VIDEO: Pioneering Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy dies in Pakistan’s Broad Peak avalanche
- Last updated: July 31, 2026 | 18:33
Oman is mourning the loss of trailblazing mountaineer Nadhira Al Harthy, who was killed in an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak while attempting to climb one of the world's highest mountains.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed that Al Harthy was among the climbers caught in Thursday's avalanche below Camp III at an altitude of around 6,600 metres on the 8,047-metre peak in the Karakoram range. Her body has been recovered and is being transported by helicopter to Skardu.
The ACP also confirmed the death of veteran Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung, popularly known as "Yukta," while search-and-rescue operations continue for several climbers who remain missing. Authorities said the identities of the remaining recovered victims would be announced after official verification.
Al Harthy was one of Oman's most celebrated athletes and an inspiration to aspiring adventurers across the Gulf. In 2019, she etched her name into the country's sporting history by becoming the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, a landmark achievement that brought her international recognition.
Her success on Everest marked the beginning of an extraordinary mountaineering journey. She went on to scale some of the planet's most formidable mountains, including K2, the world's second-highest peak, and Manaslu in Nepal. Her expeditions took her to some of the most challenging mountain ranges in the world, earning her respect within the international climbing community for her determination, endurance and courage.
Al Harthy was pursuing one of mountaineering's most prestigious goals — climbing all 14 mountains that rise above 8,000 metres. Broad Peak represented another milestone in that ambitious quest. She was taking part in the expedition with Seven Summit Treks, a leading Himalayan expedition operator.
More than her mountaineering accomplishments, Al Harthy became a symbol of perseverance and ambition in Oman. She encouraged women and young people to pursue their dreams regardless of perceived limitations, often sharing her experiences to inspire others to embrace adventure, resilience and self-belief.
Tributes have poured in from fellow climbers and supporters across the region, many describing her as a humble, determined and fearless adventurer whose achievements opened new horizons for Omani women in sport and exploration.
The avalanche struck shortly before 9:30 a.m. local time as a group of summit-bound climbers made their ascent. According to authorities, around 10 climbers were caught in the massive snow slide, with satellite tracking devices indicating several were swept hundreds of metres down the mountain.
Rescue teams, supported by helicopters, continue to search the avalanche zone for those still missing despite difficult weather and hazardous conditions.
Broad Peak, located near K2 in Pakistan's Karakoram range, is the world's 12th-highest mountain and is considered one of the most technically demanding peaks in high-altitude mountaineering. For Al Harthy, it was meant to be another step towards completing one of the sport's greatest challenges. Instead, it became the final chapter in the remarkable journey of a woman whose achievements transformed the landscape of Omani mountaineering and inspired countless others to dream beyond the summit.