March-May, Dec-Feb
2+
7 Days
The Red Panda Tour in Nepal is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience that takes you deep into the pristine forests of eastern Nepal in search of one of the Himalayas’ most elusive and enchanting creatures — the red panda.
With approximately 1,000 red pandas spread across 36 mountainous districts, Nepal is one of the best places in the world to observe these rare mammals in their natural habitat. This journey leads you to Dobate Village in Ilam district, a region rich in bamboo forests, rhododendron groves, and diverse wildlife ecosystems — ideal habitat for red pandas.
Red pandas are shy, solitary climbers who spend most of their time high in the trees. Often seen curled up with their long, bushy tails wrapped around their bodies for warmth, spotting one in the wild is truly a sighting of a lifetime.
Although named the Red Panda Trip, the adventure offers much more:
By joining this tour, you are not just exploring — you are supporting sustainable tourism and helping conserve one of Nepal’s most endangered species.
7 Days • Itinerary Overview
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will attend a detailed briefing about the Red Panda Tour, including insights into red panda behavior, conservation efforts, and what to expect during your wildlife tracking experience.
After breakfast, you will take a scenic flight to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From there, you will drive through lush tea gardens, rolling green hills, and charming settlements on your way to Ilam. Upon arrival, you can explore the famous tea estates and enjoy the peaceful hill town atmosphere before settling in for the night.
Following breakfast, you will drive to Dobate Village, one of the prime red panda habitats in Ilam district. After meeting experienced local trackers and conservation guides, you will take a short acclimatization walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests while learning about the ecosystem that supports red pandas. You will spend the night at a local lodge or community homestay.
Early in the morning, you will head into the forest with expert trackers to search for red pandas in their natural habitat. As these shy and solitary animals spend most of their time in trees, you will quietly explore bamboo-rich areas and scan the treetops for signs of movement. Along the way, you will also enjoy birdwatching and may encounter other wildlife species. In the evening, you will return to the lodge and participate in a discussion about local conservation initiatives.
Today offers another opportunity for red panda tracking to maximize your chances of sighting. You will trek through pristine forests, observe diverse bird species, and learn more about the Himalayan ecosystem from your guides. The day also includes time to interact with the local community and understand how eco-tourism supports conservation efforts and livelihoods.
After a relaxed morning nature walk, you will drive back to Ilam for lunch and continue onward to Bhadrapur. You can enjoy the final views of eastern Nepal’s scenic landscapes before checking into your hotel for the night.
In the morning, you will take a return flight to Kathmandu. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have free time for sightseeing or shopping before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of spotting one of Nepal’s most elusive and beautiful wildlife treasures.
7 Days – Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will attend a detailed briefing about the Red Panda Tour, including insights into red panda behavior, conservation efforts, and what to expect during your wildlife tracking experience.
After breakfast, you will take a scenic flight to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From there, you will drive through lush tea gardens, rolling green hills, and charming settlements on your way to Ilam. Upon arrival, you can explore the famous tea estates and enjoy the peaceful hill town atmosphere before settling in for the night.
Following breakfast, you will drive to Dobate Village, one of the prime red panda habitats in Ilam district. After meeting experienced local trackers and conservation guides, you will take a short acclimatization walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests while learning about the ecosystem that supports red pandas. You will spend the night at a local lodge or community homestay.
Early in the morning, you will head into the forest with expert trackers to search for red pandas in their natural habitat. As these shy and solitary animals spend most of their time in trees, you will quietly explore bamboo-rich areas and scan the treetops for signs of movement. Along the way, you will also enjoy birdwatching and may encounter other wildlife species. In the evening, you will return to the lodge and participate in a discussion about local conservation initiatives.
Today offers another opportunity for red panda tracking to maximize your chances of sighting. You will trek through pristine forests, observe diverse bird species, and learn more about the Himalayan ecosystem from your guides. The day also includes time to interact with the local community and understand how eco-tourism supports conservation efforts and livelihoods.
After a relaxed morning nature walk, you will drive back to Ilam for lunch and continue onward to Bhadrapur. You can enjoy the final views of eastern Nepal’s scenic landscapes before checking into your hotel for the night.
In the morning, you will take a return flight to Kathmandu. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have free time for sightseeing or shopping before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of spotting one of Nepal’s most elusive and beautiful wildlife treasures.
Everything you need for a comfortable and memorable trek
Note: The itinerary provided above is a general outline and can be customized to suit your interests and preferences, if needed.
Explore stunning visuals from the Red Panda Tour – A Rare Wildlife Adventure in Eastern Nepal that showcase the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
Suggested Items to Bring – Red Panda Tour (Dobate, Ilam)
Tracking red pandas in the cool, forested hills of eastern Nepal requires practical, lightweight gear suitablefor moderate trekking and changing mountain weather. Here is a recommended packing list to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
Clothing (Layering is Key)
Footwear
Wildlife & Trekking Essentials
Personal & Health Items
Important Documents
Optional but Recommended
7 Days • Schedule Your Own Departure
