Ten climbers, led by celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, are feared missing following an avalanche on Broad Peak (8,047 meters) in the Karakoram mountain range of northern Pakistan, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP).

The ACP stated late on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, that the team has been unreachable since the incident. The expedition included ten members: five from Nepal, one each from Pakistan, Oman, China, and the United States, and one climber whose nationality has not been disclosed.

“The entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche,” the ACP said, adding that efforts are underway to mobilize helicopter support and all available rescue resources as soon as weather and operational conditions permit.

Nirmal Purja, also known as Nims Dai, aged 43, has set multiple climbing records since becoming a full-time mountaineer and tour guide in 2018 after leaving the British military. He notably climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in six months and six days in 2019, a record at the time, and completed the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021 with a team of Nepalese climbers.

The situation remains critical as rescue operations are being planned amid challenging conditions.

Sources