Red Panda Expedition
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Overview
Your journey to witness the Red Panda in its natural habitat begins at the Indo-Nepal Border, embarking on an unforgettable adventure within the embrace of Singalila.
The Red Panda, also known as the ‘firefox’, is a native of the Eastern Himalayas and Southwest China. Renowned for its adorable and photogenic appearance, this elusive mammal finds one of its last strongholds in Singalila, making it the premier destination in India to catch a glimpse of this rare creature.
A 6-day expedition through the Eastern Himalayas in Singalila National Park, nestled within the Darjeeling district at the crossroads of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Nepal. Led by an expert tracker team, this tour offers a excellent opportunity to see the elusive Red Panda amidst the enchanting Singalila range, spanning altitudes from 7,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. Explore the iconic trekking route to Sandakphu Peak, which meanders seamlessly into Nepal as the Tinchule Forest.
Singalila is renowned not only for its Red Panda population but also for its diverse wildlife. Rare sightings may include the Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard, and a variety of bird species. Immerse yourself in the sanctuary of over 300 avian species, including the majestic Blood Pheasant and the colorful Satyr Tragopan.
Beyond its fauna, Singalila captivates with its rugged Eastern Himalayan landscape, offering breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest and Kanchendzonga on clear days.
Highlights
- Embark on an expedition through the Eastern Himalayas in quest of the elusive Red Panda.
- Marvel at the ruggexd Himalayan landscape and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest and Kanchendzonga on clear days.
- Delight in a birding paradise with over 300 avian species, including the Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and Rufous-vented Tit.
- Capture stunning moments amidst the natural beauty of Singalila National Park, from majestic peaks to diverse wildlife.
Location
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Bagdogra airport in Siliguri, you will be greeted and escorted to Manebhanjen, the entry point of Singalila National Park. Depending on whether you spend the preceding night in Siliguri, West Bengal, or arrive via an early morning flight, departure from Bagdogra will be arranged accordingly. The aim is to depart at the earliest convenience, as it entails a 3-hour journey to reach the entry point.
Upon reaching Manebhanjen, guests will transition to a 4X4 vehicle for the onward journey to Shikhar Lodge, Tumbling, your accommodation for the next 5 nights. Situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet above mean sea level, the lodge offers panoramic views. Today is dedicated to acclimatizing to the elevation and preparing for the upcoming days of Panda tracking. The evening will be leisurely, with an orientation session outlining the activities planned for the forthcoming days.
After waking up and enjoying breakfast at the lodge, guests will find our team of expert trackers already on the trail, diligently searching for the elusive Red Panda in the early morning hours. Once a sighting is made, guests will have the option to either trek or ride in a 4X4 vehicle to reach the location. Accompanied by our knowledgeable naturalist, guests can also actively participate in tracking Red Pandas along established trails within Singalila National Park. While trackers are engaged in their search, guests can indulge in birdwatching, as the park is home to a diverse array of avian species.
Lunch will be served either in the field or back at the lodge, depending on the day’s wildlife activities. Dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge, followed by a peaceful overnight stay.
Each day, our trackers will continue their quest for Red Pandas, exploring both the Nepal and India sides of the park. Your naturalist will identify suitable trails for the day’s exploration, ensuring an enriching wildlife experience for all guests. For those who may have difficulty walking, 4X4 vehicles will be available to transport guests to various sighting spots.
Aside from wildlife encounters, Singalila National Park offers breathtaking scenic vistas, including the iconic Kanchendzonga peak, which, along with other surrounding peaks, forms the majestic “sleeping Buddha.” At the discretion of your naturalist and based on sighting opportunities, guests may have the chance to visit Tumling to admire this natural wonder and explore the surrounding areas. Additionally, there are charming villages nearby that offer glimpses into local life and culture, adding further depth to your wilderness retreat.
Depending on your flight departure time, if there’s some spare time, you can enjoy one last stroll to search for birds, Pandas, or simply soak in the breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Following breakfast, you’ll return to Manebhajan, where private cars will be waiting to transfer you to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.
If you wish to extend your tour, you have the option to visit Darjeeling and immerse yourself in the charm of this colonial-era town, perhaps even taking a ride on the famous Darjeeling toy train. For those seeking further wildlife adventures, consider flying east to explore Kaziranga and Manas tiger reserves, where you can seek out rhinos, gibbons, and elephants along with other wildlife.
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