
8 min read·May 12, 2026
Pathivara Devi Yatra 2026 — Siddha Peeth at 3,794 m from $299
By The Kailash Holiday
Pathivara Devi Yatra 2026 costs from USD $299 (6-day drive package) to USD $549 (4-day flight package) per pilgrim from Kathmandu. Pathivara Devi is one of Nepal's most powerful Siddha Peeths — sacred sites where the goddess is said to grant any sincere wish — and sits at 3,794 m in Taplejung district, far-eastern Nepal. The temple draws over 1 million pilgrims annually, primarily from Nepal, India (especially West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam) and the Hindu diaspora. The original idol is swayambhu (self-manifested). Best months: March–May and September–November.
Quick facts — Pathivara Devi Yatra 2026
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 3,794 m |
| Location | Taplejung district, far-east Nepal |
| Sacred type | Siddha Peeth (wish-granting goddess) |
| Annual pilgrims | 1 million+ |
| 4-day flight package | USD $549 (Suketar flight) |
| 6-day drive package | USD $299 (overland) |
| Trek | 3–4 hrs from Cho-Chola trail-head |
| Best months | March–May, September–November |
| Peak festivals | Dashain (Oct), Bala Chaturdashi (Nov-Dec), Maghe Sankranti (Jan) |
| Most auspicious day | Every Saturday |
Pathivara Devi is one of Nepal's most powerful Siddha Peeths — sacred sites where the goddess is believed to grant any sincere wish. Located at 3,794 metres in Taplejung, far-eastern Nepal, the temple draws over 1 million pilgrims annually from Nepal, India (especially West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam), and the Hindu diaspora.
For pilgrims travelling from India, this is one of the most accessible Hindu Siddha Peeths in Nepal — and our 2026 packages start at just $299.
Why Pathivara Devi is special
Hindu tradition tells the story of Pathivara Devi appearing to a local shepherd in a dream, demanding sacrifices of sheep and goats. The original idol is believed to be swayambhu — self-manifested, not made by human hands.
The goddess is said to fulfil wishes related to:
- Marriage (especially for daughters)
- Children (for couples without)
- Good health (especially recovery from illness)
- Success in exams, jobs, business
- Protection from evil and bad luck
The temple receives an estimated 600 kg of gold and silver offerings annually, making it one of the wealthiest in Nepal.
How to reach Pathivara Devi
The Kailash Holiday offers two options:
| Option | Duration | Price (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (with Flights) | 4 days | $549 | Time-pressed pilgrims |
| Drive Only | 6 days | $299 | Budget pilgrims, groups |
Standard — 4-day Flight Package ($549)
Our 4-day Standard package includes round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Suketar (Taplejung's airstrip) — saving 2 full days of road travel through eastern Nepal's hill country.
Day-by-day:
- Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, briefing
- Day 2: Fly KTM → Suketar → drive to Phungling → trek to Pathivara temple (3-4 hrs) → darshan and puja → return to Phungling
- Day 3: Optional pre-dawn return darshan → fly KTM
- Day 4: Departure
The Suketar flight is operated by Tara Air and Buddha Air in 50-minute Twin Otter aircraft.
Drive Only — 6-day Budget Package ($299)
The 6-day Drive Only option is one of our most affordable Hindu pilgrimages — perfect for groups of 5+ travelling together. The drive from Kathmandu takes 14-16 hours via the Mahendra Highway, with an overnight stop at Itahari or Dharan.
This route includes:
- Tourist coach Kathmandu ↔ Taplejung round trip
- 5 nights' accommodation (1 KTM, 2 Itahari, 2 Phungling)
- All meals (pure vegetarian)
- Pony/porter support on the trek up
The trek: Cho-Chola to Pathivara temple
From Phungling (Taplejung district headquarters), the road takes you to Cho-Chola — the trail-head for Pathivara. From here, it's a 3-4 hour trek uphill through rhododendron forests, gradually ascending from 2,400m to 3,794m.
The trail is well-maintained, with:
- Concrete steps in some sections
- Tea-shops and resting points every 30-45 minutes
- Multiple bell-pavilions where pilgrims ring sacred bells
- Stunning views of Kanchenjunga on clear mornings
Pony rental is available at the trail-head (~$25/day) for elders or pilgrims with knee issues. Porters cost similar prices.
