Discover Red Panda

Nepal

Off the Beaten

Duration

12 Days

Group Size

2-12 People

Grade

Moderate

Max. Altitude

3636 m

A red panda behaves like a house cat except with a long bushy tail and a thick-brown hair.

Red pandas reside at high altitudes above 2,200 m in general.

A fully grown one weighs about 6.2 kg and is around 50 cm tall.

A red panda lives for usually 8 to 10 years, though others survive for up to 15 years.

Sandakpur, located in the eastern region of Nepal within the Ilam district, is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled in the Singalila Ridge at an altitude of 3,636 meters, this scenic destination is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Sandakpur is also home to the elusive and endangered red panda, a rare species that thrives in the dense rhododendron and bamboo forests of the region. These adorable, tree-dwelling mammals, with their striking reddish-brown fur and bushy tails, are often spotted in the Singalila National Park, which extends into India. The area’s rich biodiversity, cool climate, and untouched wilderness make it one of the best places to observe red pandas in their natural habitat. Trekking through the serene trails of Sandakpur offers not only a chance to encounter these fascinating creatures but also an opportunity to experience the region’s vibrant flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers alike.

Places you'll See

Highlights

Explore Sandakpur (3,636m): Witness breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse.
Encounter the Elusive Red Panda: Trek through the dense rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests of Singalila National Park, home to the endangered red panda.
Rich Biodiversity: Spot diverse wildlife such as Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards, musk deer, and various bird species, including blood pheasants and Satyr tragopans.
Scenic Trekking Trails: Enjoy peaceful hikes through lush green forests, tea gardens, and charming villages while soaking in the pristine natural beauty of eastern Nepal.
Cultural Experience: Interact with local communities, including the indigenous Rai and Limbu people, and experience their warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and unique way of life.
Best Sunrise and Sunset Views: Enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset panoramas from Sandakpur, offering magical golden hues over the Himalayas.
Eco-Tourism and Conservation: Learn about local conservation efforts to protect the red panda and its habitat while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
Tea Garden Exploration: Visit Ilam’s famous tea estates and sample authentic Nepali tea, known for its unique aroma and taste.

This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife exploration, and cultural immersion in one of Nepal’s most pristine and less-explored regions.

Map & Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Nepal

Day 2: Arrival in Nepal

and Meet your representative at the Airport and Transfer to your hotel. Evening dinner with your Guide . guide will give you all the information about your treks and Tours.

Hotel with Dinner

Day 3: Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath – Bodnath – Swayambhunath

Today you will get to know Kathmandu and the surrounding area. The Pashupatinath temple complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is the most important Hindu sanctuary in Nepal. It is the destination of countless pilgrims and ascetics (“sadhus” with the role model of Shiva). At Surya Ghat, the dead are cremated on special platforms. You have the opportunity to watch this ceremony from the other side of the Bagmati River. Drive to Bodnath, a suburb of Kathmandu, about 5 km from the city center. The stupa of Bodnath is the largest of its kind in the world and has been the central pilgrimage site for Tibetan exiles in Nepal since 1959. You will visit the religious center around the stupa with Buddhist monasteries in its surroundings. You will then drive to the Swayambhunath Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world and an important holy place in the area. It is also called the “monkey temple” because hordes of wild monkeys live in its complex. Accompanied by pilgrims (and monkeys too), you climb the 365 steps to the temple. From there you have a fantastic view over the Kathmandu Valley! Return to the hotel.

Hotel with Breakfast.

Day 4: Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Illam

After breakfast, a 45-minute flight to Bhadrapur, which lies in southeastern Nepal on the Indian border. There you will leave civilization behind for the next six days. You will travel up the mountains on bumpy roads through hilly country with large tea plantations, passing many small villages. In the late afternoon you will reach the small mountain village of Illam, which lies at an altitude of 2,560 m. You will stay in a small, simple, private guesthouse.

Hotel with Breakfast.

Day 5: Red Panda Tracking

At the climax of your Nepal trip, you will try to find the red panda accompanied by an experienced tracker! Over the next four days, you will hike in a star shape through the forest around the mountain village. It is a wonderful experience when you finally see a red panda, which usually sits quietly in a tree and looks down at the rare visitors! Its body length is around 120 cm – almost half of this is its tail. Its shape resembles that of a “slender raccoon”, its fur is shiny black underneath and reddish brown to copper red on top. According to the latest research, the red panda from Nepal, Assam, Sikkim and Bhutan is a different species from the one from southern China and northern Myanmar.

