Avalanche Alert: 10 Mountaineers Mysteriously Vanish on Pakistan’s Broad Peak

Sun Sep 06 2026 13:25:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A feared avalanche may have swallowed a ten‑member team led by world‑record holder Nirmal Purja on Pakistan’s Broad Peak. Rescue hopes remain high as search teams plan helicopter support.

An avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak has put a ten‑person climbing expedition, led by legendary mountaineer Nirmal Purja, out of contact. The team, comprising nationals from five countries, was last seen at the 8,047‑metre summit. Rescue experts await favourable weather to deploy a helicopter for a search and rescue mission. Broad Peak, the 12th‑highest mountain, has a reputation for dangerous avalanches and steep terrain. The Alpine Club of Pakistan is coordinating with government officials to mobilise every available resource for the climbers' safe recovery.

Avalanche Alert: 10 Mountaineers Mysteriously Vanish on Pakistan’s Broad Peak

A spectacular yet deadly avalanche hit the 8,047‑metre summit of Pakistan’s Broad Peak this Thursday, and a ten‑person international team** led by Nepal‑born mountaineer Nirmal Purja could be missing. The team didn’t contact anyone after the avalanche, and searchers are waiting for clear skies to launch a helicopter‑based rescue.

Team details: American, Chinese, Omani, plus five Nepali climbers. Purja—known for scaling all 14 8,000‑meter peaks in just 6 months—represents the pinnacle of high‑altitude adventure.

Broad Peak is the world’s 12th‑highest mountain and a brutal climb. The Alpine Club of Pakistan is coordinating an “immediate search and rescue operation” and has called for every available helicopter. The Club emphasized solidarity with the climbers’ families and the global mountain‑climbing community.

What’s next?

• Rescuers are keeping sight of weather reports to schedule the helicopter launch.

• The Alpine Club hopes to deploy ground teams once safety conditions permit.

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Why it matters: The story reminds us that the fight for prestige in mountain‑climbing can end with a single spear of snow. For young explorers who want to soar, safety and preparedness must always be the top priority.