An international team of 10 climbers, led by celebrated Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja, has gone missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the avalanche hit the expedition around midday on Thursday. According to the club, the team comprises climbers from several countries, including one American, one Chinese national, one Omani and five Nepalis, along with other expedition members.
In a statement, the club described the incident as deeply concerning and said its leadership was coordinating closely with government authorities and relevant agencies to support rescue efforts.
Alpine Club of Pakistan President Irfan Arshad and senior officials are maintaining constant contact with authorities to facilitate the operation, while efforts are underway to deploy helicopters and other rescue resources as soon as weather and operational conditions permit.
Purja, a former member of the British Army’s Gurkha regiment and one of the world’s most accomplished high-altitude climbers, was in Pakistan pursuing his Hat-Trick Project, an ambitious challenge to climb all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres and the Seven Summits three times.
Broad Peak, which rises to 8,051 metres (26,414 feet) near K2, is among the world’s 14 peaks exceeding 8,000 metres and is considered one of the most demanding climbs in the Himalaya-Karakoram region. Search operations are continuing as authorities work to locate the missing climbers.