Red Panda Photography Tour | Red Panda Trek in Nepal

Altitude : 3600 m
Transportation : Car/Jeep/Plain
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Best Season : Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Trek Hour : 6
Accommodation : Hotel and Home-stay

Cost From

USD 3210 per person

Trip Highlights

The Red Panda, “Ailurus fulgens," is found in eastern Nepal. In this region, local people are called Punde Kundo.
Birders and wildlife photographers should visit eastern Nepal once for the Red Panda Photography Tour.
Best Nepal Trek designed an itinerary for those who are interested in seeing Red Pandas in their natural habitats.
Rhododendrons, oak forests, and bamboo scrub oak emerge as support for the balance of the red panda diet.

Embark on an Enchanting Red Panda Photography Tour in Nepal! Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal lies a hidden gem – the elusive and adorable Red Panda. Our exclusive Red Panda tour seamlessly blends the thrill of wildlife exploration with the artistry of photography, offering you a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

Introduction to the Red Panda, it’s known as (Habre) in Nepali and its scientific name, is “Ailurus fulgens,” but in eastern Nepal, people are called Punde Kundo. Red Panda Photography Tour We Best Nepal Trek offers to all birders and wildlife Photographers to visit once in their life the Red panda Trek in Nepal. Rarest Himalayan species of Red Panda Tours in Ilam is the best destination in Nepal. The mammals are much like raccoons, and it’s slightly more massive than a domestic cat. Red Panda is between 50 cm in length and up to 6 kg in weight. Most of the time with their long bushy tails twisted around their heads on the tree branch then they did not look for food.

Red Panda’s tail is a thick reddish-brown that extra protection from the extreme and cold mountain weather. Red Panda tour package we design for those interested in Red Pandas and endangered birds in eastern Nepal. Which are the best foothills path and their natural habitats? The eastern Nepalese Himalayan region and Langtang are home to the rare species of the red panda, “Ailurus fulgens”. It is, however, present in northeastern India (West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh Parades), Bhutan, and a tiny part of China. Red pandas exist in the area of the Himalayan foothills, the temperature is usually cold variation.

The mountain’s southern slopes collect the water from seasonal monsoons, protecting trees and Rhododendrons bushes. In these forests, a bamboo scrub oak emerges and supports the balance of the red panda diet. Those bamboo swaths are present only in small bands throughout the range of the red Panda. Due to their dependency on bamboo trees, Red Pandas have expanded across thousands of kilometres of territory. Such habitats are suitable environments for bird species with a restricted range in eastern Nepal.

The tour begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city and the starting point of most popular trekking packages towards far-eastern Nepal. You will be picked up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to the hotel by our representative. You will enjoy a warm welcome with delicious Nepali cuisine. Further details will be provided to you in the evening.

We are going to fly to Bhadrapur Airport and travel to Ilam Bazaar. A flight of 45 minutes gives a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. We'll travel to Ilam Bazaar after we arrive at Bhadrapur Airport. We'll have a stopover at Char Aali for lunch. The ride by car is scenic and fun. The trip to Ilam Bazaar requires 3 hours. We will spend the night in a hotel, which provides excellent views of Ilam's famed tea garden from the beds.

After having breakfast and enjoying the morning views of the tea garden, we will drive to Dobate. The ride is rather adventurous but allows ample opportunities to experience true Nepalese culture and lifestyle. It takes 3–4 hours to reach Dobate. After lunch, we will go to observe the birds and wildlife in areas around Dobate. In the late afternoon, we will have tea time, then we will have a meeting with Red Panda Trackers, which means forest guards, and make a schedule of the following itinerary to increase the chances of seeing other mammals and Red Panda. In the evening, we will spend the night in a local home.

We will concentrate on discovering Red Pandas and birds in the eastern part of Nepal as per our mentioned schedule. Many bird species can only be found here in the tropical temperate forests of the far eastern areas of Nepal. Such bird species are only recognized as the limited variety of birds which are special here. So this evening we'll overnight at a local homestay.

We should trek to Sandakpur after breakfast. It will take 4-5 hours to reach Sandakpur, which is the popular sunrise viewpoint of Mount Kanchenjunga, which is the world's 3rd tallest summit and lies in Nepal. We are going to pursue a dirt road switch-back which leads to Sandakpur. The walk lets you enjoy the holy pool, Kala Pokhari, and stunning views of the mountains. Overnight in a hotel, with a full board meal plan.

This day we'll have to wake up early to enjoy the sunrise with morning sights, then we'll have breakfast. After that, we continue heading descending to Dobate. We'll have lunch here in Dobate, then drive back to Ilam Bazaar for overnight.

After breakfast, we will drive to Bhadrapur Airport and take an afternoon flight to fly back to Kathmandu. Evening, farewell dinner at Nepali Cultural Restaurant and the hotel with bed and breakfast plan in Kathmandu.

Every beautiful journey has its end, and this is the last day of your stay in this beautiful country, Nepal, and the completion of the awesome Red Panda Tour. You will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure. There are many beautiful places to visit apart from this amazing trip. We welcome you to visit us again and be enthralled by wonderful experiences.

