The global mountaineering community is mourning the loss of Nadhira Al Harthy, one of Oman’s most accomplished climbers, who was killed in the devastating avalanche that struck Broad Peak (8,047 metres) in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range during a summit attempt.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed that Nadhira Al Harthy was among the victims of the avalanche that swept through an international expedition on Thursday. Her body has since been recovered and transported by helicopter to Skardu, while search and rescue operations continue for the remaining climbers still missing on the mountain.
A Pioneer in Omani Mountaineering
Nadhira Al Harthy was widely celebrated as a pioneer of mountaineering in Oman. She made history in 2019 by becoming the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest, inspiring a new generation of climbers in her country and across the Middle East.
Nadhira Al Harthy’s mountaineering achievements extended far beyond Everest. She successfully climbed some of the world’s most challenging peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, Manaslu and Ama Dablam in Nepal, as well as the iconic Matterhorn in Europe. Alongside her climbing career, Al Harthy served as a civil servant in Oman and was admired for balancing public service with her passion for high-altitude mountaineering.
Pursuing the World’s 14 Highest Peaks
At the time of the tragedy, Nadhira Al Harthy was climbing Broad Peak as part of her ambitious mission to summit all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres. The expedition brought together climbers from five countries and was led by renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja.
The international team included five Nepali climbers, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, American climber Mallory Geis, and Al Harthy representing Oman. According to reports, GPS tracking data indicated that Al Harthy fell more than 5,000 feet after the avalanche struck, highlighting the devastating force of the disaster.
Body Recovered as Rescue Operations Continue
The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that Al Harthy’s body was recovered from the mountain and transported by helicopter to Skardu. Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations for the remaining climbers affected by the avalanche, while urging the public and media to rely only on officially verified information.
The ACP stated that additional identities and updates would only be released after official confirmation. It also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing rescue efforts.
International Response
The avalanche has prompted an extensive rescue operation involving the Pakistan Army, which dispatched two military helicopters to assist search efforts on Broad Peak. Pakistani authorities, the Alpine Club of Pakistan, and rescue agencies continue working in difficult weather and hazardous mountain conditions to locate those who remain missing.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its Embassy in Islamabad is coordinating closely with Pakistani authorities and the Alpine Club of Pakistan to facilitate rescue operations for all affected climbers. The ministry added that Pakistan has assured Nepal that every available resource is being mobilized for the mission.
A Legacy That Will Inspire Generations
Nadhira Al Harthy’s achievements made her a symbol of determination and perseverance in Omani mountaineering. By becoming the first Omani woman to stand atop Mount Everest and by conquering several of the world’s most challenging peaks, she inspired countless people to pursue adventure beyond conventional boundaries.
Her untimely death on Broad Peak is a profound loss not only for Oman but also for the international mountaineering community. As rescue operations continue for the remaining climbers, Al Harthy will be remembered as a courageous pioneer whose passion for the mountains broke barriers and inspired climbers around the world.
