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EXCLUSIVE WILDLIFE TOUR

A Red Panda Safari

09 DAYS

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BEST SEASON

Spring
Tooltip Icon Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for a red panda tour. These periods provide mild weather (10-20°C), minimal rain, clearer visibility for spotting elusive red pandas in bamboo forests, and active animal behavior without monsoon disruptions or winter snow.

GRADE

Moderate
Tooltip Icon This level balances moderate daily hikes (4-6 hours on uneven trails up to 3,500m elevation), road travel between sites, and wildlife spotting efforts, suitable for fit travelers with some hiking experience.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

AVAILABILITY

Space Available
Book Now

09 DAYS Request Quote

BEST SEASON

Spring
Tooltip Icon Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for a red panda tour. These periods provide mild weather (10-20°C), minimal rain, clearer visibility for spotting elusive red pandas in bamboo forests, and active animal behavior without monsoon disruptions or winter snow.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

GRADE

Moderate
Tooltip Icon This level balances moderate daily hikes (4-6 hours on uneven trails up to 3,500m elevation), road travel between sites, and wildlife spotting efforts, suitable for fit travelers with some hiking experience.

AVAILABILITY

Space Available
RED PANDA
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Per Person Twin Bed /Double Room

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Or call us: +975 17 11 96 64

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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.

Please note:

The itineraries provided on our website serve as general outlines. If you’re interested in this tour and would like a detailed itinerary, we’ll be happy to provide it upon request.

Trip Highlights

Rufous Necked Hornbill
Request Detail Itineray
  • 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

The location is situated in a remote area along the Nepal-India border, and part of the journey involves traversing exceptionally challenging roads with numerous sharp hairpin bends. It is necessary to obtain visas for both India and Nepal, as Red Panda sightings may occur on either side of the border

Essentially, the lodge organizes a group of trackers each day who venture into the forest in search of pandas. However, during this period, you will mostly be staying at the lodge with limited activities available. It is therefore advisable to bring along a few books or reading materials to keep yourself engaged.

Although Red Panda sightings are possible year-round, the ideal seasons are October–November and March–May. Road conditions can be somewhat challenging during the monsoon and winter months. Depending on our luck, sightings may occur either close to the lodge or at a distance, which may require walking along narrow trails.

We make every effort to reserve the only accommodation available right at the border, which is highly convenient and eliminates the need for daily driving to activities. However, in the event that rooms are unavailable at this lodge, we arrange a homestay option, which may involve some daily travel.

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.
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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.
View Bird Sounds