The bodies of climbing guides and Nepali mountaineers Kili Pemba Sherpa (Kilu), Gyalu Sherpa and Nima Sherpa, who lost their lives in an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
The three climbers were among 10 mountaineers who went missing after an avalanche struck the 8,047-metre Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range on July 30, 2026. Seven bodies have so far been recovered, while three climbers remain missing.
The incident has caused a major loss to Nepal’s mountaineering community, with several experienced and highly skilled Nepali climbers among those affected.
Kili Sherpa: 15-Time Everest Summiteer
Kili Pemba Sherpa was a highly experienced climbing guide and mountaineer with an extensive record of high-altitude expeditions. He had climbed Mount Everest 15 times, beginning with his first successful ascent in 2003.
Kili was also among the 10 Nepali climbers who made mountaineering history by completing the first winter ascent of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, in January 2021.
Throughout his career, Kili played a key role in fixing ropes, opening routes and supporting expeditions on some of the world’s most challenging peaks. He was also involved in numerous high-altitude rescue operations, helping fellow climbers in distress.
In 2021, Kili and IFMGA/NNMGA-certified guide Mingma G established a route to the true summit of Mount Manaslu. The route continues to be used by climbers attempting the 8,163-metre peak.
Kili was also known for supporting climbers facing extraordinary physical challenges. In 2018, he guided a double-amputee climber to the summit of Mount Everest and later helped the climber reach the summit of Manaslu in 2021.
Gyalu Sherpa: Record-Setting Mountaineer
Veteran climbing guide Gyalu Sherpa was another prominent Nepali mountaineer who died in the Broad Peak avalanche.
Gyalu made his mark in Himalayan mountaineering by summiting Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, three times within just 15 days during a single climbing season. The achievement earned him a world record and highlighted his exceptional high-altitude climbing ability.
His body was recovered from Broad Peak on August 1, following the avalanche.
Gyalu’s death has further deepened the loss felt by Nepal’s mountaineering community, particularly among professional guides and high-altitude workers who have long contributed to Nepal’s reputation as a leading mountaineering destination.
Nima Sherpa Among Those Lost in Avalanche
Nima Sherpa was also among the Nepali climbers who lost their lives in the Broad Peak disaster. His body was brought back to Kathmandu along with those of Kili and Gyalu Sherpa on Tuesday.
The recovery and repatriation of the bodies have brought renewed attention to the risks faced by Nepali climbing guides and high-altitude workers, who frequently operate in some of the most dangerous mountain environments in the world.
Pur Bahadur Gurung’s Body Previously Repatriated
Earlier, the body of IFMGA-certified mountain guide and Nepali mountaineer Pur Bahadur “Yukta” Gurung, who also died in the Broad Peak avalanche, had been brought back to Kathmandu.
The Broad Peak disaster has therefore claimed the lives of several experienced Nepali mountaineers, leaving a significant void in Nepal’s professional mountaineering sector.
Seven Bodies Recovered
The July 30 avalanche struck Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s major 8,000-metre peaks, leaving 10 climbers missing. Search and recovery efforts have so far resulted in the recovery of seven bodies, while three people remain unaccounted for.
The incident has highlighted once again the extreme risks associated with climbing in the Karakoram, where avalanches, rapidly changing weather, falling ice and difficult terrain can pose life-threatening challenges even to highly experienced mountaineers.
Nepal’s mountaineering community has mourned the loss of the climbers, who had built long careers through expeditions, route-fixing, guiding and rescue operations across some of the world’s highest mountains.
