Pathibhara
If you believe that wishes come true with mere prayers then there is a thin line in between reality and beliefs. Reality that portraits and follows logic, where as beliefs that are accustomed to values and culture. Like such, Pathibahar has been one of the most enchanting and enigmatic pilgrim that has the spectacle beliefs of magical powers. The Temple is famous around the country for its magical and spiritual power that highlights different beliefs and stories. Hindus as well as the Buddhist worshipers from all over Nepal and India flock to this pilgrimage with the sole belief of the goddess.
Regarding the origin of the temple, it is believed to have started years back where the story has been passed on from generation to generation, transcending belief to a stronger form of reality.
The story is related to shepherds, and it is believed that the temple which is established now was founded by shepherds who had led their flock to the place where the temple lies today and magically the sheeps vanished. Later the shepherds had a dream in which they were instructed by the Goddess to make a ritualistic sacrifice and when the sacrifice was offered the sheeps were returned. The shepherds then constructed the temple and set up the statue of Devi. The goddess was believed to accept animal sacrifices, which later gave her the name of Raktakali.
Later in time Pathibhara Devi was considered as one of the Shakti Peeths where the pilgrims sacrificed animals and offered gold and silver to the goddess. Worshippers from different part of Nepal and India flocked the temple during special occasions, as it is believed that a pilgrimage to the temple ensures fulfillment of wishes.
“You just have to say it with a pure heart and the goddess makes it true that’s the local belief, but it’s your will and power to make it possible. The goddess calls on those whom she believes and you have to come with your heart open. She hears all your prayers and magically everything comes true,” Prakash Acharya, a devotee said.
Located within the laps of the Himalayas syncing the echoes of the valleys, Pathibhara is located in alpine grassland. It is located in the northeast side of the country on a mountain at 3794 meters in Taplejung District. The Pathibhara district lies in the junction of three VDCs: Tapethok, Limkhim and PhawaKhola VDCs at a 19 kilometeres distance from Taplejung Bazaar (Phungling).
The trek to Pathibhara Devi (3794 m) is combined with the natural and cultural experiences of the region that makes the visit a unique exhilarating experience. It’s a one in a world experience where you can see the main route of the Kanchanjunga trek, and highlights the Limbu culture. A week-long Limbu Cultural Trek, passing through traditional villages like Phurunga (or Phurumbu), Limkhim, Khewang, Tellok, PhawaKhola and Mamankhe is a learning and adding factor of the trip. Other major attractions of the journey can also be Olangchung Gola and Lungchung monasteries. The waterfall at Sawa and the pond of Timbung, especially during autumn and spring are worth visiting every year.
The best time to visit Pathibhara is from March to June and September to November. The trek to Pathibhara Devi (3794 m) is combined with natural and cultural experiences of the region that makes the journey a unique exhilarating experience.
Travel Itinerary from Kathmandu to Pathibhara
Day First: Kathmandu-Suketar-Deurali
Activities:
-Flight from Kathmandu-Suketar (1hr) or Kathmandu-Biratnagar-Suketar (2hrs).
-Trekking from Suketar to Deurali
-Night stay in Deurali
Day Second: Deurali -Phedi
Activities:
-Trek of 4-5 hrs trek from Deurali to Phedi. On the way one can enjoy birds watching scenic views of the valleys
-Night stay in Phedi
Day Third: Phedi-Pathibhara district
Activities:
-Around 3 hours of trekking takes you to Pathibhara district. During this one can enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas mountain view from Pathibhara.
Travel Facilities to Taplejung:
Air ways: Kathmandu – Taplejung (Suketar)-Biratnagar – Taplejung (Suketar)
Road ways: Birtamod(Jhapa) – Taplejung (Phungling Bazaar)-Mechi National Highway 236KM
Trekking: Basantapur- Gufa Pokhari – Taplejung (Phungling Bazaar) – 2 Days
