Machapuchare

Machapuchare, rising to 6,993 meters, is one of the most visually impressive peaks in the Himalayas, situated in the Annapurna massif of central Nepal. Its name means "Fish's Tail" in Nepali, describing the mountain's distinctive twin summits that resemble the tail fin of a fish from certain angles. The mountain is considered sacred by the local population and is revered as the home of the Hindu god Shiva, leading to a permanent government ban on climbing to the summit. The only significant climbing attempt occurred in 1957, when a British expedition led by Wilfrid Noyce stopped just 50 meters short of the top out of respect for local customs. Machapuchare sits at the end of a long ridge extending south from the main Annapurna range, forming the eastern boundary of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Dominating the skyline of Pokhara, the peak appears much higher than its actual elevation due to its isolated position and steep vertical relief. It remains one of the few prominent unclimbed peaks in the world due to its religious status.

History & landmarks

Sarangkot Viewpoint

A famous ridge west of Pokhara, known for its breathtaking sunrises over the Annapurna Massif and Machapuchare.

World Peace Pagoda

This Buddhist monument on Anadu Hill above Phewa Lake was built by Japanese monks from the Nipponzan-Myōhōji community.

Tal Barahi Temple

A two-story pagoda temple on a small island in Phewa Lake in Pokhara, dedicated to the protector goddess Ajima.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

A deep, damp limestone cave in Pokhara, located right across from Davis Falls, containing a large stalagmite in the shape of a Shiva Lingam.

Davis Falls

A waterfall in Pokhara where the water plunges into an underground tunnel that is 500 meters long and reaches 30 meters deep into the earth.

International Mountain Museum

A museum in Pokhara dedicated to the history of mountaineering, the peoples of the Himalayas, and the flora and fauna of the region.

Bindhyabasini Temple

The oldest temple in Pokhara stands on a small hill in the city center and is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati in her form as Durga.

Manakamana Temple

A Hindu temple in the Gorkha District dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.

More places

Pokhara Valley

The Pokhara Valley is a picturesque region in central Nepal, famous for its serene lakes and caves.

Manang Valley

The Manang Valley lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna, offering a dry, desert-like landscape.

Mustang Plateau

The Mustang Plateau is an arid, high-altitude region known for its ancient Tibetan culture and mysterious caves.

Annapurna I

Annapurna I is the third highest mountain in Nepal and the tenth highest in the world, notorious for its danger.

Kali Gandaki Valley

The Kali Gandaki Valley forms one of the deepest gorges in the world, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Manaslu

Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and is characterized by its steep, glacier-covered slopes.

Himalchuli

Himalchuli is a massive mountain in the Mansiri Himal, rising prominently above the Marsyangdi River valley.

Tsum Valley

The Tsum Valley is a remote Himalayan valley known for its deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist heritage.