Nepal’s Mountain Star Pur Bahadur Gurung Dies on Broad Peak, Leaving a Legacy Written in Snow

Kathmandu- The world of mountaineering has lost one of Nepal’s brightest climbing talents. Renowned Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) has died during an expedition on Pakistan’s 8,047-meter Broad Peak after being caught in an avalanche.

The tragic news was confirmed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan and the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, both of which expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the accomplished mountaineer.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, four bodies were recovered following the avalanche. Among them, the identities of Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthi and Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung were confirmed.

For the global climbing community, Gurung’s death marks the end of an extraordinary journey that began in the remote mountains of northern Gorkha and reached the highest peaks on Earth.

Born in Laprak, Dharche Rural Municipality–4 of Gorkha, Gurung grew up surrounded by the Himalayas. At a young age, he dreamed of joining the British Army, but the country’s armed conflict forced him to take a different path. As a child, he moved to Manang, where he worked in hotels and gradually became connected with trekking groups.

His passion for the mountains led him to Kathmandu, where he began his career as a porter in 2009. Over the years, he rose from a kitchen helper and support staff member to become a respected trekking guide, expedition leader, and eventually an internationally certified mountain guide.

“He started as a porter and slowly built his career through dedication and hard work,” said his colleague Tulsing Gurung. “He had recently completed his International Mountain Guide certification through the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, but we received this heartbreaking news soon after.”

Gurung’s achievements on the world’s highest peaks were remarkable. The 37-year-old climber had successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest 10 times, making him one of the most successful Everest climbers from the Gurung community. He had also climbed 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters.

Among his many accomplishments, Gurung made headlines by climbing Pakistan’s legendary K2 within 24 hours, setting a remarkable record. Beyond his own expeditions, he was also known for helping rescue climbers stranded in the mountains.

A climber who spent his life among the peaks ultimately lost his life in the very landscape he loved. Gurung had traveled from Nepal to Pakistan about three weeks ago for the Broad Peak expedition, but he will never return home.

His legacy, however, will continue to live in the mountains he conquered, the climbers he inspired, and the lives he helped along the way.

Pur Bahadur Gurung may have disappeared into the snow, but his name will remain etched among the giants of Himalayan mountaineering.