Red Panda Expedition

NB. This is a ground only package. International flights are not included in the tour price. Please ask if you would like us to quote for your flights to/from the UK.

This afternoon, you will be met by your chief guide for a short nature walk and orientation tour, followed by a briefing on the itinerary ahead.

Evening at leisure.

Expect to arrive at Habre’s Nest in time for lunch.

Habre’s Nest
Habre’s Nest is a cosy guesthouse situated on the Singalila Ridge, the border line separating Nepal and India. Occupying a high perch 2,900m above sea level, it provides a fabulous location from which to survey this remote and beautiful region of the Himalayas, overlooking the forests of Singalila in all directions from its privileged vantage point.

Taking its name from the Nepalese name for the red panda, Habre’s Nest is positioned in a region of the Singalila that is notable for its comparatively high occurrence of these rare and endangered creatures. For most visitors to the lodge, red panda tracking is the primary attraction, though a small minority also come with the intention of trekking to nearby Sandakphu Peak.

Constructed from bamboo, wood, and corrugated iron, Habre’s Nest has a decidedly rustic charm. It’s four double bedded rooms are made up with bamboo and wood furnishings, and open onto en-suite toilets (western) and private balconies. Each room has a heater, hot and cold water, and drinking water. Power is supplied by a generator from 5pm to 6am.

Public areas include a small library, dining room, and bar & lounge with open fire place. The meals served are a delightful blend of local dishes with a western touch. Separate to the main house, there is a bird studio and viewing hide on the grounds. Trained naturalists and field biologists are on-site at all times.

After a short briefing from the trackers and some time to settle into your room at Habre’s Nest, you’ll head out on a nature walk in the vicinity of the lodge, before returning to the lodge in time for an early supper.

Though Singalila is among the best places in the world to see wild red panda, sightings are not guaranteed. Little larger than a domestic cat, and equally solitary, the red panda is a difficult mammal to track.

Your chances of seeing the red panda will depend greatly on the conditions in the mountain. In dense fog and rain, opportunities for good sightings will be limited. Mar-May, when rainfall is lower, affords the best opportunities for sightings.

Tracking will be on foot and by 4x4. The terrain is steep and hilly, and while you will not be expected to cover long distances on foot, a reasonable level of fitness will be helpful.

A picnic lunch will be provided during the game-viewing activities, while dinner will be served at the lodge on your return each evening.