When to go: Best dates
Pathivara is open year-round, but pilgrim seasons see vastly different crowds:
Peak pilgrim seasons:
- Dashain (October) — 100,000+ pilgrims, expect long queues
- Bala Chaturdashi (late November/early December)
- Maghe Sankranti (mid-January)
- Saturdays year-round — locally considered most auspicious for Pathivara
Best weather:
- March-May: Clear, warm, rhododendrons in bloom
- September-November: Crystal clear Kanchenjunga views
Avoid:
- June-August (monsoon — heavy rains, leech-infested trail, flight cancellations)
Holy rituals at Pathivara
Most pilgrims perform these rites:
- Sacred bell ringing — at the temple complex, ringing a bell signals the goddess that you've arrived with a request
- Coconut and red cloth offerings — placed at the main shrine
- Sacrificial offerings (optional) — traditionally sheep, goats, or roosters; many pilgrims now offer symbolic substitutes
- Aarti and prasad — morning (6 AM) and evening (5 PM)
- Promised offerings — if your wish is granted, return to Pathivara within 1-2 years to fulfil the promise (gold, silver, or financial donations)
Combining with other yatras
Many pilgrims combine Pathivara with:
- Halesi Mahadev (eastern Nepal Shiva temple)
- Kanchenjunga viewpoint (Sandakphu trek)
- Darjeeling/Sikkim for those crossing into India
Contact us for custom combined itineraries.
How to book
- WhatsApp: +977 9810 351 300
- Book Pathivara Yatra online
- 30% deposit secures the booking
- Balance due 30 days before departure
Frequently asked questions about Pathivara Devi Yatra
How much does Pathivara Devi Yatra cost in 2026?
Pathivara Devi Yatra 2026 costs from USD $299 for the 6-day drive package and USD $549 for the 4-day flight-via-Suketar package, both from Kathmandu. All-inclusive of accommodation, meals, ground transport, the Kathmandu–Suketar flight (where applicable) and pony/porter support on the temple trek.
What is the altitude of Pathivara Devi temple?
Pathivara Devi temple sits at 3,794 m in Taplejung district, far-eastern Nepal. The trek from Cho-Chola trail-head is 3–4 hours uphill through rhododendron forests, with concrete steps in some sections and tea-shops every 30–45 minutes. Most healthy adults complete it without altitude issues.
What is the best time to visit Pathivara Devi?
Best weather is March–May (clear, warm, rhododendrons in bloom) and September–November (crystal clear Kanchenjunga views). Peak pilgrim seasons are Dashain (October — expect long queues with 100,000+ pilgrims), Bala Chaturdashi (late November/early December), Maghe Sankranti (mid-January) and every Saturday year-round (locally considered most auspicious). Avoid June–August (monsoon, leeches, possible flight cancellations).
How do I reach Pathivara Devi from Kathmandu?
Two ways. Flight (4 days, USD $549): Kathmandu → Suketar by 50-minute Twin Otter (Tara Air/Buddha Air), then drive to Phungling and trek 3–4 hours to the temple. Drive only (6 days, USD $299): tourist coach Kathmandu → Itahari → Phungling (14–16 hours total via the Mahendra Highway) and trek up — best for groups of 5+ and budget pilgrims.
What is a Siddha Peeth?
A Siddha Peeth is a Hindu sacred site where the goddess (Devi) is believed to grant any sincere wish — siddha means "fulfilled" or "accomplished" in Sanskrit. Pathivara Devi is among Nepal's most powerful Siddha Peeths, drawing over 1 million pilgrims annually. The temple is believed to be especially powerful for wishes related to marriage, children, recovery from illness, success in exams or business, and protection from misfortune.
What wishes does Pathivara Devi grant?
Pathivara Devi is said to fulfil wishes related to: marriage (especially for daughters), children (for couples without), good health (especially recovery from illness), success in exams, jobs and business, and protection from evil and bad luck. The traditional vow: if your wish is granted, you must return to Pathivara within 1–2 years to fulfil your promised offering — gold, silver or financial donations. The temple receives an estimated 600 kg of gold and silver offerings annually.
Can I combine Pathivara with other yatras?
Yes — many pilgrims combine Pathivara with Halesi Mahadev (eastern Nepal Shiva temple), the Kanchenjunga viewpoint (Sandakphu trek), or onward travel to Darjeeling/Sikkim in India. Custom combined itineraries are available — contact us for a quote based on preferred dates and group size.
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