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.

History

Long before the temple was built, a large rock on the hilltop was revered by the Limbu people, who follow the Mundhum, an ancient tradition rooted in animism and shamanism, and believed the rock held divine power; the temple, at 3,794 metres, is now one of the most important Shaktipeeth in Nepal (Wikipedia, Pathibhara Devi Temple).

What to look for

• 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.

Things to know

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.

Key facts