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The amazing facts of the world
Known as the country with the highest mountains worldwide, Nepal has a peaceful religious atmosphere and many mysterious and picturesque pilgrimage sites. Among these religious tourist destinations, we explore the mystery of the Pathibhara Religious area and its growing glory in this article.
We also introduce the significant tourist sites in the Jhapa, Ilam, and Pachthar districts in far eastern Nepal. These fascinating sites and the amusement of the hill region would be an enjoyable part of the route while Pathibhara Devi Temple (Holy place) Visit.
Pathibhara is the Name of the Sacred place, believed to be the abode of the Pathibhara Goddess or Pathibhara Devi. People call Pathibhara by different names, Such as Pathibhara Devi, Pathibhara Mandir, Pathibhara Dham, Pathibhara Mata, etc. In the Limbu language, it is called Mukkumlung to Pathibhara.
Dham means Holy Place in Nepali, Mandir means the Temple, and Devi means Goddess. Hindus also call Mata (Mother), Bhagawati to Goddess. So, Pathibhara Devi is Nepal’s most impressive and famous Goddess.
This article includes all the necessary factual information about the Pathibhara Dham (a Religious site) and the wonderful journey to it.
So, This article will benefit everyone curious about the Pathibhara religious site and those who want to visit eastern Nepal along the fascinating Ilam tourist sites.
The famous Pathibhara religious site is in the Himalayan region in the far northeast of Nepal. According to the New Map of Nepal, it is under the Koshi province (No.1) and about 20 km northeast of Fungaling Bazar, the headquarters of Taplejung District. It is located in Yangwarak Rural Municipality of Taplejung District.
Pathibhara Devi Dham is situated on a beautiful hilltop about 3794 meters (12444 feet) from sea level.
Pathibhara religious area is full of peaceful and beautiful forests around it; it is a frigid zone with 3/4 months of snow in winter. Nearby are the Kumbhakarna and Kanchenjunga mountain ranges to the north, and the tourist cities of Darjeeling, Gangtok (Sikkim), and other areas of India are near the East.
Firstly, the Pathibhara Dham area should not be understood as a center for Hindus only. This pilgrimage site is a center of belief and faith for various religions. Some tribes of Nepal have also respected Pathibhara as a divine power since ancient times.
In addition, the Pathibhara tourist area and many other places on this route are also famous as Nepal’s most beautiful natural tourist areas.
Therefore, a trip to Pathibhara Dham is a fruitful and enjoyable destination for all, whether Hindu or not: nature lovers, tourists, researchers, or students of various disciplines.
To observe religious cultures, locality, and beautiful nature, people from outside of Nepal, the Indian states of Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, other neighboring countries Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and foreign tourists also visit this beautiful mountain pilgrimage site.
So, for some decades, the Mystery of the Pathibhara Dham and its Ever-growing Popularity have been notable facts.
Pilgrims have been coming to Pathibhara Dham since ancient times. But in the last few decades, this trend has increased a lot, the possible reasons for which can be the following:
In Sanatani or Hindu religion, women are considered the mother power. In this religion, the practice of worshiping the female deity as more powerful than the male deity and as a divine power that fulfills the wishes of the devotees is increasing.
In Nepal, significant festivals such as Dashai and Tihar are celebrated, which are also based on the worship of female divine power.
Also, well-known religious practices in Kathmandu, Nepal, such as declaring ‘Kumari’ (Virgin Goddess) and worshipping Panchakanya (Unmarried five girls as a goddess) all over the country, are based on live female divine power.
In this way, the sacred place where female divine power is worshipped is also Called ‘Shaktipith’ in Nepal.
Among the ‘Shaktipiths’ in Nepal, the Ugratara temple in western Nepal and the Mankamana and Dakshinkali Bhagawati temples in central Nepal are famous. Likewise, devotees have given high importance to the power of Pathibhara Devi in eastern Nepal.
In the Hindu religion and other religions worldwide, it is customary to go to the shelter of the Goddess and ask for something essential, such as health, a child, property, or even success in a plan.
Asking for divine power to fulfill something self-wishes is called ‘Bhaakal’ in Nepal.
