It is believed that Machapuchare has never been climbed to its summit. The only confirmed attempt was in 1957 by a British team led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Roberts. Climbers Wilfrid Noyce and A. D. M. Cox climbed to within of the summit via the north ridge, to an approximate altitude of . Adhering to the word of honor given to the then King Mahendra, Noyce and his team descended without stepping on to the summit - thus publishing the only climbing record of the mountain a year later. No permits to climb the mountain have been issued ever after. The mountain is said to be sacred, but in what form, or to whom, is somewhat unclear.