Home Stay with fullboard

Day 6: Red Panda Tracking

Today you will hike to your next host family on easy-to-walk forest paths that locals have long used as connecting routes. A ridge hike of around five hours awaits you. You will hardly have to climb any altitude: the highest elevation here is 2,750 m. From the end of March, the vegetation with oaks and chestnuts, rhododendrons and magnolias will be in full bloom. Finally, you will reach a mountain village around 440 m lower. Maybe you will be lucky: today there is another chance of spotting a red panda. Simple private overnight stay.

Home Stay with fullboard

Day 7: Red Panda Tracking

Home Stay with fullboard

Day 8: Red Panda Tracking

Home Stay with fullboard

Day 9: Hike to the next village

Home Stay with fullboard

Day 7: Drive to Bhadrapur and Kathmandu in the late afternoon

After breakfast, return to Bhadrapur and flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel; the rest of the day is free.

Hotel with Breakfast

Day 11: City Tour Lalitpur and Bhaktapur

Today you can once again enjoy Nepal’s rich historical heritage! In the morning, drive to Lalitpur, the twin city of Kathmandu on the south bank of the Bagmati River with more than 250,000 inhabitants. Lalitpur or Patan, as Nepal’s third largest city is also called, already had 100,000 inhabitants around the year 1000 – and was once the tenth largest city in the world. The centrally located Durbar Square impresses with numerous temples and pagodas and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The three-part former royal palace is also located here. No wonder that Lalitpur is also called the “City of Beauty”. Enjoy the richly decorated facades and a stroll through the small alleys! Continue to Bhaktapur, the third and smallest royal city in the Kathmandu Valley, also a World Heritage Site since 1979. The medieval-looking cityscape with numerous wood carvings is unique. You will visit the Royal Palace with the Golden Gate and the Durbar Square with its stone protective animals and numerous temples. A walk will take you to Nepal’s highest pagoda, the five-story Nyatapola, which was completed in 1708. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Bhaktapur, which is also known as the “capital of Nepal’s performing arts” because of its numerous music and cultural groups!

Hotel with Breakfast

What's included

Accommodation and 3 meals a day during the tour (Tea, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary.

Guide in Kathmandu and Nature Guide and Red Panda Tracker in Sandakpur

2 way flight (Kathmandu to Bhadrapur to Kathmandu)

all private transportation

hotel and homestay for accomodation

Permit during treks

Ilam bazar to Dobate private 4wd jeep

Emergency Medical Kits

What's not included

International Flight to Nepal

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Illam

Insurance covers medical,emergency,evacualtion

Personal Tips and Gratitude provide to staff

All Beverages during tour

Dates & Availability

Start Date	Price	Availability
13.09.2025 – 24.09.2025	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
04.10.2025-15.10.205	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
18.10.2025 – 29.10.2025	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
08.11.2025 – 19.11.2025	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
21.02.2026 – 04.03.2026	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
14.03.2026 – 25.03.2026	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
04 .04.2026 – 15 .04.2026	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
18.04.2026 – 29.04.2026	from 2.550 USD €	Book Now >
10.10.2026 – 21.10.2026	from 2.650 USD €	Book Now >
07.11.2026 – 18.11.2026	from 2.650 USD €	Book Now >

Travel Notes

It is one of the moderate types trekking, because you are going above the 4156 meters at high. That’s why before you decide to do this trek you have to do some training. You will be walking 5 to 8 hrs a day; you need to have very good shoes. As you are going every day 500 to 1000 meters of altitude, you have to drinks lots of Water. During your trek you might get altitude sickness. Please read the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you have symptoms of ATS please tell our guide, so that he can take care of you.

List of things you need to bring: Dawn Jacket-1, Wind Proof-1, Gore-Tex-1, T-Shirt-4/6, Socks-4/6, Hat-1, Woolen Hat-1, Gloves-1pair, Trekking Boot-1Pair, Hiking shoe or Plipflop-1Pair, Raincoat-1, Water Bottle(1/2ltrs), Sunglass-1, Sun lotion, Towel, Thormel Trouser-2 pairs, Pool over-1, Sleeping Bag-1.

Best Months to do this trek: Middle of September – November, Feb- April.

Rhododendron: Middle of March – April.