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India & Nepal - Red Pandas, Satyr Tragopans and Tigers
Tour Code: IND55A 12-day holiday to Singalila National Park, a protected area of Himalayan forest straddling India and eastern Nepal, in search of the elusive Red Panda, as well as an exciting variety of other mammals and birds.
£4,995 (Inc flights)
£4,495
Highlights
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Summary
The stunningly handsome Red Panda is widely regarded as one of the most attractive of all mammals, achieving a level of esteem even greater than that given to its larger relative, the more familiar black and white Giant Panda. Although not uncommon in captivity, the Red Panda is an extremely difficult animal to see in the wild with a tiny world population living an unobtrusive, and mostly unobserved existence in the high-altitude forests of the Himalayas. This tour will provide participants with a realistic opportunity to finally become familiar with this most endearing creature in the remote and picturesque Singalila National Park, a protected area of Himalayan forest straddling the border between West Bengal in India and Nepal. Within this reserve, a small population of Red Pandas is closely monitored by a team of conservationists and we shall be enlisting their local assistance to track and observe the Pandas at dawn and dusk as they forage for the roots and shoots which form much of their diet. We may also be fortunate to telescope a Panda during the day as it slumbers among the foliage high in a tree. Each daily excursion will be made from a comfortable base in a spectacularly situated guesthouse which affords views across seemingly endless ranges of forested hills. Although our principal focus will be on finding Pandas, we are likely to encounter other mammals such as Yellow-throated Marten and a wonderful variety of Himalayan birds occur in the reserve including Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant and the jewel-like Fire-tailed Myzornis. The journey to this isolated reserve will take us through Darjeeling where views can be obtained (weather permitting) of the highest peaks in the Eastern Himalayas, and rather more reliably, we can sample the famous local tea! At the conclusion of the tour, we return to Delhi for a homeward flight but if desired an extension can easily be arranged to Ranthambore Reserve, a paradise for wildlife in Rajasthan where we might round off the Red Panda experience with a Tiger sighting.
- Realistic opportunities to see the elusive Red Panda amid pristine Himalayan forests
- 7-night accommodation in a guesthouse overlooking wonderful montane scenery
- Chances to see Yellow-throated Marten and Barking Deer among other local mammals
- A Reserve list of over 300 birds includes such sought-after species as Satyr Tragopan, Brown and Black-throated Parrotbills, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Fire-tailed Myzornis and Black-faced Laughing Thrush
- Remote tranquillity in a little visited area of mountains and forests
- Overnight in Darjeeling famed for its tea plantations and scenic views
- Weather conditions permitting, superb views of the Himalayas from the domestic flights
- Overnight in Delhi with the chance for some local sightseeing
- Opportunity to extend holiday by visiting Ranthambore Reserve renowned for the diversity of its wildlife
Grading
Day walks only. There will be some more demanding walks on steep terrain at high elevation (up to 3,660 metres). The walks depend directly on the Red Panda sightings.A small population of one of the world’s most endearing and endangered mammals, the Red Panda, lives in the high remote forests of Singalila National Park. The reserve lies in the foothills of the Himalaya, mainly within the Indian state of West Bengal close to the town of Darjeeling, with Sikkim and the towering peak of Kanchenjunga — the world’s third highest mountain — to the north. To the south and east, Singalila crosses the border into Nepal’s Ilam district and also protects a small area of the remote Tinchule Forest. There are less than 10,000 Red Pandas left worldwide and seeing one can never be guaranteed. However, by teaming up with a dedicated group of ‘Red Panda Guardians’ (employed by the Red Panda Network, a US-based conservation NGO), along with other experienced guides and trackers, we believe we have a very high chance of success!
Singalila National Park is part of the eastern Himalaya and encompasses the Singalila Ridge, which is covered by dense bamboo, rhododendron, oak and magnolia forest at an altitude of between 2,000 and 3,600 metres. The park’s mixed deciduous and conifer forest, old trees and dense understorey of bamboo provides an ideal habitat for Red Pandas as well as other mammals such as Yellow-throated Marten and Barking Deer. The park is also home to over 300 species of bird including Blood and Kalij Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Brown and Fulvous Parrotbills, Rufous-vented Tit, Fire-tailed Myzornis and Golden-breasted Fulvetta, plus an exciting variety of other rosefinchs, bullfinches, wren-babblers, laughingthrushes, nuthatches and minivets!
Our base for seven nights is Habre’s Nest Homestay, a rustic, but clean and comfortable guesthouse situated on the park’s border with India and Nepal, at an altitude of 2,900 metres. Set amongst stunning views (its four twin-bedded rooms feature en suite facilities and balconies), the homestay makes an ideal base for our daily excursions into the park. Singalila’s small resident population of Red Pandas is protected by a team of Red Panda Guardians. Tashi, co-owner of our homestay, is one such guardian, and he generously donates 20% of Habre’s Nest’s income to Red Panda conservation. We will set out each day on foot with our dedicated team of trackers (three of whom are also Red Panda Guardians) in search of this endearing mammal, entering the park through the Indian side, but covering key sites in both the Indian and Nepalese sections.
Whether or not we come across one of these secretive and delightful mammals — which are largely arboreal and crepuscular in their habits — Singalila National Park has so much more to offer. The beauty of our surroundings, the lack of other visitors and the reserve’s varied birds, mammals and other wildlife will all ensure a memorable stay.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: A comfortable 5 star tourist hotel in Delhi and a simple but comfortable four bedroom Habre's Nest homestay with private facilities.
- Food: All included in the price, except for main meals in Delhi.
Dates & Prices
2025
2026
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