KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah has paid tribute to world-renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nims dai) and other climbers who lost their lives in an avalanche on Pakistan’s 8,051-metre Broad Peak.
In a message shared on social media on Saturday, Shah expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and well-wishers of the deceased climbers.
The Prime Minister said mountaineering is more than reaching a summit, describing it as the highest expression of courage, discipline, sacrifice and the determination to push the limits of human endurance.
He noted that while the mountains grant many climbers the glory of reaching their peaks, they sometimes embrace them forever. Despite their tragic deaths, he said, the climbers would remain immortal through their courage and dedication.
Shah said he was deeply saddened by reports that six Nepali climbers, including Purja, and four foreign climbers died in the tragedy on Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. He expressed confidence that although their physical journey had ended, their legacy of courage, commitment and contribution would continue to inspire generations.
The avalanche struck Broad Peak on Thursday, killing former British Gurkha soldier and celebrated mountaineer Purja along with his guide teammates, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa. Purja’s company, Elite Exped, confirmed the incident through a social media statement and expressed profound grief over the loss.
The bodies were located near Camp I during a drone survey on Saturday morning and later identified by a rescue team led by Mingma Gyalje Sherpa (Minima G) and Sirbaz Khan.
Purja gained global recognition in 2019 after setting a world record by climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in just six months and six days. His achievement was later featured in the popular Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
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