Pathibhara Devi Temple

Pathibhara Devi stands at 3,794 metres on an exposed ridge north of Taplejung, and it is among the most revered shrines in eastern Nepal, drawing pilgrims from across the country and from Sikkim and Darjeeling who believe the goddess fulfils wishes and that neglecting a promised offering brings misfortune. The shrine itself is small and open, a set of tridents and bells on the bare rock with prayer flags, and animals are sacrificed here. The climb from Suketar takes most of a day on a stone path through rhododendron forest and then open ridge, with the Kanchenjunga massif visible north in clear weather. A cable car has been under construction to shorten the approach, which will change the site considerably.

What you actually see

• The ridge shrine - tridents, bells and flags on bare rock.
• The Kanchenjunga view - the massif north on clear days.
• Pilgrim traffic - people walking up from across the region.
• Rhododendron forest - the middle section of the climb in spring.

When to go

October to November and March to May for the climb and the views. Winter brings snow to the ridge. The main pilgrimage months are in autumn and spring, when the path is busiest.

Honest expectations

The climb is long, steep and at altitude, taking six to eight hours from Suketar. Animal sacrifice takes place at the shrine. Facilities on the ridge are minimal. Cable car construction has changed the approach and the site's character.

Nearby

Taplejung lies below; the Kanchenjunga trek starts nearby.