The Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens) also commonly known as the lesser panda is a mammal, mostly found in the Himalayan region. Red Pandas are one of the endangered animals on the list of WWF.

The wild population of red pandas is rapidly decreasing due to climate change, unrestrained road construction, and others. There are only about 1000 red pandas available in Nepal. Due to their low population, most of the red pandas are protected inside the national park.

Furthermore, In Nepal Red Pandas can be found in Langtang National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and Makalu Barun National Park. However, in this tour, we will be tracking Red Panda in Kanchenjunga and Makalu region.

Our Red Panda Tour in Nepal will be 10 days long starting with the arrival in Kathmandu. Here, in Kathmandu, we go visit some of its historical places like Syambuhnath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and many more.

Kathmandu is the perfect blend of the modern era and the traditional age. While sightseeing in Kathmandu, you are free to go last-minute shopping if you have forgotten something to pack for the safari.

Thereafter, a series of traveling, a Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, a Drive from Bhadrapur to Ilam Bazar, and finally Ilam Bazar to Dobate we reach our Red Panda Tracking spot.

Moreover, while on our way to Red Panda Tracking Spot, we will be experiencing numerous scenic sights. Along our flight and drive, we will be accompanied by beautiful landscapes and mesmerizing hills. Also, you might even get a glimpse of Mount Everest if the sky is clear enough.

Also, upon arrival at Ilam Bazar, you will be welcomed with an exotic view of hills filled with tea plantation plants. Moreover, the Tea (Chiya) of Ilam Bazar has a reputation of being one of the most delicious tea.

Hereafter, in the village of Dobate Bazaar, we get to have insights into the tradition, culture, and unique lifestyle of their people. Thenceforth, Finally we reach our Red Panda Tracking Spot.

Here in the forest of Dobate, we begin our tracking of the red panda. We will track red pandas for about a full 3 days. Moreover, as we dive deep into the forest, we encounter lush rhododendrons and oak trees. Lastly, let’s hope we get sights of red pandas.

On our journey to see Red Panda, we will witness the majestic view of Everest (8.848.86 m), Kanchenjunga (8.586 m), Lhotse ( 8,516 m), and Makalu (8.481 m) during sunrise.

After sightseeing of red panda, we drive back to Ilam Bazar and then fly back to Kathmandu relishing all the pristine view again. This will be the end of our journey of tracking Red Panda.

Best Season

Autumn and Spring
Transportation

Bus, Flight
Trip Type

Off the Beaten

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

The Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens) also commonly known as the lesser panda is a mammal, mostly found in the Himalayan region. Red Pandas are one of the endangered animals on the list of WWF.

Trip Higlights

Visit some of its historical places like Syambuhnath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and many more.
Exotic view of hills filled with tea plantation plants at Ilam Bazaar
Sights of Red Panda
Majestic view of Everest (8.848.86 m), Kanchenjunga (8.586 m), Lhotse ( 8,516 m), and Makalu (8.481 m) during sunrise

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour agent. They will then take you to your chosen hotel where you can relax for a while.

You can also choose to go around the bustling streets of Kathamndu and visit Thamel.

Day 2:

Sightseeing And Preparation For The Tour

Today you will spend the day visiting several heritage sites of Kathmandu. You will visit Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and more major attractions of the city.

Later in the evening, there will be a short briefing about the tour, where you can ask any questions you have.

Day 3:

Flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Ilam Bazaar

Today, we’ll take a short scenic flight to Bhadrapur, which presents amazing views of the cities, hills, and high peaks. After about an hour on air, you’ll reach Bhadrapur, a town sharing borders with Bihar and West Bengal of India.

Then, with a short break, we’ll set off to Ilam on a 4-hour long bus/jeep ride. Reaching Ilam will serenade you with its infamous tea gardens and green hills.
During your time here, don’t forget to get a taste of the delicious thick milk tea made from locally grown tea leaves.

Day 4:

Drive to Dobate from Ilam Bazar

Finally, on the fourth day, we’ll reach the place from where we can track and witness the red pandas, Dobate. After an early morning visit to the tea garden at Ilam Bazar, we will get on our ride to Dobate.

Dobato, given the name, lies at a junction and is home to many other rare species such as the Chinese pangolin, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, leopard cat, barking deer, wild dog (dhole), and wild boar.

We’ll spend the night here as we prepare for the big day tomorrow.

Day 5:

Red Panda Tracking

From the fifth day to the seventh, we will be hiking around different forests of the Dobato Region looking for this endangered species. Starting the day early, we’ll walk deep into the forest with our guides and wildlife tracker experts who will help track the red pandas.

We will spend the three days, walking around the jungles for a chance to experience these beautiful red pandas in their natural wild habitat. During these walks deep in the forests around the region, you’ll also come across many other flora and fauna as well.

Moreover, we will also hike to Sandakpur, a viewpoint at 3,636m overlooking several massifs including Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu. Also, sunrise and sunset views from here are spectacular.

Day 6:

Red Panda Tracking

Day 7:

Red Panda Tracking

Day 8:

Drive back to Ilam Bazar

After spending 3 days surrounded by nature, exploring the wild floras and fauna of the Dobato Region, we will move to Ilam Bazar. Riding through the same routes as before, enjoying the highland landscapes from the window, we’ll reach Ilam Bazar.

This marks the end of the tour, so get some rest and create memories with your team at Ilam Bazar.

Day 9:

Drive to Bhadrapur, Then Fly back to Kathmandu

After a delicious breakfast at Ilam, we’ll head towards Bhadrapur following the same road passage as before. Enjoy the scenery beside you of the lush hills, and surging clear rivers as you get to Bhadrapur.

Then, a short flight back will take you back to Kathmandu. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, relax at your hotel and take a leisurely walk through the streets of Thamel, a vibrant destination.

Day 10:

Final Departure

With this, your adventure comes to an end. Your tour agent will drive you to the TIA ensuring a smooth flight back.