Avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan leaves 10 climbers missing, including famed mountaineer Nirmal Purja

Published Jul 31, 04:29 AM UTC

An avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan on July 31, 2026, leaving 10 climbers feared missing, including world-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai), a former British Special Forces member. Purja made history in 2019 by climbing all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters in six months. The Alpine Club of Pakistan received 'deeply concerning' reports of the avalanche, and there has been no communication from the team since. The incident occurred as over 200 foreign climbers advanced toward higher camps on K2, Gasherbrum I, and Broad Peak after weather improved. Some reports indicate Purja's GPS tracker is still moving, raising hopes for their safety.