We were to be picked up 4 in the morning since our vehicle wouldn't pass this point. Our alarm went off at 3:30. We poured out water from the big jar we found outside the room thinking we could do some wash up before we could move on. After pouring a bucket full we smelled a strong kerosene. We spilled some while pouring it back into the jar.
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| Pathivara Temple |
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| On our way back to Suketar. We had to get off the vehicle twice. |
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| The oldies drink for the night, 'Tumba'. |
Two hours of bumps and jolts and it was the most strenuous part of the whole adventure. We were headed to the base of Pathibhara Temple (3794m) from where our trek started. It was seven when we started to walk after a brief tea. Such a glorious time to walk, we saw the sun rise over the mountains. The glowing yellow beam spread over the mountains was one of the most spectacular things to watch. We climbed up the green hills gentle at the beginning watching this amazing view. Everything we saw was just so wonderful.
Once we started escalating uphill, it seemed never ending. It was uphill all the way up to the tallest hill. It was more like climbing to the highest room of the tallest tower to the princess. The path continued uphill for the rest of the day. It was one in the afternoon when we reached the top. It was a unique exhilarating experience. It took us almost six hours to reach the temple. It would take a day if you were to trek from Taplejung bazaar which people used to do before the roads were in. I was afraid I would get AMS Altitude Mountain Sickness, thanks to all those wonderful people passing by for their advise and the popcorn motif.
Pathibhara Temple is one of the major attractions of Taplejung reached by hindus and Buddhists for spiritual fulfilment and blessings. The Goddess Mukkumlung at Pathibhara is said to have miraculous powers and is believed to have answered her devotees' prayers. It is located on the top of the tallest hill which runs parallel to himalaya range. The myth of shepherds losing a lot of sheep and Pathibhara appearing in their dreams with a promise that their sheep would return with an offer of few sheep remarked a culture of sacrificing sheep today.
We were back to Suketar in search of a new place to stay. We didnt have luck but somehow got a room warm enough, with extra blanket. The oldies were warmed up with 'Tumba' and we slept like a log, after dinner.