Based on their experience, Devotees say Goddess Pathibhara has excellent divine power. So, many people narrate stories of their wishes being fulfilled after visiting this place.
This way, the number of devotees who come here also increases because they believe they will get what they ask for in Pathibhara Dham.
The eastern region of Nepal is very eye-catching and significant from the point of view of tourism. Also, the Ilam district, located in the East of Nepal, is considered a natural heavenly place in Nepal.
In addition, the districts of Jhapa and Ilam in the East are also the capital of tea production in Nepal.
Dutzendes of beautiful natural tourist spots are in the four districts of far eastern Nepal, Jhapa, Ilam, Pachthar, and Taplejung, on the route to Pathibhara.
Moreover, the Pathibhara tourist area is located near the Himalayas, forested, beautiful, quiet, and filled with Nepal’s national flower, ‘Lali Guransh.’
Also, The Pathibhara Dham is situated on the Famous Kanchanjungha base camp Trekking route. The northern region of this pilgrimage site is the Kanchenjunga conservation region. Climbers of the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchanjungha Mountain, also use this route to visit these natural places.
Therefore, religious pilgrims, nature lovers, tourists, and study observers may increasingly visit these places for various purposes.
There are Three Pathibhara religious places in Eastern Nepal, which are as follows:
Taplejung Pathibhara Dham is an ancient historical site located in Taplejung district. We are going to discuss this in this article. The Goddess of Taplejung Pathibhara is considered to be the biggest or oldest. (altitude about 3800 meters)
More than three decades ago, the sacred Place was identified, and institutionalized development was started in the hilly district of Ilam. It is located in a very picturesque and peaceful place called Kutidada, the site of the Ilam Pathibhara pilgrimage.
She Goddess is also known as the second younger sister of Taplejung Pathibhara. (altitude about 1800 meters)
Paun Pathibhara pilgrimage site is in a beautiful forest area near Mahendra Highway beside Charali Bazar in the Jhapa district in Terai.
This Goddess is also known as the Youngest sister of Taplejung Pathibhara. (Altitude about 132 meters from sea level)
Among these three Pathibhara Devis, there is also a tradition of considering Taplejung district’s Pathibhara the head of the Goddess, Ilam district’s Pathibhara the body of the Goddess, and Jhapa district’s Pathibhara the feet of the Goddess.
As these three Pathibhara sites are on the same travel route, devotees can easily visit the 3 Pathibhara holy places in the Jhapa, Ilam, and Taplejung districts, respectively.
However, you must spend one more day to visit all 3 Pathibhara Dhams (Pilgrimage sites).
We said at the beginning that the visit to Eastern Nepal, including Pathibhara, is not only from a religious point of view but also a suitable destination for nature lovers and tourists.
Because the Jhapa, Ilam, and Pachthar districts are on the route to Pathibhara (Taplejung). There are many beautiful, peaceful, and blissful tourist destinations. Don’t miss the chance to visit almost at the same cost.
The Jhapa district in Terai has many important religious and natural tourist sites, such as Satakshi Dham, Kanakai Dham (Kotihom), Jamunkhadi wetland, Dhanushkoti (Domukha), and Arjundhara Dham etc.
Similarly, Ilam is famous for being Nepal’s most beautiful hill district. The most significant spot, Ilam Pathibhara Dham, is near the Mechi highway at Kutidada.
The Ilam district is considered the capital of the East for nature tourism.
In Ilam, there are Kanyam tourist areas, Sri Antu (famous for the spectacular sunrise view over the Bay of Bengal), Mai Pokhari, Sandakpur, etc.
Ilam district is naturally fascinating. It is Nepal’s largest tea garden hub, and Jhapa district is the second largest.
Similarly, this route passes many beautiful tourist destinations, such as Sadhutar, Timvu Pokhri, and Miklajung, in the third district of Pachthar.
If you are considering traveling to Pathibhara Devi Dham, don’t miss the opportunity to see the scenic areas that can be visited by adding a little extra expense.
Among these picturesque places on this travel route, it would be appropriate to decide the itinerary based on what kind of place you like the most and how much time you can give.
Since Pathibhara Dham is located in the Himalayan region, it is best to travel only during the favorable season.
