Town or village · 1,820 m
Taplejung (Phungling)
The hill town headquarters of Taplejung district, where Kanchenjunga treks start and finish.
पाथीभरा देवी मन्दिर
Pathibhara Devi Temple
A hilltop shrine to the goddess Pathibhara above Phungling in Taplejung, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in eastern Nepal.
- Altitude
- 3,794 m*
- Best months
- Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Temple, monastery or heritage site
- District
- Taplejung, Koshi
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: landslides (Jun-Sep).
Why go
Pathibhara Devi Temple stands on a high, often windswept hilltop at around 3,800 m in Taplejung district, in the far north-east of Nepal. It lies above Phungling, the district headquarters, and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in eastern Nepal. The shrine itself is modest, but its position, on a summit surrounded by forest and pasture with views towards Kanchenjunga and the high peaks of the eastern Himalaya, makes the climb memorable.
Pilgrims come from across Nepal and from India, especially Sikkim, Darjeeling and Assam, to seek the blessing of the goddess, who is believed to grant wishes. Many make vows here and return to give thanks when their prayers are answered. The approach climbs through rhododendron and fir forest, and in the busy seasons the trail is lined with simple teahouses and shelters.
For trekkers, a detour to Pathibhara is often added to the start or end of the Kanchenjunga treks, which begin from the same area. Clear autumn mornings bring the widest mountain views, but the summit is frequently in cloud, so an early start gives the best chance.
History and culture
Pathibhara is revered by Hindus as a form of the mother goddess, and also holds deep importance for the Limbu people of Taplejung, for whom the hill is a sacred place in the Kirat tradition, known in Limbu as Mukkumlung. Local legends tell of shepherds who lost their flock on the hill and were instructed in a dream to make an offering to the goddess, after which worship at the site began. Stories like this are told in several versions in the region.
The temple draws its largest crowds during Dashain, especially the nine nights of Navaratri, and during other auspicious times in the Hindu calendar. Offerings include incense, bells, cloth and coins, and some devotees make animal sacrifices. Many visitors tie prayer scarves and bells near the shrine. The pilgrimage has a strong role in the local economy of Taplejung, supporting lodges, porters and shops along the route, and recent plans to build a cable car to the summit have been the subject of local debate.
Things to do in Pathibhara Devi Temple
Pilgrimage climb
Walk up from the road head through forest to the summit shrine, starting early to reach the top before cloud builds.
Mountain views
Wait at the summit at first light for views towards Kanchenjunga and the surrounding ranges.
Festival visit
Visit during Dashain to see the shrine at its busiest, with pilgrims from across Nepal and India.
Combine with Kanchenjunga
Add the climb to the start or end of a Kanchenjunga trek from the Taplejung area.
Weather and the best time to visit Pathibhara Devi Temple
Weather in Pathibhara Devi Temple
Forecast for 3,794 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are the clearest months, with Dashain bringing large crowds.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is very cold at the summit, with snow and icy trails.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May brings rhododendron bloom on the approach; afternoons are often cloudy.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is wet and misty; trails are muddy and leeches common lower down.
Where to stay
TeahousesLodgesHotels
Simple teahouses and shelters on the approach trail; Phungling has hotels and guesthouses.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Reach Phungling by road from the eastern Terai or by flying to Suketar airport, then continue by road part of the way and walk the final climb to the temple.
Nearest hub: Taplejung (Phungling)
- roadBuses and jeeps run from Birtamod, Dharan and other eastern Terai towns to Phungling; the journey takes a long day or more.
- flightSmall aircraft have served Suketar airport near Phungling; flights are weather-dependent and schedules vary.
- jeepJeeps run from Phungling towards the base of the hill; ask locally about the current road head.
- walkFrom the road head, a steep trail climbs to the summit shrine; most people take several hours and many stay a night on the way.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit Pathibhara Devi Temple. Treks beyond into the Kanchenjunga area require separate permits.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Taplejung District, Wikipedia.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Pathibhara Devi Temple
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslideshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rain causes landslides on the long road to Taplejung and makes the trail muddy.
Altitudemoderate in a typical yearAll year
The temple is at about 3,800 m; climbing quickly from the low valleys can cause altitude sickness. Go slowly, drink water and descend if symptoms worsen.
Snowmoderate in a typical yearDec-Feb
Winter snow and ice make the upper trail slippery and the summit bitterly cold.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Start the climb early; cloud usually builds by late morning.
- Carry warm clothing even in autumn, as the summit is cold and windy.
- Take it slowly if coming straight from the lowlands, and watch for altitude symptoms.
- Respect temple customs and ask before photographing rituals.
Questions about Pathibhara Devi Temple
How high is Pathibhara Devi Temple?
It is commonly quoted at about 3,794 m.
How long does it take to climb Pathibhara?
From the road head most pilgrims take several hours; times depend on where the road currently ends and on fitness.
Do I need a permit to visit Pathibhara?
No permit is required for the temple itself.
When is the best time to visit Pathibhara?
October, November and spring are best; winter brings snow and the monsoon brings rain and cloud.
Can I see Kanchenjunga from Pathibhara?
On clear mornings, especially in autumn, there are views towards Kanchenjunga and other high peaks.
Nearby
National park or conservation area
Kanchenjunga Region
A remote trekking region below the world's third-highest mountain, with Limbu and Sherpa villages, two base camps and a restricted-area permit.
Trek stop · 2,080 m
Yamphudin
A farming village of several communities at the southern gateway to Kanchenjunga, and the restricted-area checkpoint for the Oktang route.
Trek stop · 3,475 m
Ghunsa
The main village of the upper Kanchenjunga valleys, a Tibetan-heritage settlement and the hub of the North Base Camp trek.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Pathibhara Devi Temple, Wikipedia, Taplejung District, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board