Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja ist tot: Das komplizierte Erbe des Alpinisten-Popstars

Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja, known for his record-breaking climbs and charismatic presence, has died after being buried under a snowslide on the Broad Peak in Pakistan. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 13, 2026, according to statements released by Elite Exped, the expedition company he co-founded. At the time of his death, Purja was 43 years old. Pakistani authorities continue efforts to locate and identify all ten climbers who were part of the group, with ongoing rescue operations underway. Purja's rise to fame began with a documentary titled 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible, which aired on Netflix and chronicled his attempt to climb all 14 of the world’s highest mountains, each over 8,000 meters, in just seven months. The project, launched in 2019, became a global phenomenon. He achieved this feat in six months and six days, surpassing the previous record of eight years. Along the way, he set numerous other records, including reaching the summits of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu within two days and 30 minutes. His success was not only due to his physical prowess but also to his strategic planning and efficient logistics, supported by a small team of trusted Sherpas. Born in 1983, Purja grew up in Nepal but spent much of his early life in the lowlands of Chitwan. After serving six years in the Gurkha regiment, a Nepalese unit of the British Army, he joined the Special Boat Service (SBS) in 2009, becoming one of the first Nepalese to enter the elite naval unit. In 2012, during a hike to the Everest Base Camp, he decided spontaneously to climb the 6,119-meter Lobuche East, marking his first 8,000-meter peak. Two years later, he reached the summit of Dhaulagiri, solidifying his reputation as a formidable mountaineer. In 2017, Purja led a Gurkha expedition to the Mount Everest, further cementing his status as a leader and innovator in the climbing community. This experience inspired him to launch Project Possible 14/7, aiming to conquer all 14 peaks within seven months. His approach emphasized speed and efficiency, often involving a rotating team of Sherpas who played a crucial role in supporting his expeditions. One of his most iconic images came from a photo taken during a traffic jam on the Everest trail, which went viral worldwide. Beyond his athletic achievements, Purja sought to elevate the status of Nepalese climbers, particularly the Sherpa community, who have historically been overlooked despite their vital contributions to high-altitude expeditions. He believed that his accomplishments could bring recognition to talented Nepali climbers and challenge the traditional dynamics of Western-led expeditions. “I hope my successes will make Nepalese climbers famous around the world,” he frequently stated, emphasizing the need for greater acknowledgment and financial support for local guides. Purja’s influence extended beyond the mountains. He founded his own equipment brand and established Elite Exped, offering personalized services to wealthy clients seeking expert guidance. His Everest tours, which included direct supervision by the record-holding climber, cost more than one million dollars. While some critics questioned the commercialization of extreme sports, many acknowledged his ability to blend adventure with entrepreneurship. The loss of Purja marks a significant shift in the alpine climbing world. His legacy includes not only his remarkable feats but also his efforts to empower local climbers and reshape the industry. As the search for survivors continues and the broader implications of his death unfold, the impact of his work remains deeply felt among climbers and supporters alike.