Heavy rain during the rainy season and icy snow in winter are hazards, making the journey impossible.
Therefore, it will be good to go within two seasons: August, September, and October, one season, and February to May, another season.
But the months of April and May are when you can see the beautiful view of Nepal’s national flower, Lali Guransh, in full bloom, with red covering the hill.
However, apart from Pathibhara Dham, visiting famous places in Eastern Nepal throughout the year would be easily possible.
Despite all this, the journey to the hill zone will be more fruitful in the appropriate season due to mist and invisible conditions.
If you are considering traveling by air while visiting Taplejung Pathibhara, there is a direct flight service from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Airport (Jhapa District).
Vehicles must travel the 242 km Mechi Highway (7/8 hours) from Bhadrapur Airport to Taplejung Headquarters Fungling Bazaar ( 10 Km. Near Pathibhara)
After that, some short unpaved roads and walking trips to Pathibhara Dham will be given information later.
There is also Suketar Airport (2840 m.) near Pathibhara Dham. However, this airport, built in a high hill region, experiences problems with suspension or postponement of air services during the rainy season and other adverse weather conditions.
Also, if you ignore the cost, you can reach the Suketar airport by helicopter from different places by chartering with a group or family.
But importantly,
In this way, if you use the air route, you will miss the opportunity to observe the most attractive tourist areas mentioned above, the beautiful and peaceful hilly scenery, a feeling of cool fresh air, and the foods of the hill markets.
Regarding the road, wherever you are coming from, you must follow the Mechi highway, which diverges towards the North hill area at Charali Chowk point (a market 10 km north of Bhadrapur airport).
Mechi highway connects the Jhapa Ilam, Pachthar, and Taplejung districts. It is black-topped and moderately comfortable as a hill road.
But if you are coming from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Assam, Bhutan, Bangladesh, or Myanmar, you can enter Nepal via Pashupatinagar, a famous market bordering Nepal.
You can also use the Dharan-Dhankuta-Pachthar route from the western region. However, this road was under construction when this article was written.
Birtamod city (Jhapa) is the main center from which you can get any vehicle to the hill region. Buses, jeeps, cars, etc., will be readily available here.
So, getting down Birtamod and moving to the hill region is better. But if you are coming with an already booked vehicle to the direct hill region, there is no need to get down Birtamod.
If you come with your friends or family in a private or reserved car, jeep, bus, or motorcycle, the journey to Pathibhara Dham will be more enjoyable and comfortable.
Because public rental vehicles will not stop at any place to visit except for eating and drinking, you will miss all the beautiful tourist attractions.
If you travel with friends, the trip will be more exciting and unforgettable as you can easily reach all the destinations of this mountain route.
If you have motion sickness, it can make you unhealthy, and the trip becomes distressful. So, be careful following some of the tips below:
Nepal is a peaceful country for tourists; even more, this region is safe, with no doubt of insecurity.
This area is also an organized tourist hub in Nepal. Along the way, you will find various attractive hotels, lodges, and resorts.
In the cold of the hill, hot Thukpa, Nepali Mama: Ilam tea, Coffee, Soups, Nepali Dalbhat, etc., will taste better than anywhere else.
The main tourist destinations of Ilam, such as Kanyam, Maipokhari, Pashupatinagar, Sundarpani, Sri Antu, Sandakpur, etc., have good homestay facilities for food and accommodation.
The journey can become more memorable with the pleasure of Eastern Nepalese rural hospitality.
Regarding cost, it is the same as in other places in Nepal. Compared to the Terai region of Nepal, food and snacks are a bit more expensive in the hilly areas due to transportation. However, lodging expenses are not costly; they can be cheap.
In this article, we have presented information about various matters related to Pathibhara Dham’s visit.
We also discussed the various scenic areas of eastern Nepal that can be visited and the mystery of the Pathibhara Dham.
But all the facts mentioned so far were limited to how to reach Suketar airport in Taplejung.
In the next chapter, we will provide all the necessary information about traveling from Suketar Airport (Taplejung) to the Pathibhara Devi temple area and back again.
To do so, click here and read another Part of this article for all essential information.
Please go to this link > Impressive Pathibhara Temple: All You Need To Know Before You Go