The Himalayas have found a remarkable way to honour one of their most celebrated climbers.

A newly discovered Himalayan plant has been named Impatiens nimspurjai, after legendary Nepali mountaineer Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja. Discovered in Nepal’s Myagdi district at around 2,800–2,900 metres, the new species belongs to the Impatiens genus, whose plants are commonly known as tiuri in Nepal. Purja died in a tragic mountaineering accident on Broad Peak in Pakistan in late July 2026. The 43-year-old was leading an international expedition when a massive avalanche struck the 8,051-metre mountain, sweeping away members of the team. His death was later confirmed by Elite Exped, the expedition company he co-founded. Just days after his tragic death, he has been honoured with this lasting tribute.

Researchers Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti and Rita Ale are credited with the discovery. The timing and tribute make the discovery especially poignant. For a man whose life was so deeply intertwined with the mountains, having a Himalayan species permanently carry his name creates a legacy that goes beyond records and summits.

A Mountaineer Who Redefined Records

Nimsdai became a global mountaineering sensation after achieving what once seemed almost unimaginable. In 2019, he climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre-plus peaks in just six months and six days, setting a new benchmark in high-altitude mountaineering.

His achievements continued to make history. In 2021, he was part of the historic all-Nepali team that completed the first winter ascent of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. But Purja’s connection with the Himalayas was never only about reaching the top.

From Climbing Mountains to Protecting Them

Through the Nimsdai Foundation, Purja championed mountain conservation, including the Big Mountain Cleanup initiative. The campaign focused on removing expedition waste from some of the world’s highest peaks, including discarded oxygen cylinders, ropes, tents and other climbing equipment.

That makes Impatiens nimspurjai more than a botanical tribute. It connects Purja’s extraordinary climbing career with his efforts to protect the fragile environments he spent years exploring. 

The United Nations Environment Programme also recognised him as a Mountain Advocate for his work.

Discover Myagdi Beyond the Peaks

The discovery also shines a spotlight on Myagdi, a spectacular corner of Nepal’s Gandaki Province. The region combines dramatic Himalayan landscapes with villages, rivers, waterfalls, trekking trails and hot springs. Beni, the district headquarters, lies at the meeting point of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers.

Among its attractions are Dhaulagiri Base Camp, Khopra Danda, Rupse Waterfall and the Kaligandaki Corridor, while Tatopani offers travellers the chance to unwind in natural hot springs.

For adventurers looking beyond Nepal’s classic Everest trail, Myagdi offers a different side of the Himalayas—one where mountain culture, rural life and biodiversity take centre stage.

Nimsdai climbed the Himalayas, broke records and worked to protect their fragile ecosystems. Now, a newly discovered plant will carry his name among those very mountains. 

His footprints may fade from the mountain trails, but his name will continue to bloom in the Himalayas.