Machapuchare’s Silent Cry: A Reflection on Beauty and Loss
Today, I came across a recent photo of the majestic Machhapuchhre Mountain in Nepal, standing tall at an elevation of 6,993 meters (22,943 feet) . Commonly known as "Fishtail" for its unique peak, this mountain is one of Nepal's most iconic and breathtaking landmarks. Nestled in the Annapurna massif of the Gandaki region, Machhapuchhre remains unclimbed, protected by Nepal’s government, which has never granted a permit to ascend its sacred summit. While climbing the peak is prohibited, visitors can trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 meters, where they can immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Annapurna Sanctuary. But as I reflect on this, my heart grows heavy with the realization that this beauty is fading. In recent years, due to a combination of factors including global warming and climate change, the snow and water reserves on our mountains have been vanishing at an alarming rate. The once pristine, snowcapped peaks are turning barren, their shimm...