GILGIT — Search and rescue teams on Broad Peak (8,051 meters) recovered four bodies on Friday after a powerful avalanche struck an international 10-member expedition the previous day.
Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) President Major General Irfan Arshad confirmed the recovery, identifying two of the deceased as Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung.
Search Operation Underway
ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri said multiple expedition teams were making a joint summit push when the avalanche hit. GPS data showed the slide carried the climbers roughly 1,000 meters downhill, leaving several members buried under the snow.
Two Climbers Confirmed Dead in #BroadPeak Avalanche; Search Continues for Remaining Missing Mountaineers
Skardu, July 31: The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) has confirmed the deaths of two climbers following the devastating avalanche that struck an international expedition on… pic.twitter.com/ghh7QjVZuw
— Gilgit-Baltistan Times (@gbtimes) July 31, 2026
In response, two Pakistan Army Aviation rescue helicopters, equipped with specialised high-altitude gear and personnel, were deployed to the site following coordination between the ACP and Gilgit-Baltistan authorities.
- Helicopter Mobilization: Aerial search operations and ground teams are continuing despite extremely challenging high-altitude weather conditions.
- Missing Personnel Concerns: Officials expressed serious worry that several local high-altitude porters supporting the expedition may also have been caught in the avalanche.
- Provincial Alert: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate and Tourism Minister Naiknam Karim directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and extend full logistical support to the ongoing rescue efforts.
Profile of the International Expedition
The 10-member team included experienced mountaineers and guides from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China, and the United States.
| Country | Climber / Guide | Notable Background / Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja | Renowned mountaineer; completed 14 8,000m peaks in record 6 months; led historic K2 winter ascent (2021). |
| Pakistan | Sohail Sakhi | Veteran Hunza climber; scaled K2, Nanga Parbat, G-I, G-II without supplemental oxygen; summited Kanchenjunga in May. |
| Nepal | Pur Bahadur Gurung (Deceased) | Experienced high-altitude Sherpa guide. |
| Oman | Nadhira Al Harthy (Deceased) | Prominent Omani high-altitude mountaineer. |
| Nepal | Kili Pemba, Nima, Nawang Thindu, & Gyalu Sherpa | Technical climbing support team. |
| USA | Mallory Geis | Member of international climbing team. |
| China | Wang Zhong | Member of international climbing team. |
“Every possible effort is being made to ensure that helicopter support and all available rescue resources are mobilised at the earliest opportunity. We pray for the safety of all the climbers.”
— Karrar Haidri, ACP Senior Vice President
