Four bodies have been recovered following an avalanche that struck Broad Peak, a mountain situated in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. The incident occurred on July 28, 2026, when an avalanche descended upon the mountain at approximately 7,000 metres, affecting a ten-member expedition team that was making an attempt to reach the summit. Search and rescue operations commenced immediately following the tragedy, as officials began efforts to locate the remaining climbers.

Two helicopters from the Pakistan Army Aviation have been engaged in the search efforts, as reported by the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP). The ACP indicated that GPS data obtained from some of the missing climbers suggested they had been dragged nearly 1,000 metres down the mountain as a result of the avalanche.

Broad Peak, which towers at 8,051 metres, is known as the world’s 12th highest mountain and poses significant challenges for climbers aiming to reach its peak. The now-missing climbers were reported to have gone missing around 9 am local time on the day of the avalanche.

Details of Missing Climbers Identified

The climbers reported missing include six from Nepal, one from Pakistan, one from Oman, one from the United States, and one from China. Among those missing are well-known Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja, along with Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa. Others missing are Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman, Sohail Sakhi from Pakistan, Wang Zhong from China, and Mallory Geis from the United States.

President of the ACP, Major General Irfan Arshad, confirmed that the bodies of Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Pur Bahadur Gurung had been identified. However, the identity of the other two recovered bodies has yet to be officially confirmed. The ACP is maintaining close communication with government authorities and relevant agencies to facilitate the ongoing rescue operations.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential involvement of local high-altitude porters in the avalanche. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate has instructed all related departments to stay alert and expedite the rescue efforts in collaboration with the Pakistan Army.

Nirmal Purja’s Legacy as a Mountaineer

Nirmal Purja, aged 43, is widely recognised as one of Nepal’s most prominent mountaineers. His background includes service in Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas as well as the elite Special Boat Service of the Royal Marines. Since transitioning to full-time climbing and expedition guiding, he has set various mountaineering records.

In 2019, Purja gained international acclaim for completing ascents of all 14 mountains exceeding 8,000 metres in just over six months under the auspices of his Project Possible initiative. He further solidified his reputation in 2021 when he was part of a team that achieved the first successful winter ascent of K2, a feat considered extremely difficult.

As the search for the remaining six missing climbers continues, hopes remain that they will be located and rescued. The ongoing efforts are hampered by the weather and the evidence of the difficult terrain. Authorities are putting forth all available resources to ensure the safety and recovery of those involved in the tragic incident.

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