The 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.
Nirmal Purja’s extraordinary journey, from Gurkha soldier to Everest hero
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.
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