KANCHENJUNGA - CULTURE & WILDERNESS (TRPAP & Sustainable Tourism Development)

Pathibhara Trail

Pathibhara Devi shrine (3,794 m) is a popular pilgrimage destination. The animist deity at Pathibhara is worshipped with equal reverence by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus throng the temple during special celebrations, while Buddhists living in the vicinity light lamps at the temple on full moon nights.

The Goddess at Pathibhara is believed to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of her devotees, like sons for those without sons, and wealth for the poor. The story of the temple goes back to the time when hundreds of sheep were said to have disappeared from the place where the temple stands today. Legend has it that when the shepherds prayed to get their sheep back, they had a vision of the Devi herself who asked them to sacrifice a few of the sheep to get back their lost ones. It is said that when they did as they were asked by the Devi, the lost sheep were found, and from thence started the worship of Pathibhara Devi.

The Pathibhara pilgrimage may take 4 to 5 days and the best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. Pilgrims can also visit monasteries situated in Olangchungola and Lungchung, the waterfall at Sawa and the pond of Timbung, during autumn and spring every year. The forest ecosystem along the trail offers diversity of wildlife, birds, flowers and butterflies. Most of the Kanchenjunga range can also be seen from here.

Pathibhara is in Tapethok VDC, 19 kms from Phungling, the district headquarters. The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar (2,840 m) about a 2-hour walk from Phungling Bazaar. Pathibhara Devi Temple is about 8-10 hours from Suketar. Suketar has the only airport of Taplejung district (a STOL airstrip). It is connected to Kathmandu and Biratnagar by scheduled flights. Beautiful views of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna can be seen from Suketar. From Suketar the Pathibhara trail passes through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda, Phedi and finally to Pathibhara. The trail offers food and lodging facilities. Basic accommodation facilities are also available for pilgrims near the shrine.

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