Pathibhara Cultural trekking is the pilgrimage visit to ‘Pathibhara Devi’ and to have an in-depth experience of the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Limbu people dominating the region. The Goddess at Pathibhara is believed to have miraculous powers and is said to have answered her devotees’ prayers. The story regarding the foundation of the temple has been passed to one generation to another generation where hundreds of sheep disappeared as they were grazing the place where the temple is positioned today. Myth has it that the distressed shepherds then had a dream in which the Goddess told where she resided and instructed them to carry out ritualistic sacrifices of sheep. When the sacrifice was offered and the temple and the statue was built, the lost sheep were said to have returned and from then onwards started the worship of Pathibhara Devi.

Worshippers from different parts of Nepal and India flock the temple during special occasions, as it is believed that a pilgrimage to the temple ensures fulfillment of all desires. Pathibhara is located at Tapethok VDC, 19 km from Phungling, the district headquarters of Kanchenjunga. We can enjoy beautiful views of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna Himalaya. The main objective of this new open Cultural trekking trail is the pilgrimage visit to ‘Pathibhara Devi’ and to have an in-depth experience of the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Limbu communities. The cultural trail is located main route to Kanchenjunga and provides an experience of the Limbu culture of the Nepalese Himalayas.For visitors other than pilgrims , Lumbu Cultural Trek is equally enthralling.A week long Lumbu Cultural Trek, passing through traditional villages like Phurunga, Limkim, Khewang, Trellok,, Phawa Khola and manankhe can be visit a worth remembering. 

About The Trek

The Colorful and rich Limbu culture is an inherent part of the Taplejung trekking experience. The animist deity at Pathibhara is worshipped with equal reverence by both Hindus and Buddhist. Hindus crowd the temple during special celebrations, while Buddhists living in the vicinity light lamps at the temple on full-moon light. 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 Olangchung Gola 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 a 2-hours walk to reach Phungling Bazar. Pathibhara Devi is about 8-10 hours from Suketar. 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.

Day 1 Cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley

You will have a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley which takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. Including AM: Visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine Swayambhunath, situated on the top of the hill west of the city the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the “Monkey Temple”. There are many small buildings and shrines down the hillside behind Swayambhunath. 

Explore the colorful Kathmandu Durbar Square – The Old Royal Palace of Kathmandu, Temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, and 17th century temple known for colorfully painted erotic carvings, Kasthmandap temple a three story temple built from a single tree in 12th century. Visit Pashupatinath temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning Ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath.   

Day 2 Flight from Kathmandu to Suketar and Trek to Deurali

Fly from Kathmandu to Suketar which takes approximately 1 hour. Then you  will have breakfast and then after you will keep walking until reaching Deurali which takes about 2 hours. While trekking you can observe the surrounding and local lifestyle along the trail. 

Day 3 Trek to Phedi

On this day after breakfast, you will continue your trek. Trek from Deurali to Phedi which takes almost 5 hours to reach. You can watch different birds along the trail. You will have beautiful mountain scenery during the trail. 

Day 3 Excursion to Pathibhara and Trek back to Phedi

After breakfast, we will climb up until reaching Pathibhara Devi Temple which takes about 3 hours. We can visit the Pathibhara Devi Temple. This secret region attracts tourists seeking spiritual fulfillment and blessings from the powerful Pathibhara Devi. Hindus as well as the Buddhists reach the temple for celebrations during special occasions. The trek to Pathibhara Devi combined with the natural and cultural experiences of the region make the visit a unique exhilarating experience. We can see various mountain sceneries and also can encounter various species of birds during the trail. Then we will climb down till Phedi which takes about 2 and half hours.  

Pathibhara temple is reached by a steep climb, anywhere from 3 to 5 hours depending on your fitness. The old path has now been replaced by stairs. There are several villages where you can get refreshments during the first half of the climb. At the last village you can get overnight accommodations. If you wish to do the final stage early in the morning. You can also hire a car in Taplejung. Moreover, to take you over a rough and bumpy 4WD road to the foot of the mountain.
After a strenuous climb the magnificent view of Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountains unfolds before you, silent, powerful and breathtaking. The pathway to the sacred temple is strung with hundreds of bells. The image of the mountain goddess/Devi resides in the temple. 

Day 4 Trek to Suketar

On this day after breakfast, we will take the same trail back to Suketar with viewing spectacular snow capped mountains and observing local culture, lifestyle as well as a small Buddhist Monastery along the trail. 

Day 5 Flight from Suketar to Kathmandu

Early in the morning, fly from Suketar to Kathmandu with viewing great Himalayan Ranges like Langtang, Manaslu, Jugal Himal and Everest during the flight which takes about 1 hour. This will be a day for your shopping in Thamel and personal discoveries of interesting corners, nooks and crannies in touristy but charming Thamel. You can also stroll to nearby Durbar Square.  

A place of faith of most of the Hindu people. A holy place situated on the top of a hill. A wonderful view point to behold the mighty Kanchenjunga and other Himalayas. This Pathibhara Cultural Trek will let you enjoy all the beautiful aspects of spiritual and natural healing.