Sightseeing · Nepal
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
The sacred Fishtail peak at 6,993 metres above Pokhara — officially unclimbed and one of Nepal's most photographed mountains.
Machhapuchhre, at 6,993 metres, is the sacred Fishtail peak that towers over Pokhara. Far lower than Nepal's eight-thousanders but unmistakable in shape, it is one of the most photographed and most revered mountains in the country, and it remains officially unclimbed.
Overview
Machhapuchhre is the southern outlier of the Annapurna massif and one of the most beloved of the Himalayan peaks of Nepal. Held sacred to the god Shiva, it has been closed to mountaineering for decades, and its summit has never been trodden, which only adds to its mystique. It stands just south of Annapurna I at the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary, its sharp form rising apparently alone above the foothills because it is set forward from the main range. For the people of the region it is a holy mountain, and for travellers it is the unforgettable backdrop to Pokhara.
Height and location
At 6,993 metres (22,943 feet), Machhapuchhre is dwarfed in height by the eight-thousand-metre giants behind it, yet its steep, isolated profile makes it appear enormous and is part of why it is so photographed. It sits at roughly 28.49° N, 83.95° E on the southern rim of the Annapurna range, directly north of Pokhara, where it is beautifully reflected in Phewa Lake. From the city it dominates the skyline, and its proximity makes it feel far closer than the higher peaks beyond.
First ascent and climbing
Machhapuchhre has never been officially summited. A British expedition in 1957, led by Wilfrid Noyce, climbed to within about 50 metres of the top but deliberately turned back, having promised the Nepali authorities they would not set foot on the sacred summit itself. The Nepali government has kept the peak closed to all climbing ever since, out of respect for its religious significance. As a result Machhapuchhre is one of the few major Himalayan peaks whose true high point remains untouched, a rare thing in the modern mountaineering era.
How to see it
Few big mountains are so easy to admire. Machhapuchhre dominates the skyline of Pokhara and is beautifully reflected in Phewa Lake at dawn, when its twin points catch the first light. The Annapurna Base Camp trek passes directly beneath its flanks on the way into the Sanctuary, where Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a key stop, while the Mardi Himal trek climbs a quiet ridge right below its dramatic south face. The nearby Sarangkot viewpoint above Pokhara is a favourite for sunrise. For the great peak just behind it, see Annapurna I.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 6,993 m (22,943 ft) |
| Status | Officially unclimbed and sacred |
| Location | Southern Annapurna massif, above Pokhara |
| Nearest attempt | 1957 British expedition, stopped short |
| Meaning | Fish tail |
| Best viewpoint | Pokhara and Phewa Lake |
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Frequently asked questions
How tall is Machhapuchhre?+
Machhapuchhre stands 6,993 metres (22,943 feet) high. Though far lower than Nepal's eight-thousanders, its dramatic isolated form makes it one of the country's most recognisable peaks.
Where is Machhapuchhre located?+
Machhapuchhre rises on the southern edge of the Annapurna massif, directly north of Pokhara. Its sharp summit dominates the skyline from the lakeside city.
Has anyone climbed Machhapuchhre?+
Machhapuchhre is officially unclimbed. A 1957 British expedition reached close to the top but stopped short of the summit out of respect, and the mountain has since been closed to climbing because it is sacred to the god Shiva.
Why is Machhapuchhre called the Fishtail?+
From most angles the summit appears as a single sharp spire, but from the east it reveals two points that resemble a fish's tail, giving the peak its Nepali name, which means fish tail.
How can I see Machhapuchhre?+
Machhapuchhre is one of the easiest big peaks to view, looming over Pokhara and reflected in Phewa Lake. The Annapurna Base Camp trek passes directly beneath it, and the Mardi Himal trek climbs a ridge right below its south face.
