The mortal remains of veteran Nepali mountaineer Pur Bahadur “Yukta” Gurung, who lost his life in an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak on August 30 (Shrawan 14), were cremated in Kathmandu on Thursday. Gurung was among the climbers who died after an avalanche struck during the Broad Peak expedition. His final rites were performed in Kathmandu in the presence of family members, friends, fellow mountaineers and members of Nepal’s climbing community.
A Decade of Everest Summits and 28 Eight-Thousander Ascents
Yukta Gurung had built an extraordinary career in high-altitude mountaineering through years of dedication and experience. In 2026, he successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 10th time, adding another milestone to an already remarkable climbing career. He had completed 28 ascents of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks and explored numerous previously unclimbed summits across the Himalayas. Yukta Gurung’s achievements established him as one of Nepal’s highly experienced high-altitude mountaineers.
From Laprak to Internationally Certified Mountain Guide
Born in the remote village of Laprak in Gorkha District, Yukta Gurung’s began his career in Nepal’s expedition industry and gradually built his reputation through years of hard work and perseverance. He went on to take leadership roles in major mountaineering expeditions, including serving as a rope-fixing team leader on Annapurna and the North Face of Everest.
Yukta Gurung’s professional journey reached another major milestone in 2026 when he obtained certification as an IFMGA Mountain Guide, one of the most prestigious professional qualifications in international mountain guiding.
His rise from a remote Himalayan village to an internationally certified mountain guide was regarded as a testament to his dedication, technical expertise and lifelong commitment to mountaineering.
Remembered for Humility, Kindness and Leadership
Beyond his climbing achievements, Gurung was remembered by colleagues and clients for his warm personality, kindness, humour and calm determination. Those who climbed with him described him as someone who inspired confidence and led with humility, reflecting the spirit of professionalism and companionship associated with mountaineering. His colleagues at Elite Exped paid tribute to his contribution to the expedition community, saying his legacy would continue to live on in the mountains he loved and among the people whose lives he touched.
Broad Peak Avalanche Claims Multiple Climbers
Gurung’s death came during a difficult period on Broad Peak, where an avalanche claimed the lives of several climbers. Tributes have also been paid to other climbers who lost their lives on the mountain, including Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja, Nima Sherpa, Nadhira Al Harthy, Kili Pemba Sherpa (Kilu), Nawang Thindu Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa, Sohail Sakhi, Mallory Geis and Wang Zhong.
The mountaineering community has expressed condolences to the families, friends, teammates and loved ones of all those who lost their lives during the expedition. Gurung’s final journey marks the loss of an accomplished Nepali mountaineer whose life was deeply connected to the Himalayas. His remarkable record, professional achievements, and contribution to expeditions will remain part of Nepal’s mountaineering legacy.
