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EXCLUSIVE WILDLIFE TOUR

A Red Panda Safari

9 DAYS

AVAILABILITY

Space Available

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 PAX

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

Trip Overview

Board on a thrilling adventure to uncover the mysteries of the Red Panda, one of the world’s most elusive and charming creatures. This unique safari takes you deep into the pristine forests of eastern Nepal, where the Himalayan wilderness meets birdwatching paradise. Over the course of this tour, you’ll not only track the Red Panda but also witness breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and experience authentic Himalayan culture. From the quiet mornings at Habre’s Nest to the lush valleys of Kathmandu, each day brings new opportunities for discovery and adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the thrill of tracking the Red Panda, in its natural habitat.
  • Enjoy the avian diversity around the Kathmandu, with special attention to spotting the rare Spiny Babbler, only endemic bird of Nepal.
  • Through tea gardens and winding roads to reach the heart of Red Panda territory. If lucky, enjoy panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the world.
  • Stay in a charming lodge, surrounded by nature, equipped with a bird hide for close-up photography opportunities.
  • If the Red Panda is spotted, enjoy a side trip to Sandakphu, known for its spectacular views of towering Himalayan peaks.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Habre’s Nest

We will take morning flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur airport from where you will be transfer to Habre’s Nest by 4×4 Bolero, for the first part of the journey you will driving on good road passing through some of biggest tea garden of Nepal, after lunch along the drive you adventure begin driving through unpaved raod with lots of hairdpin curve.

Overnight: Habre’s Nest
Day 2-5: Red Panda & Birding

For the next three full days, our primary focus will be tracking the elusive Red Panda. To maximize our chances, we’ll stay near the lodge, ready to head out immediately upon receiving a sighting alert from the expert trackers who will be in the field. Patience and quick readiness are key to this unique experience.

While waiting for potential sightings, there will be ample opportunities to enjoy birdwatching around the lodge. The area is rich in avian diversity, offering a chance to spot various species. Additionally, the lodge features an in-house bird hide setup, perfect for observing and photographing birds. If we are fortunate enough to spot the Red Panda during one of those days, we will also take an excursion to Sandakphu to enjoy views of some of the highest mountains in the world.

Overnight: Habre’s Nest
Day 6: Habre’s Nest – Bhandrapur – Kathmandu

After our final morning, enjoying the stunning view of the Himalayas with a cup of tea or coffee and birdwatching until breakfast, we will retrace our steps to Bhadrapur Airport to board our flight to Kathmandu.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 7-8: Kathmandu Birding for Spiny Babbler

We will spend two full days birdwatching around Kathmandu, with a special focus on spotting the Spiny Babbler, Nepal’s only endemic bird. During these birding excursions, we will explore a variety of habitats, including the lush valleys and foothills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 9: Departure
Departure

What to Expect

Led by expert guides, you’ll explore prime Red Panda habitats while immersing yourself in the serene natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unspoiled wilderness of the region. Expect unforgettable days filled with rare wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes.
This Red Panda tracking tour focuses on carefully selected sites that are safe and accessible, avoiding steep slopes. During the excursions, you can expect to walk an average of 6-7 kilometers per day.
The best time for a Red Panda Safari is during the autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May) seasons. These periods offer ideal weather conditions and better visibility for spotting Red Pandas in their natural habitat, as they are more active and easier to track.
During a Red Panda Safari in Nepal, accommodations typically consist of eco-friendly lodges or homestays near Red Panda habitats. These provide basic yet comfortable amenities, with an emphasis on sustainability and a close connection to nature.

Inclusion

What is Included?

  • All internal taxes and charges (SDF)
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis
  • All meals, tea, snack, and bottled water
  • All travel with a licensed local birding guide
  • All surface transfers by a private vehicle
  • Camping equipment and haulage for camping and trekking tours
  • All entry fees to monuments, Museum and National Parks
  • Bhutan Visa Fee

What is not Included?

  • Optional tours/excursions, personal & incidental expenses.
  • Tips, laundry, phone calls, and bars.
  • International and domestic airfare, and insurance.

Review

Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland

We went with “Off to Bhutan” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.

Trip Extension

For travelers with extra days after their birdwatching tour in Bhutan, we offer trip extensions to Eastern Nepal and Assam, India. Discover Eastern Nepal’s wildlife conservation areas or explore Assam’s renowned sanctuaries for more birdwatching and wildlife encounters. These extensions provide a chance to experience diverse ecosystems and enrich your birding adventure.

Bhutan’s Bird Songs

Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds

Bhutan Birdsong Collection
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.

Norbu

With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.