Nepal (6,993 m) – Sacred Hindu Mountain
Machapuchare is one of the great peaks of Nepal, and one of the most sacred Hindu mountains outside of India. Sometimes called the Matterhorn of Nepal, it s famously resemblant of its European Twin. Its name means Fish Tail.
Located in the Annapurna Himalaya, Machapuchare has been considered sacred by Hindus from antiquity. Specifically, local legends hold that the mountain was considered holy by the God Shiva. Because of this Machapuchare is off-limits to mountaineers. A climb was attempted in 1957, but the climbers did not actually reach the peak out of respect to local traditions. No authorized climb has taken place since.
Although Machapuchare is off limits to climbers, the surrounding area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal and is popular with hikers, especially the Annapurna sanctuary. The area is accessible from Pokhara, approximately twenty miles to the south, and Kathmandu, 75 miles to the southeast.
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