Heartfelt Tribute to 10 Mountaineers Lost on Broad Peak
NEW YORK — August 7, 2026
Venue: Consulate General of Nepal, New York
A solemn Condolence, Candle-Lighting Ceremony and Moment of Silence was held at the Consulate General of Nepal in New York in memory of the ten mountaineers who tragically lost their lives on July 30, 2026, on Broad Peak (8,051 m / 26,414 ft) in Pakistan.
The program was organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in New York, in collaboration with the United Sherpa Association (USA) Inc. – Sherpa Kyidug America, New York and the US-Nepal Climbers Association Inc.
The memorial gathering brought together distinguished diplomatic and government representatives from Nepal, China, Oman, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with mountaineers, international mountain guides, tourism professionals, community leaders, media representatives, and well-wishers.
Distinguished Diplomatic and Government Representatives
The ceremony was honored by the presence of:
- Mr. Dadhiram Bhandari – Consul General of Nepal
- Mr. Ji Yuan Nong – Consul, People’s Republic of China
- H.E. Ambassador Omar Saif Omar Alkathiri – Permanent Representative, Sultanate of Oman
- Mr. Aamer Ahmed Atozai – Consul General, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Ms. Kathy Eagan – Regional Director, Office of Foreign Missions (OFM), United States
- Ms. Mel Lawrance – Deputy Consul General, United Kingdom
Also in attendance were Er. Temba Sherpa, President of the United Sherpa Association (USA) Inc. – Sherpa Kyidug America, New York, together with members of its Executive Committee and Board, and Mr. Lhakpa G. Sherpa, Acting President of the US-Nepal Climbers Association Inc., together with members of its Executive Board.
Tribute to the Departed Mountaineers:
Heartfelt tribute was paid to the ten mountaineers who lost their lives in the tragic Broad Peak incident:
- Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai) MBE – Nepali/British
- Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta Gurung )– Nepali
- Nima Sherpa – Nepali
- Gyalu Sherpa – Nepali
- Nawang Thendu Sherpa – Nepali
- Kili Pemba Sherpa – Nepali
- Nadhira Al Harthy – Omani
- Sohail Sakhi – Pakistani
- Wang Zhong – Chinese
- Mallory Geis – American
Although they came from different nations and backgrounds, they were united by their courage, dedication, and shared passion for the mountains. Their loss is deeply felt by their families, their respective nations, and the entire global mountaineering community.
Candle Lighting and Moment of Silence
Distinguished guests, diplomatic representatives, mountaineers, and community members lit candles before photographs of the departed climbers as a symbol of remembrance, respect, compassion, and international solidarity.
Following the candle lighting, attendees observed one minute of silence and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
The gathering also emphasized that remembrance must extend beyond the memorial itself. Participants highlighted the importance of considering the long-term well-being of the bereaved families, particularly the future, education, and welfare of the children of the departed mountaineers. Continued compassion, support, and collective responsibility toward these families were recognized as important concerns for the broader mountaineering and international community.
The ceremony conveyed a powerful message that the loss of a mountaineer is not solely the loss of one family, community, or nation, but a profound loss shared by the entire international mountaineering family.
Appreciation and International Solidarity
The United Sherpa Association (USA) Inc. – Sherpa Kyidug America, New York extends its sincere gratitude to the Consulate General of Nepal in New York for organizing this meaningful memorial and bringing together diplomatic representatives, mountaineering organizations, and community members to collectively honor the departed mountaineers.
The Association also expresses its appreciation to the US-Nepal Climbers Association Inc., all distinguished diplomatic and government representatives, mountaineers, mountain guides, tourism professionals, media representatives, volunteers, community members, and well-wishers for their participation and support.
This solemn gathering demonstrated that beyond nationality, language, culture, and geographical boundaries, the global mountaineering community remains united through humanity, compassion, mutual respect, and solidarity.
May the departed souls rest in eternal peace. May their bereaved families find strength and comfort, and may their children receive the care, support, and opportunities they need for a hopeful future. May the courage, achievements, and enduring legacy of the departed mountaineers continue to inspire generations to come.
Om Mani Padme Hum.
Organized by:
Consulate General of Nepal, New York
In Collaboration With:
United Sherpa Association (USA) Inc. – Sherpa Kyidug America, New York
US-Nepal Climbers Association Inc.
August 7, 2026 | Consulate General of Nepal, New York