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Red Panda Tour

An Exclusive Wildlife Adventure in Nepal

Trip Overview

Step into the heart of Nepal’s pristine forests for an unforgettable Red Panda Adventure! Nestled in the misty wilderness of the Himalayas, this exclusive tour takes you deep into the natural habitat of the elusive and endangered Red Panda. Trek through lush rhododendron forests, listen to the calls of Himalayan birds, and experience the raw beauty of Nepal’s highland ecosystems. With expert naturalists and experienced trackers by your side, you’ll have the best chance of spotting the Red Panda in its wild habitat. Along the way, engage with local communities, enjoy warm hospitality, and witness breathtaking landscapes of the rural Nepal. This tour is perfect choice for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike.

The Red Panda (Sci.Ailurus Fulgens) is one of the world’s most endangered species, often referred to as the “fire fox” due to its vibrant reddish-brown fur. This charismatic mammal is native to the temperate forests of the Himalayas and is primarily found in Nepal, Bhutan, India, and China. With fewer than 10,000 individuals left in the wild, the Red Panda is classified as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List, making encounters with this rare species a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In Nepal, Red Pandas are found in the mid-hill forests of the eastern Himalayas, including Ilam, Taplejung, Panchthar, and Langtang National Park. These high-altitude forests (ranging from 2,200m to 4,800m) provide them with the cool temperatures, dense canopy, and abundant bamboo they need to survive. However, habitat loss, poaching, and human disturbances have drastically affected their population, making conservation crucial.

Our Red Panda Tour takes you deep into the heart of Nepal’s eastern highlands, where these adorable creatures thrive amidst the misty rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests. This exclusive tour is more than just an adventure—it’s an opportunity to support conservation efforts, engage with local communities, and witness the breathtaking biodiversity of the Himalayan ecosystem. Nepal has been at the forefront of community-based Red Panda conservation programs in Langtang National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and Makalu-Barun National Park involving local villagers in protecting this endangered species. Organizations like the Red Panda Network (RPN) have played a pivotal role in educating communities, creating protected corridors, and training local forest guardians known as “Red Panda Rangers” to monitor the population. By joining this tour, you are directly supporting these conservation programs, contributing to the protection of Nepal’s Red Panda population while experiencing a truly unique adventure.

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Total Duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
diffculty
Grading
Moderate – Strenuous
trek style
Trek Start / Ends
Kathmandu
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Suggested Season
Mar – May, Oct – Nov
accomodation
Accomodation
Hotels – Resorts

Trip Highlights

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    Expert-Led Tracking Expeditions – Follow experienced wildlife trackers and conservationists into remote forests where Red Pandas live.
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    Exclusive Encounters in the Wild – Witness these adorable creatures in their natural environment, away from tourist crowds.
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    Immersive Himalayan Experience – Trek through breathtaking landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests to misty mountain ridges.
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    Cultural Interactions with Local Communities – Visit remote villages, learn about their sustainable lifestyles, and enjoy authentic Himalayan hospitality.
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    Eco-Friendly & Responsible Travel – Support conservation while exploring one of Nepal’s most biodiverse regions.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
  • Hotel Transfer
  • Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Exploration
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 3
Flight to Bhadrapur & Scenic Drive to Dobato, Illam
  • Scenic Drive Bhadrapur-Dobato Community Homestay
  • Travel Time & Distance:
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur: 1 Hr.
  • Bhadrapur Airport to Dobato Illam: 4-5 Hrs. (105 km)
  • Overnight in Dobato Community Homestay, Illam
Day 4-6
Red Panda Tracking & Wildlife Exploration
  • Red Panda Tracking Expedition
  • Adventure to Sandakpur (3,636 m)
  • Panoramic View: Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Makalu (8,485 m)
  • Overnight in Dobato Community Homestay
Day 7
Community Engagement & Cultural Experience
  • Visit Dobato and Nearby villages-Maipokhari
  • Cultural Excursion
  • Overnight in Dobato Community Homestay
Day 8
Return to Kathmandu
  • Dobato Illam to Bhadrapur Airport: 4-5 Hrs. (105 km)
  • Flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu: 1 Hr.
  • Explore Thamel
  • Leisure, Explore Kathmandu
  • Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 9
Exploration of Historic Cultural Heritage Site of Kathmandu Valley
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Authentic Newari Culture
  • Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 10
Departure
  • Departure for Airport
  • Return Home
Tour Cost

USD 2399 per person

Based on twin-sharing rooms with a minimum of 2/4 participants basis.

