네팔의 전설적 등산가 니르말 푸르자, 눈사태로 사망

Imagine standing at the top of the world's highest mountains. Now imagine doing it not just once, but many times — pushing your body to its limit in places where few humans dare to go. This is what mountaineers do. And Nepal's best mountaineers inspire millions of people around the world.

On a clear morning high in the Himalayas, an avalanche swept down a mountain slope. The snow moved fast and with tremendous force. Several mountaineers, including Nirmal Purja, were caught in its path. Purja was one of Nepal's most famous climbers. He had summited many of the world's tallest peaks. To climbers everywhere, he was a symbol of human courage and determination.

News of the avalanche spread quickly. Tributes began pouring in from all over Nepal. Mountaineers, athletes, government officials, and ordinary people shared stories about Purja's skill and kindness. Many climbers said he had helped them, mentored them, or inspired them to pursue their dreams. On social media and in the streets, Nepali people gathered to remember him and his fellow climbers who were lost.

Why do mountaineers risk their lives in these dangerous places? For some, it is a personal challenge — they want to test themselves against nature's most powerful forces. For others, it brings honour to their country. Many of Nepal's mountaineers come from humble backgrounds. They work as guides for international climbing expeditions, earning money for their families. Climbing is not just a sport in Nepal; it is part of the nation's identity and heritage. The Himalayas are home, and the mountains are sacred.

Purja's life embodied this spirit. He was known not only for his climbing records but also for his character. He had helped build schools, supported younger climbers, and always showed respect for the mountains and the people who live in their shadow. When a mountaineer dies on a peak, it touches something deep in Nepali culture — a reminder that these beautiful mountains demand both respect and sacrifice.

The avalanche has left Nepal grieving, but also reflecting on what these climbers meant to their communities. Their legacy, as one tribute said, will live forever — not just in the record books, but in the hearts of those they inspired. Do you think there is value in pursuing something dangerous and difficult, even when you know the risks? What makes a person willing to climb toward the sky?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.