'We Will Take You Home': Mingma G Plans Risky Mission to Recover Nirmal Purja's Body from Broad Peak

Renowned Nepali mountaineer Mingma G has vowed to undertake a dangerous ground recovery mission to retrieve the bodies of legendary climber Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nimsdai, and two fellow climbers from Pakistan's Broad Peak, where they remain stranded following last week's devastating avalanche.

The mission comes despite deteriorating weather, fresh avalanches and the extreme risks involved in operating at high altitude.

Key Highlights

• Mingma G plans a ground mission to recover Nirmal Purja's body.
• Three climbers remain stranded at around 5,000 metres on Broad Peak.
• Helicopter rescue efforts have been delayed due to poor weather.
• Ten climbers lost their lives in last week's avalanche.
• Rescue teams are waiting for a safe weather window to resume operations.

Mingma G's Emotional Promise

Speaking to The Tourism Times, Mingma G said he was determined to make every possible effort to recover the bodies of his close friend Nirmal Purja, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, and Nima Sherpa.

"I know the risks and challenges in the mountains, but I will try my best out of respect for my fellow legendary climbers."

The veteran mountaineer also shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing:

"My loving brothers Kilu, Wang and Nims. We will take you back home to see families."

The post quickly resonated with the global mountaineering community, reflecting the deep bond shared among the climbers.

Bodies Still Trapped on Avalanche-Prone Slope

According to rescue teams, the bodies of:

• Nirmal Purja
• Wang Zhong
• Nima Sherpa

remain stranded at approximately 5,000 metres on the Concordia side of Broad Peak.

The location is considered extremely dangerous because of:

• Unstable snow conditions
• Frequent avalanches
• Difficult terrain
• Poor visibility caused by adverse weather

These conditions have prevented rescuers from bringing the bodies down to Base Camp.

Weather Halts Rescue Operations

Helicopter recovery operations were suspended after fresh snowfall and another avalanche hit the Karakoram region.

Mingma G confirmed that worsening weather forced rescuers to postpone both aerial and ground recovery efforts.

He added that his team is currently waiting for improved conditions before making another attempt.

According to reports, most expedition teams have already left the mountain, with Mingma G's team remaining on site alongside experienced Pakistani climber Sirbaz Khan.

Rescue Teams Recover Four Bodies

Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams have made progress.

Reports indicate that four bodies were recovered from around 5,700 metres earlier this week.

The bodies of:

• Kili Pemba "Kilu" Sherpa
• Gyalu Sherpa

have since been moved to a safer location on the mountain.

However:

• Nirmal Purja
• Wang Zhong
• Nima Sherpa

remain in one of the most hazardous sections of Broad Peak.

Meanwhile:

• Nawang Thindhu Sherpa remains stranded above 6,000 metres.
• Pakistani guide Sohail Sakhi is still reported missing.

A Friendship Forged on the World's Highest Peaks

Mingma G and Nirmal Purja shared one of mountaineering's most celebrated partnerships.

The two climbers achieved several historic feats together, including participation in the first winter ascent of K2 in January 2021.

They also collaborated on numerous commercial expeditions, while Wang Zhong was a regular member of Mingma G's Imagine Nepal expeditions.

Their long-standing friendship has made the recovery mission deeply personal for Mingma G.

One of the Deadliest Tragedies in Recent Years

The disaster unfolded when a massive avalanche struck below Camp III during a summit push on Broad Peak last week.

The avalanche claimed the lives of 10 climbers, making it one of the deadliest mountaineering tragedies in Pakistan's Karakoram region in recent years.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions before launching another recovery attempt.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan has said helicopters will try to resume operations once conditions improve.

FAQs

Who is leading the recovery mission?

Veteran Nepali mountaineer Mingma G has volunteered to lead the ground recovery effort.

Whose bodies are yet to be recovered?

The bodies of Nirmal Purja, Wang Zhong, and Nima Sherpa remain stranded on Broad Peak.

Why has the rescue operation been delayed?

Persistent bad weather, fresh avalanches and dangerous terrain have prevented both helicopter and ground operations.

How many climbers died in the Broad Peak avalanche?

The avalanche claimed the lives of 10 climbers.

Where is Broad Peak located?

Broad Peak is located in Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range, close to K2.