Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)

Overview & Geography

Dominating the skyline of Pokhara with its distinctive twin-peaked fishtail summit, Machhapuchhre (6,993m) is revered as the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and remains forbidden to climbers by royal decree.

Machhapuchhre ('Fish Tail' in Nepali) rises in a breathtaking vertical spire above the Pokhara valley. Because of its religious sanctity to the Hindu and Buddhist communities, the peak has never been officially summitted. In 1957, a British team led by Jimmy Roberts climbed to within 150 meters of the summit before turning back out of respect for local traditions, and the mountain was subsequently closed to climbing forever. Its iconic silhouette reflected in Phewa Lake is one of the most photographed scenes in all of Asia.

Ascent History & Heritage

During the 1957 expedition, King Mahendra requested that the climbers not step on the summit itself. Climber Wilfrid Noyce honored the agreement and turned back 150m below the crest. Since then, the Government of Nepal has maintained a strict prohibition on climbing permits.

Standard Route

Pristine natural sanctity, morning views of gold-tipped peaks from lakefront cafes, and intimate ridge walks along the sacred heights.