Red Panda Expedition
Five nights in the Eastern Himalayas at Singalila National Park, searching for one of the world’s most sought-after mammals with trackers who monitor the forest daily.
A specialist expedition rather than a general wildlife tour, with dedicated red panda searches, exceptional Himalayan birding and views across four of the world’s highest peaks.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
5
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Bamboo Forest and Mountain Light
In Search of the Red Panda
This specialised wildlife expedition explores the pristine forests and mountain landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas in search of the elusive Red Panda, one of the world’s most charismatic and sought-after mammals.
Centred around Singalila National Park, the journey combines dedicated Red Panda searches with exceptional Himalayan birdwatching and spectacular mountain scenery. Accompanied by experienced naturalists and local trackers, guests explore bamboo forests, rhododendron-covered slopes and temperate woodlands, with opportunities to observe Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Black Bear and Serow, all beneath views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
One park, five nights, and trackers monitoring red panda movement through every hour of daylight.
The Red Panda
Singalila National Park is internationally renowned as one of the best places in India to observe the elusive Red Panda.
Four of the World's Highest Peaks
Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, all visible from a park rising above 3,600 metres.
Himalayan Birding
Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Golden-breasted Fulvetta and Rufous-vented Yuhina.
The Bird Hide
The property’s dedicated hide has recorded over 45 species, including Parrotbills, Fulvettas and Laughingthrushes.
Heritage Land Rovers
Reach base camp from Manebhanjan in the park’s historic Land Rovers, operating in this region for over 70 years.
A Day on the Trails
A dedicated jungle trek day, with routes chosen by weather, wildlife activity and what you most want to see.
Your Journey
Bagdogra to the India-Nepal Border
A short, deliberate route: one airport, one mountain road, and five nights in a single park.
Bagdogra
Stop 1
Manebhanjan
Stop 2
Singalila National Park
Stop 3
Sample Itinerary
Your Red Panda Expedition Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Day 01 : Arrive Bagdogra - Singalila National Park
Days 1
Into the Eastern Himalayas
Arrive at Bagdogra by 10:00 at the latest to reach the lodge the same day. Transfer to Manebhanjan, the gateway to the park, for permits, guides and porters, then on to base camp by the park’s historic Land Rovers. An afternoon activity if weather allows.
Days 02 - 04 : Singalila National Park
Day 2-4
Red Panda and Birding
Three days searching for Red Panda in the forests close to base camp, where experienced trackers monitor movements through daylight hours. Early morning birdwatching before breakfast, then the dedicated bird hide, with Parrotbills, Fulvettas and Laughingthrushes.
Day 05 : Singalila National Park
Day 5
The Jungle Trek
A wider exploration of the park’s habitats. Tea overlooking the Himalaya, then birdwatching or a short nature walk before breakfast, before you set out with your naturalist guide to explore one of the park’s forest trails. Lunch at the lodge or in the field.
Day 06 : Singalila National Park - Bagdogra
Days 6
Departure
A final morning of birdwatching and mountain views before breakfast, then the descent to Manebhanjang by Land Rover and on to Bagdogra Airport, arriving in the afternoon for your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 05 nights at a mountain lodge near Singalila National Park
- All meals served at the lodge
- Daily red panda searches with experienced naturalists and local trackers
- Himalayan birdwatching excursions and use of the property's dedicated bird hide
- Singalila National Park permits, guides and porters
- Transfers by heritage Land Rover between Manebhanjan and base camp
- Road transfers from and to Bagdogra Airport
Tailor Your Holiday
- Travel in spring for rhododendron blooms, or autumn for the clearest peaks
- Add nights for a better chance of a red panda sighting
- Add a dedicated bird guide for the Himalayan specialists
- Extend to Darjeeling or Kalimpong before or after
- Combine with the Snow Leopard expedition in Ladakh
- Arrange a photography-focused programme with your naturalist
- Adjust the balance between panda searching and birding
Plan Your Journey
Travel the Eastern Himalayas Your Way
Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.
What we will need from you
Based on two adults sharing
- Your preferred travel dates, or the month you have in mind
- How many are travelling, and whether you need single rooms
- Your preferred level of lodge, from comfortable to premium
- How many safaris you would like at each reserve
- Anything you particularly hope to see, so we can advise on timing
Luxury Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Luxury 5★ hotels throughout
- Palace & heritage hotel options
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & premium vehicle
- Private airport transfers
- Expert private local guides
- Enhanced touring & experiences
Rajasthan Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Iconic palace & heritage properties
- Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles & more
- Suite & premium room options
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Bespoke private touring
- Exclusive dining & cultural experiences
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Not sure when to travel? Season makes more difference to a wildlife journey than to any other kind. Tell us what you hope to see and we will advise on the best months, and on which reserves are open when.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
This is a specialist expedition and can be shaped considerably around what you most want to see.
Extra Nights at Singalila
The single best way to improve your chances. Trackers cover more ground over more days.
A Dedicated Bird Guide
For the Himalayan specialists, from Satyr Tragopan to Fire-tailed Myzornis.
Extend to Darjeeling
Tea gardens and colonial hill station architecture, an easy addition from Bagdogra.
Add Ladakh
Pair the red panda with the snow leopard for two of the Himalaya's most elusive mammals.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your the Eastern Himalayas Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.