Location and surroundings
The mountain is situated within the Machhapuchchhre municipality in the Kaski district of Gandaki Province, Nepal. Following the regional hierarchy, it belongs to Central Asia, the Himalayas, the Nepal Himalaya, the Central Greater Himalaya, and the Annapurna range. Regionally, it ranks as the 14th highest of 57 named peaks in the Annapurna, and stands as the 86th highest of 1,074 named peaks across Nepal. The peak forms the eastern boundary of the Annapurna Sanctuary, a protected amphitheatre of mountains north of Pokhara.
Neighbouring peaks
Māchāpuchchhre is surrounded by several prominent peaks and passes:
- Mardi Himal (peak, 5,553 m): 3.2 km SW
- Canharba Chuli (peak, 6,128 m): 4.8 km N
- Tharpu Chuli (peak, 5,695 m): 9.0 km NW
- Hiunchuli (peak, 6,441 m): 9.5 km W
- Aldul-Point (peak, 5,680 m): 10.1 km NW
- Annapurna III (peak, 7,555 m): 10.6 km NE
- Asapurna (peak, 7,140 m): 11.5 km N
- Sinu Chuli (peak, 6,501 m): 12.0 km NW
The nearest higher peak is Annapurna III, located 10.6 km to the northeast.
The view from the summit
From the upper elevations and the vicinity of Māchāpuchchhre, several towering Himalayan giants within a 25 km radius dominate the horizon. These include Annapurna I (8,091 m) at 16.4 km NW, Annapurna II (7,937 m) at 17.7 km E, Annapurna Fang (7,647 m) at 16.8 km NW, Annapurna IV (7,525 m) at 14.1 km E, Kangsar Kang (7,485 m) at 14.9 km NW, and Gangapurna (7,455 m) at 12.1 km N.
The range
Māchāpuchchhre is part of the Annapurna range within the broader Himalayas of Central Asia. The highest peak of the entire Annapurna massif is Annapurna I at 8,091 m, situated 16 km northwest of Māchāpuchchhre. The range contains 57 named peaks, with Māchāpuchchhre holding the 14th rank by elevation.
Climate and weather
Based on NASA POWER climate estimates from 2001 to 2020, temperatures at the summit are sub-zero year-round. The warmest month at the summit is April with a mean temperature of about -10 ƒ, while January is the coldest at about -12 ƒ. There are no months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit elevation. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 1,350 mm annually, with July being the wettest month recording about 360 mm of precipitation, and November the driest with about 5 mm. Mountain environments frequently experience rapid weather shifts, high winds, and low visibility.
Best time to visit
Given that summit temperatures remain below freezing throughout the year, climbing or high-altitude trekking is typically planned during periods of stable weather and lower precipitation. The drier months, particularly outside the peak summer monsoon period in July, offer more predictable conditions for trekking through the surrounding valleys and sanctuary areas.
Nature and wildlife
The region surrounding Māchāpuchchhre transitions from subtropical forests and rhododendron woodlands at lower elevations to alpine scrub, moraines, and permanent snow and ice higher up. Wildlife in the broader conservation area includes various high-altitude Himalayan species adapted to steep terrain and cold climates.
Guides and organised ascents
For trekking and expeditions in Nepal, hiring a certified guide is standard practice and often legally required. The national mountain guide association is the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member, alongside the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Established guiding companies operating within Nepal include Seven Summit Treks and Asian Trekking, both based in Kathmandu. Trekking in national parks and conservation areas requires permits and a licensed guide booked through a registered Nepali agency, as solo trekking has been banned since April 2023. Peak climbing requires a specific expedition permit arranged through an agency.
Safety and preparation
High-altitude terrain demands rigorous physical preparation, proper acclimatisation to prevent altitude sickness, and adequate mountaineering equipment. In the event of an emergency, the dedicated emergency number for mountain rescue in Nepal is 1144 for the English-speaking Tourist Police, alongside general police at 100 and ambulances at 102. Helicopter evacuation is typically coordinated through a commercial insurance policy and local agency assistance.
History and name
The name Māchāpuchchhre translates from Nepalese as fish's tail, descriptive of its double summit profile. It is a sacred peak for the Gurungs and the local residents of Chomrong, regarded as a dwelling place of the god Shiva. The highest summit has never been officially climbed due to government restrictions and cultural beliefs. The sole confirmed attempt occurred in 1957 by a British team led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Roberts, with climbers Wilfrid Noyce and A. D. M. Cox reaching within 150 feet of the summit via the north ridge before turning back in compliance with agreements not to step on the very top.
Interesting facts
Māchāpuchchhre commands exceptional vertical relief over a short horizontal distance due to its southern position relative to the deep valleys surrounding the range. It has earned the nickname the "Matterhorn of Nepal" owing to its sharp, pointed profile. Its prominence measures 1,293 metres, and it sits at the end of a major spur ridge marking the eastern boundary of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Māchāpuchchhre? The peak reaches an elevation of 6,993 metres.
Where is Māchāpuchchhre located? It is situated in the Annapurna massif of Gandaki Province, Nepal.
Can climbers reach the summit of Māchāpuchchhre? No, the summit has never been officially climbed, and permits are no longer issued by the government of Nepal because the mountain is sacred.
Is there water on the way to Māchāpuchchhre? Natural water sources such as streams and glacial runoff exist along trekking routes in the sanctuary, but water must be treated or filtered before consumption.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Annapurna III, located 10.6 km to the northeast.
What is the mobile phone coverage like in the area? Cellular coverage is generally patchy in the deep Himalayan valleys and remote mountain terrain, so offline maps and satellite communication devices should be utilised.