The mortal remains of three Nepali climbers who lost their lives in the Broad Peak avalanche are being brought back to Kathmandu today, marking the final journey home for three experienced high-altitude guides.
Kili Pemba Sherpa (Kilu), Gyalu Sherpa and Nima Sherpa were among the climbers killed when an avalanche struck an international expedition on Broad Peak (8,047 metres) in Pakistan’s Karakoram range on July 30, 2026. Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest mountain.
The deaths have left Nepal’s mountaineering community mourning the loss of three highly experienced climbing guides, remembered for their courage, professionalism and years of service in the Himalayas and other major mountain ranges.
Kili Pemba Sherpa: A Historic 14-Peak Achievement
Kili Pemba Sherpa, popularly known as Kilu, died on Broad Peak just weeks after completing one of mountaineering’s greatest achievements. On July 3, 2026, he completed the ascent of all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks by summiting Nanga Parbat. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, his body was successfully recovered from Broad Peak on August 2.
A senior climbing guide with Imagine Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Kili began his mountain career at the age of 16 as a porter. Born in Rolwaling, Dolakha, he gradually developed into an accomplished high-altitude guide and became one of Nepal’s respected mountaineers. He had climbed Mount Everest 15 times, beginning with his first summit in 2003. He was also among the 10 Nepali climbers who made history with the first winter ascent of K2 in January 2021.
Throughout his career, Kili was involved in rope fixing, route opening and high-altitude rescue operations on some of the world’s most challenging mountains. His contributions extended beyond summit achievements, as he frequently assisted fellow climbers during difficult expeditions. In 2021, Kili and IFMGA/NNMGA mountain guide Mingma G established a route to the true summit of Manaslu that continues to be used by climbers. He also guided a double-amputee climber to the summit of Everest in 2018 and Manaslu in 2021.
Gyalu Sherpa: Record-Setting High-Altitude Guide
Veteran climbing guide Gyalu Sherpa was another prominent Nepali mountaineer killed in the Broad Peak avalanche. His body was recovered from the mountain on August 1. Gyalu, a climbing guide with Seven Summit Treks Pvt. Ltd., had more than a decade of experience in high-altitude mountaineering. Originally from Okhaldhunga, he was widely respected for his ability to guide climbers safely on some of the world’s most demanding peaks.
He made headlines after setting a world record by summiting Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, three times within 15 days during a single climbing season. His mountaineering record included successful ascents of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna IV, Manaslu, Cholatse, Himlung Himal, Ama Dablam, Lenin Peak, Mera Peak and Lobuche Peak. In January 2023, Gyalu completed a challenging winter ascent of Manaslu while guiding clients, further demonstrating his expertise and commitment as a professional mountain guide.
Nima Sherpa: Respected Elite Exped Guide
Nima Sherpa, a senior climbing guide with Elite Exped, also lost his life in the Broad Peak avalanche. According to Elite Exped, Nima was known as a hardworking, honest, and courageous climber whose dedication to mountaineering earned him the respect of colleagues, clients, and friends.
Originally from Sankhuwasabha, Nima began his career in the trekking industry before progressing into high-altitude mountaineering. Through years of experience and dedication, he became one of Elite Exped’s experienced climbing guides. During his career, Nima successfully climbed several of the world’s highest and most challenging mountains, including Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Manaslu.
Seven Bodies Recovered From Broad Peak
Ten mountaineers, including renowned Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, were reported missing after the avalanche struck the Broad Peak expedition on July 30. So far, the bodies of seven of the 10 missing climbers have been recovered, while three climbers remain missing. The Broad Peak tragedy claimed the lives of climbers from several countries and has triggered extensive recovery efforts in one of the world’s most challenging high-altitude environments.
Final Journey Home
The return of the mortal remains of Kili Pemba Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Nima Sherpa to Kathmandu marks an emotional final chapter for their families, colleagues and Nepal’s wider mountaineering community. Their achievements on Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu and other major peaks have left a lasting mark on Himalayan mountaineering. Their return home brings the country another painful reminder of the risks faced by Nepali mountain guides, who remain at the heart of the global climbing industry.
