The bodies of five international climbers, including world-renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who died in the Broad Peak avalanche, have been airlifted to Skardu by helicopter after a challenging rescue operation.
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), the bodies of Nirmal Purja, Wang Zhong, Nima Sherpa, Gyallo Sherpa, and Kali Pemba “Kilo” Sherpa were transported to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Skardu. Meanwhile, the search for two missing climbers has entered its eighth consecutive day.
After the completion of legal procedures, identification, and documentation, the bodies will be transported to Islamabad under special arrangements before being repatriated to their respective countries. Upon arrival in Skardu aboard a Pakistan Army helicopter, the bodies were received by officials from the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Baltistan administration, military authorities, the Tourism Department, and the district administration.
The bodies were placed in coffins, each covered with the national flag of the respective country, and given a ceremonial farewell. Officials and participants paid tribute to the deceased climbers and offered condolences to their families.
According to ACP Secretary General Ayaz Shigri, seven bodies have now been recovered from Broad Peak and transported to Skardu. However, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi and American climber Sarah Mallory-Gais remain missing, with rescue teams continuing the search operation. Ayaz Shigri said that some human remains recovered on Saturday were believed to belong to Sarah Mallory-Gais, but her body has not yet been retrieved.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the rescue mission was carried out in extremely harsh and dangerous conditions. High-altitude porters, rescue teams, and mountaineers were praised for their professionalism, courage, and dedication during the operation. The Pakistan Army, local rescue teams, and relevant authorities are continuing efforts to locate the remaining missing climbers using all available resources.
The avalanche struck Broad Peak on July 30, hitting a 10-member international expedition led by 43-year-old British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Following the incident, his company confirmed that no member of the expedition had survived.
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