Machapuchare Mountain

Machapuchare is a striking mountain in Nepal’s Annapurna range, known for its double-peaked, fishtail-shaped summit and sacred status to local communities. Its summit reaches approximately 6,993 metres, making it a prominent and much-photographed peak in the Annapurna massif.

The mountain’s dramatic north face and twin summit lobes are visible from viewpoints around Pokhara and from trekking routes into the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is not part of the commercial climbing objectives because the Nepalese government has prohibited climbing to respect its sacred status.

Machapuchare has been a landmark for mountaineers and trekkers since the early 20th century; limited reconnaissance and approach climbs were made in the mid-20th century but no sanctioned summit has been recorded. The peak’s protected status and visual prominence have contributed to its symbolic importance in Nepali mountain culture.

Geographically Machapuchare sits immediately north of Pokhara within the Annapurna Conservation Area, rising above the Modi Khola valley and forming part of the Annapurna massif in central Nepal. Well-known viewpoints for the mountain include Sarangkot and other ridges above Pokhara.

• Elevation and profile: Summit elevation is widely cited as 6,993 metres, with a distinctive twin-peaked, fishtail-shaped summit that is visually prominent from Pokhara and the Annapurna foothills.
• Climbing restriction: Climbing is effectively prohibited and the peak is considered sacred by many local communities; the mountain remains without an officially recorded successful summit ascent.

Machapuchare (the Fishtail) is approached as part of treks in the Annapurna region. Travelers normally fly or bus to Pokhara (the nearest city), then drive or jeep to trailheads such as Phedi or Nayapul and trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary area to get close views of Machapuchare.

Note that Machapuchare is a sacred peak and climbing it is prohibited; access is by foot on trekking routes rather than by vehicle.

• For the clearest views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range, watch sunrise from the Sarangkot viewpoint above Pokhara or from Poon Hill on the Annapurna foothills - early morning light usually offers the sharpest visibility.
• Machapuchare is a sacred peak and climbing to its summit has been prohibited by the Nepalese government; respect local rules and avoid any expedition that claims to summit the mountain.
• If you plan any trekking in the Annapurna area, obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card before you start - they are required for many trails and checkpoints.