 21, marking his 57th ascent of an eight-thousander. Despite his achievements, Purja has faced controversy, including sexual assault allegations detailed in a 2024 New York Times article, which he has denied through his lawyer.2
As search teams continue their efforts, the mountaineering community remains hopeful for the safe return of Purja and the missing climbers.
“Purja, a celebrated climber, was the subject of a 2024 New York Times article in which two women made sexual allegations against him, including an alleged 2023 assault in a hotel room; he denied the claims through his lawyer. Broad Peak stands 8,047m (26,400ft) in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.”
BBC
