Mingma G Risks Broad Peak Avalanche Zone to Recover 3 Bodies

Q: Why is Mingma G willing to risk another avalanche on Broad Peak to recover Nims Purja and two others when helicopters can no longer fly?

Mingma G is willing to take that risk because the recovery has become a personal and communal duty for him, and the safer options have effectively run out. Bad weather has grounded helicopters on Broad Peak, and rescuers say the long-line airlift method is no longer workable. Ground teams also had to halt after a second avalanche swept the route, leaving the bodies of Nirmal “Nims” Purja, Nima Sherpa and Wang Zhong stranded above 5,000 meters in highly unstable terrain. In practical terms, that means there is no low-risk way left to bring them down. His decision is deeply personal. Mingma G was a close friend and longtime climbing partner of Purja; they were part of the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021 and often worked together on commercial expeditions. Wang Zhong was also a regular client on Mingma G’s team. He has said he wants to take them “back home to see families,” framing the effort as both a promise to loved ones and a final act of respect. He has also described the mission as a tribute to the wider mountain community. In high-altitude disasters, bodies are sometimes left on the mountain when conditions are too dangerous. Mingma G appears to believe that, despite the avalanche threat, personally attempting the recovery is the only remaining way to honor fallen teammates and fellow climbers.

3 articles · Updated · ExplorersWeb · Aug 4

Six days into the recovery effort, Mingma G said he will climb back into Broad Peak’s avalanche-prone section to retrieve the bodies of Nirmal Purja, Nima Sherpa and Wang Zhong.
Bad weather grounded helicopters and a fresh avalanche halted attempts to move the three below 5,000 meters, leaving the long-line option increasingly unlikely.
Eight of the 10 climbers killed in Thursday’s avalanche have been located, and four bodies have already been brought down; Killi Pemba “Kilu” Sherpa was recovered on Monday.
Mingma G said his is now the only team left on the mountain, framing the mission as a personal effort to bring his friends home and honor the climbing community.
Three other victims still remain on Broad Peak — one body is unreachable near 6,000 meters, while Pakistani guide Sohail Sakhi and American client Mallory Geis have not been fully recovered.