Machhapuchhare, Nepal

Situated in the Annapurna massif in the Himalayas of Gandaki Province, in the Sagarmatha National Park and Annapurna Conservation Area in north-central Nepal.
One of the least visited places on Earth, its highest peak has never been officially climbed as it's impossible to gain a permit from the government of Nepal. However, there is believed to be a sneaky New Zealander called Bill Denz who illegally soloed the summit in the early 1980's. Likely the first and only human to step upon the sacred summit believed to be one of the homes of the Hindu god Shiva. Bill later died in an avalanche in the Himalayas in 1985, so maybe Shiva came back to punish him....

Elevation: 22,943 ft / 6,993 m 
Geology: Formed from the collision of the Indian tectonic plate with the Eurasian landmass roughly 50 million years ago. It lies within the Tethyan Himalayas, which were created by the uplift of the ancient Tethys Sea. Indeed, among these remote mountain valleys at the top of the world can be found preserved sand and fossils of marine creatures who lived millions of years in the past and thousands of feet down on the old sea floor.
Why so spectacular? The peak makes for an enhanced visual feast thanks to its sheer and sudden rise from the lowlands below. Just 24 km north of the subtropical city of Pokhara, yet a full 6000 m higher, makes for particularly striking views from the surrounding area, including along various stretches of the Annapurna circuit and base camp treks. 

Photos were taken from this stunning article in Another Magazine.

This feature was inspired by an Honorary Uncle and world explorer Amy Karpas, whose upcoming trip we can't wait to hear about.