Cost Includes

The airport picks you up and drops you off in a private vehicle.
Hotel in Kathmandu accommodation with B.B plan.
all necessary permit park fees and "TIMS" cards, etc.
Experienced nature guide with the necessary staff during the trek.
Their trekking salary, food, accommodation and insurance are paid to the staff.
breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and tea or coffee during the trek.
All ground transportation for a trek in a private vehicle.
Local home-stay accommodation during the trek
Farewell dinner in a Nepali cultural restaurant in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Kathmandu flight fares.
First Aid kit and all government taxes.
Office service charges, etc.

Cost Excludes

Food for lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Your international airfare and Nepal Visa fee
Any alcoholic beverages, mineral water, soft drinks, snacks, etc.
Your personal medical or evacuation expenses, including travel insurance, which includes rescue.
All accommodation is subject to flight cancellation due to bad weather if there is a helicopter charter.
Is there any extra cost for horse riding and natural disasters?
Extra porter costs US$18 per person per day.
Tips for trekking crews: guide and porter.

If you're planning a red panda photography tour in Ilam, here is some useful information to help you make the most of your experience:

Location: Ilam is a district located in the eastern part of Nepal, near the border with India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several species of wildlife, including the elusive red panda.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ilam for red panda photography is during the spring and autumn seasons. Spring (March to May) offers pleasant weather and beautiful blooming flowers, while autumn (October to November) provides clear skies and colourful foliage.

Red Panda Habitat: Red pandas are found in the dense forests of Ilam, primarily in the Ilam and Mai Pokhari regions. These forests consist of a mix of coniferous and broad-leaved trees, creating an ideal habitat for red pandas.

Local Guides: Hiring a local guide familiar with the area is highly recommended for your photography tour. They can help you navigate the forest trails, locate red panda hotspots, and provide valuable insights about the local wildlife.

Trekking Permits: To enter the red panda habitat, you may require a trekking permit. Check with the local authorities or your guide to ensure you have the necessary permits in place before your tour.

Equipment: When it comes to photography equipment, it's best to have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens to capture the red pandas from a distance without disturbing them. A sturdy tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, and a lens cleaning kit are also essential.

Clothing and Gear: Ilam's weather can vary, so it's advisable to dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Comfortable and durable hiking shoes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a backpack to carry your equipment are essential.

Patience and Silence: Red pandas are shy and elusive creatures, so patience is key while waiting for them to appear. Maintain silence and avoid sudden movements to avoid scaring them away. Listen for rustling sounds or rely on your guide's expertise to spot them.

Conservation and Ethical Practices: As a responsible photographer, respect wildlife and their natural habitat. Follow ethical practices, such as maintaining a safe distance from the red pandas, refraining from using flash photography, and not disturbing their natural behaviour.

Safety: Always prioritize your safety during the tour. Inform someone about your itinerary, carry a first aid kit, and be mindful of the terrain and any potential risks in the forest.

Remember, observing and photographing red pandas in their natural habitat is a unique opportunity, so enjoy the experience while respecting and preserving their environment.

Welcome to the Red Panda Photography Tour in Ilam! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help you plan your tour:

Q1: Where is Ilam located?

A1: Ilam is a district located in the eastern part of Nepal, in the hilly region of the country. It is known for its stunning landscapes, tea gardens, and the presence of red pandas.

Q2: When is the best time to visit Ilam for the Red Panda Photography Tour?

A2: The best time to visit Ilam for the Red Panda Photography Tour is during the months of March to May and September to November. These months offer favourable weather conditions and increased chances of spotting red pandas in their natural habitat.

Q3: How long is the Red Panda Photography Tour?

A3: The duration of the tour depends on the package you choose. Typically, it can range from 3 to 7 days. It is advisable to check with the tour operator for specific details.

Q4: What is included in the Red Panda Photography Tour package?

A4: The tour package usually includes accommodation, transportation within Ilam, expert guides, meals, and photography assistance. It may also include permits required for visiting protected areas where red pandas reside.

Q5: Can beginners participate in the Red Panda Photography Tour?

A5: Absolutely! The tour is open to photographers of all skill levels, including beginners. The guides and experts will provide assistance and guidance to help you capture the best photographs of red pandas.

Q6: Are there any age restrictions for the tour?

A6: While there are no specific age restrictions, it is advisable to check with the tour operator regarding any age limitations. Keep in mind that the tour involves trekking or hiking in certain areas, so participants should be physically fit and able to handle such activities.

Q7: What equipment should I bring for the Red Panda Photography Tour?

A7: It is recommended to bring a digital camera with a zoom lens (preferably 200-400mm) for capturing the red pandas in their natural habitat. Tripods, extra batteries, memory cards, and appropriate clothing for different weather conditions are also essential.

Q8: Is there a guarantee of spotting red pandas during the tour?

A8: While the tour is designed to maximize the chances of spotting red pandas, it is important to note that they are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The guides and experts will take you to areas where red pandas are commonly found, increasing the likelihood of spotting them.

Q9: Can I interact with or touch the red pandas during the tour?

A9: No, it is strictly prohibited to touch or interact with the red pandas. They are protected species, and it is important to maintain a safe distance to ensure their well-being and minimize disturbance.

Q10: Are there any conservation efforts associated with the Red Panda Photography Tour?

A10: Yes, many tour operators collaborate with local conservation organizations to promote red panda conservation. Some tour fees may contribute to conservation initiatives, such as habitat protection, research, and community education.

Remember to inquire about specific details, such as tour prices, cancellation policies, and any additional services offered, from the tour operator you choose. Enjoy your Red Panda Photography Tour in Ilam!

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