Born in Dana, Myagdi District, Nepal
Nirmal Purja
DeceasedAlso known as Nirmal Purja MBE, Nims, Nimsdai
Mountaineer who climbed all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in 6 months and 6 days (Project Possible, 2019); former British Army Gurkha and Special Boat Service member
About
Nirmal Purja grew up poor in Nepal’s Myagdi district. His father and brothers were Gurkha soldiers, so he joined too. Later, he became the first Gurkha ever picked for Britain’s Special Boat Service. This is an elite military unit.
After he left the military, he took up mountain climbing. He climbed all 14 of the world’s highest mountains in record time. This project was called Project Possible. In January 2021, he led a team of Nepali climbers. They were the first team to reach the top of K2 in winter.
On 30 July 2026, an avalanche hit his climbing team on Broad Peak in Pakistan. Nirmal Purja died, along with nine other climbers.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1983-07-25
- Birthplace
- Dana, Myagdi District, Nepal
- Profession
- Mountaineer, Former Special Forces soldier, Expedition leader
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 2026-07-30
Previous roles
Member, Brigade of Gurkhas
British Army · 2003
Member, Special Boat Service
British Army · 2009–2019
Career & life timeline
- 1983-07-25
- 2003
Joined the Brigade of Gurkhas
- 2009
Became the first Gurkha selected for the UK Special Boat Service
- 2016
First ascent of Mount Everest
- 2019
Completed Project Possible, summiting all 14 eight-thousanders in 189 days
- 2021-01
Led the first successful winter ascent of K2
- 2026-07-30
Died in an avalanche on Broad Peak, Pakistan, while leading an expedition
Achievements
Completed Project Possible, climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in 6 months and 6 days
2019Led the first successful winter ascent of K2, by an all-Nepali team
2021First Gurkha selected for the UK Special Boat Service
2009
Awards & honours
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Organizations & affiliations
- Elite Exped
Last updated: 2026-09-02