Nirmal Purja hadn't originally planned to climb Broad Peak. In his final social media post, he asked for nothing more than a 'safe passage.' Days later, he was killed in a devastating avalanche.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleThe mountaineering world is mourning the loss of one of its greatest modern pioneers. Legendary British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja, who inspired millions by climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in a record six months and later completing the feat twice without supplemental oxygen, has died in the devastating Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan. He was 43.
The tragedy marks the end of an extraordinary career that took Purja from the British military's elite Special Boat Service to becoming one of the most celebrated mountaineers in history. Here's everything to know about his career, achievements, net worth and the legacy he leaves behind.
Nimsdai Purja grew up in Nepal’s Myagdi district and initially followed his family’s military tradition by joining the Gurkha regiment of the British Army. Whatever career he followed, his gifts left a permanent impression. He was the first Nepali to join the elite Special Boat Service (SBS) of the UK during his military career.
After 16 years in the military, Purja’s resilience and discipline propelled him to the next big chapter of his life: Mountaineering. He became an Everest hero in 2017 after summiting all three peaks, including Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, in 48 hours. Over the years, he broke more than 18 Guinness World Records in speed and endurance climbing.
In 2019, Purja burst onto the global stage with Project Possible, when he climbed all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in just six months and six days, shattering years-long records. Nimsdai’s incredible feat saw him featured in Netflix’s award-winning documentary, 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, and put his determination, and the often-overlooked contributions of Nepali climbers, in front of audiences around the globe.
The mountaineering icon's achievements continued long after the documentary. Nims Purja became the first climber to summit all 14 eight-thousanders, not once but twice, that too, without supplemental oxygen. He was also part of the historic all-Nepali team that completed the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021.
Perhaps that's what destiny is! Turns out, Broad Peak wasn't originally part of Purja's 2026 climbing plans. In what would become his final social media post, the mountain icon revealed that his actual plan was to climb only Gasherbrum II, but he realised that summiting Broad Peak would leave him with just Cho Oyu remaining to become the first person to climb all 14 eight-thousanders twice without oxygen.
Just days before the tragedy, on July 27, 2026, Purja made his final X (formerly Twitter) post, expressing his desire to climb double and triple in total. In that haunting message, he only prayed for a "safe passage" to Broad Peak. Nimsdai wrote:
"Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down. I take zero mountains for granted. Not one. The moment my foot leaves basecamp, it’s 100%. Always has been. Always will be. This one is dedicated to everyone who carried me here. Supporters. Critics. All of you. Without both sides, there is no fire. So thank you genuinely. My purpose has never been about me. It’s about what I represent. It’s about showing YOU that your own mountains—whatever they are—are climbable."
Tragically, the mountains didn't pay heed to his prayers this time. The expedition ended in tragedy when a powerful avalanche struck the team at around 7,000 meters on Broad Peak. Elite Exped, the expedition company he co-founded, confirmed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, that Purja and other members of the 10-person expedition had lost their lives in the disaster. The company wrote:
"Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive. Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy, including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa."
The organisation described Nirmal as "one of mountaineering's greatest climbers" and a leader who "inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine." The statement continued:
"More than his extraordinary achievements, he wanted to show the world what was possible when you dared to dream bigger, believed in yourself and refused to accept limitations. Through his actions, he inspired millions of people to believe that they, too, could achieve more than they ever thought possible. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he changed and the people he inspired to climb their own mountains."
At the time of his death, Nirmal Purja's net worth was estimated to be between USD 1.5 million and USD 3 million, built through multiple ventures beyond climbing. His income came from Elite Exped, premium expedition guiding, Netflix's 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, his bestselling memoir Beyond Possible, brand endorsements, public speaking engagements, and businesses including the Nimsdai Store and Skydive Nimsdai.
To finance Project Possible after sponsors refused to back the mission, Purja remortgaged his home in the UK and gave up the security of his military pension. The risk ultimately transformed him into one of the world's most recognisable mountaineers.
Nimsdai leaves behind a legacy of resilience, courage, and advocacy for Nepali climbers. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
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