Pathibhara Devi shrine
(3,794m), located at Tapethok VDC, 19km from Phungling,
the district headquarters of Taplejung district is a
popular pilgrimage destination of both Hindus and Buddhists.
Both the Hindus and Buddhists worship the animist deity
at Pathibhara with equal reverence. The Buddhists of
the surrounding area light lamps at the temple on full-moon
nights, while the Hindus pack the temple during special
celebrations. The Goddess at Pathibhara is believed
to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of her devotees.
Whatever is wished with good will, will be provided
to the devotees.
It is generally believed
that when hundreds of sheep were disappeared from the
place where the temple stands today, the shepherds prayed
to get their sheep back. Surprisingly 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 sacrificed the demanded sheep as they
were asked by the Devi, the lost sheep were found, and
from then onwards people started to worship Pathibhara
Devi.
It may take 4-5 days to
visit the place. The best time to visit the temple is
from March to June and September to November. Pilgrims
can also have an opportunity to visit monasteries situated
in Olangchungola and Lungchung, the waterfall at Sawa
and the pond of Timbuk, during autumn and spring every
year. The thick forest ecosystem along the trail offers
diversity of wildlife, birds, flowers and butterflies.
Most of the Kanchenjunga range can also be seen from
this point. The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar
(2840m) which takes about 2-hours walk to reach from
Phungling Bazaar. Pathibhara Devi is about 8-10 hours
from Suketar. The airport at Suketar is the only airport
of Taplejung district (a STOL airport). Suketar is connected
to Kathmandu and Biratnagar by scheduled flights. Beautiful
views of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna can be seen from
Suketar. From Suketar the trail passes through Deurali,
Ramitedada, Chhatedunga, Bhalugauda, Phedi and finally
to Pathibhara.
Outline Itinerary
:
| Day 01 : |
Arrival at Subernabhumi International
Airport and transfer to hotel |
| Day 02 : |
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu
valley O/N Hotel. |
| Day 03 : |
Flight from Kathmandu either
to Suketar or to Biratnagar and then to Suketar
and we trek up to Deurali from the airport Along
the trail, we would observe the surroundings and
the local lifestyle. Overnight in a local lodge.
|
| Day 04 : |
Deurali Trek to Phedi (3,190m)
We would go to Phedi from Deurali. It would be our
privilege to watch different varieties of birds.
Besides, we also view the panoramic views of the
mountains. |
| Day 05 : |
Phedi –Pathibhara (3,794)- Phedi
Trekking from Phedi, we reach Pathibhara and perform
pooja. We would see different types of birds and
on the way. In addition to this, we would also view
mountain ranges. From Pathibhara, we would trek
down to Phedi for accommodation |
| Day 06 : |
Phedi – Suketar Overnight
in the hotel. |
| Day 07 : |
Suketar – Kathmandu
We take early flight from Suketar to either Biratnagar
and then to Kathmandu or directly to Kathmandu Transfer
to hotel. |
| Day 08 : |
Transfer to airport final departure
|
|