Cost Includes:
  • All Ground Transfers
  • Guided Sightseeing
  • Necessary Documents and Permits
  • Domestic Flights
  • Karnali Excursions Leader
  • Accommodations and Meals
Cost Does Not Include:
  • Nepal Visa Fee
  • International Flight Fares
  • Travel and Medical Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Personal Gear and Clothing
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Unforeseen Costs
Request Detail Itinerary

Resources

  • Essential Information
  • Recommended Readings

Trip Extension

Chitwan National Park (2 Nights/3 Days)
  • Experience an exhilarating jungle safari inside Chitwan National Park.
  • Encounter one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, and gharial.
  • Immerse in authentic Tharu culture and their performative arts.
Bardiya National Park (2 Days/3 Nights OR 3 Nights/4 Days)
  • Explore one of Nepal’s most pristine wilderness areas, home to tigers, elephants, and rich biodiversity.
  • Experience guided jungle walks, jeep safaris, and tranquil Karnali River.
  • Immerse in Tharu culture with authentic village visits and traditional hospitality.
Lumbini Cultural Tour (2 Days)
  • Visit the Maya Devi Temple and sacred Marker Stone at the birthplace of Buddha.
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Several Buddhist monasteries.
  • Discover ancient archaeological sites of Tilaurakot and Ramagrama.
  • Meditate in the sacred garden and pond of Lumbini.
  • Gain deep cultural and historical insight with expert-guided tours across the Greater Lumbini Region.
Bhotekoshi Rafting (2 Days)
  • Experience thrilling Class III–IV rapids on one of Nepal’s steepest and most exciting rafting rivers.
  • Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and pristine river gorges throughout the adventure.
  • Stay overnight in a comfortable riverside camp with great food and expert rafting guides.
Trishuli Rafting (Day Tour)
  • Enjoy a fun-filled rafting experience with moderate rapids.
  • Glide through scenic valleys, terraced hillsides, and impressive rock formations along the Trishuli River.
  • Benefit from expert safety instruction and a well-coordinated day trip with professional rafting guides.
Himalayan Panorama Flight
  • Experience breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest Himalayan peaks, including Everest and Annapurna.
  • Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and scenic Himalayan flight.
  • Capture stunning close view photographs of snow-capped ranges, glaciers and diverse landscape.
Breakfast Gazing Everest
  • Enjoy delightful breakfast with uninterrupted panoramic views of Mt. Everest.
  • Enjoy a serene, exclusive experience at a scenic viewpoint.
  • Capture unforgettable memory of the world’s highest peak.
Authentic Nepal Cultural Tour: Barahakshetra, Janakpurdham, Chitwan & Lumbini
  • Explore the sacred heritage of Barahakshetra and Kaushiki Region.
  • Discover the cultural and religious significance of Janakpurdham, the birthplace of Sita.
  • Immerse in the rich biodiversity and wildlife of Chitwan National Park.
  • Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, with its monasteries and stupas.
  • Experience authentic Nepali culture through local traditions, cuisine, and colorful lifestyles.
Bhutan Kora Tour (5 Days)
  • Explore authentic Bhutan and Buddhist monasteries.
  • Immerse in Bhutanese culture and traditions.
  • Witness breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and panoramic mountain views.
Discover Taj Mahal, Icon of Love (3 Days)
  • Witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset.
  • Explore the grandeur of Agra Fort and its Mughal architecture.
  • Discover the rich history and stories behind India’s iconic love monument.
  • Enjoy local cuisine and vibrant markets in Agra city.
  • Capture unforgettable photographs of architectural marvels and scenic views.

Ready to make this journey your own?

  • location
    Budhanilkanta 44600, Nepal
  • whatspp
    +977 9851035496
  • mail
    Karnaliexcursions@gmail.com
Inqurie About Trip