Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Nirmal Purja’s Funeral in UK to Receive Guard of Honour
Nirmal Purja was a famous mountaineer from Nepal who was also a former British Gurkha soldier.
He died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
His remains have now been brought to the United Kingdom.
His funeral will take place on August 26 at Milton Abbey.
A guard of honour is expected at the service.
The funeral will be private, but some close friends and representatives may attend.
His family says they want people to respect their privacy while they grieve.
Other Nepali climbers and a former Nepali deputy speaker are expected to attend.
The remains of Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja have arrived in the United Kingdom.
Purja’s funeral is scheduled for August 26 at Milton Abbey in southwest England.
The private funeral is expected to include a guard of honour, according to the Non-Resident Nepali Association UK president.
Purja was among 10 climbers killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak last month, according to the report.
Family members cited privacy and security concerns while acknowledging criticism over access to the funeral.
- Who
- Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja, his family, invited representatives, and fellow Nepali climbers.
- What
- Purja’s remains have arrived in the United Kingdom, where his funeral is due to receive a guard of honour.
- When
- The funeral is scheduled for August 26; his family received his remains on August 9.
- Where
- Milton Abbey in Blandford Forum, southwest England.
- Why
- To bury Purja and allow family, close associates, and representatives of connected communities to pay their respects while preserving a private ceremony.
Family Privacy
Public Tribute
Access to the funeral
Family Privacy
Purja’s family says the funeral must remain private and that security, dignity, and space for grieving should take priority.
Public Tribute
Critics have questioned restrictions on access to the last rites of a mountaineer described in the report as a legendary figure and national hero.
Attendance and recognition
Family Privacy
The family intends to accommodate, where reasonably possible, people closest to Purja and representatives of communities and organizations connected with him.
Public Tribute
Supporters, including Indira Rana Magar, have sought broader public recognition, including a national hero title for Purja.
- Funeral date
- August 26
- Funeral venue
- Milton Abbey, Blandford Forum, southwest England
- Cause of death
- A deadly avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
- Expedition fatalities
- The expedition included 10 climbers who died in the avalanche
- Mountaineering achievement
- Purja climbed the world’s 14 highest peaks in 189 days in 2019
- Family position
- The funeral is private, with privacy and security prioritized
- Expected attendees
- Indira Rana Magar, Mingma G, and Mingma David Sherpa are expected to attend