KATHMANDU, Aug. 1: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has paid tribute to world record-holding mountaineer Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja and other Nepali climbers who lost their lives in the Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Shah said the tragedy had ended only the climbers' physical journey, while their courage, dedication and contributions would continue to inspire generations. "Mountaineering is not merely a journey to reach the summit. It is the highest expression of courage, discipline, sacrifice and the indomitable confidence to challenge the limits of human potential," the prime minister wrote.
He said the mountains often reward climbers with the glory of reaching the summit but, at times, "embrace them forever in their own lap." "Yet mountaineers remain immortal in history through their courage, dedication and the legacy they leave behind," he added.
NC Prez Thapa pays tribute to Nirmal Purja, fellow climbers kil...
Expressing his grief over the tragedy, Shah said he was deeply saddened by the deaths of Purja and fellow climbers on Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain in Pakistan's Karakoram range.
Purja, internationally known as "Nimsdai," was among 10 climbers who went missing after an avalanche struck the 8,047-meter peak on Thursday. His death was confirmed by Elite Exped, the expedition company he founded, on Saturday.
Six of the 10 climbers reported missing were Nepali mountaineers. Local authorities in Pakistan said the bodies of four climbers were recovered on Friday.
Shah extended his heartfelt tributes to the deceased climbers and expressed his deepest condolences to their bereaved families, wishing them strength to endure the profound loss.
