nothing compares to witnessing a Red Panda in its natural realm.

red panda

expedition

In Search of the Cutest, Most Elusive Animal on Earth.

Known for its stunning views of the eastern Himalayas and rich biodiversity, it is one of the best places to see the elusive and endangered Red Panda in its natural habitat...

Nestled in the heart of the Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district, West Bengal, this high-altitude national park spans 78.6 square kilometres, ranging from 2,500 to 3,650 meters above sea level. It shares natural borders with Nepal to the west and Sikkim to the north. The park’s diverse mountain forests are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Red Panda, making it one of their last remaining natural habitats.

The national park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, including four of the five highest peaks in the world: Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The famous Sandakphu trek, which leads to the highest peak in West Bengal at 3,636 meters, runs through the park, attracting adventure enthusiasts and trekkers from around the world.

UPCOMING PHOTO TOURS

Red Panda Close-up from Singalila Nation

4N/5D

08th to 12th Apr, 2026

ABOUT

RED PANDA

Common Name: Red Panda

Scientific Name: Ailurus fulgens

Type: Mammals

Diet: Omnivore

Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 10 years

Size: 22 to 25 inches, plus tail of 15 to 19 inches

Weight: Eight to 17 pounds

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

4 nights / 5 days in the pristine landscapes of Singalila National Park.
Comfortable accommodation with all meals included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay throughout the expedition.
Dedicated full-day photography sessions, offering optimal opportunities to capture wildlife in varying natural light conditions.
All road transfers are arranged for the duration of the tour.
Exceptional opportunities to photograph red pandas in their natural habitat, along with a diverse array of Himalayan bird species.
Expert mentorship by award-winning nature photographer Mr. Pratik Pradhan, guiding you in refining your field techniques.

ABOUT RED PANDAS

Red pandas may have captured global attention for their endearing appearance, but there is far more depth to these elusive mammals than their expressive faces and rich, russet coats.

Roughly the size of a house cat, red pandas are remarkably agile, navigating the forest canopy with ease. Their ability to scale trees, balance along narrow branches, and move with quiet precision is one of the many traits that make observing them in the wild so compelling. For years, taxonomists debated where red pandas truly belonged; first grouping them with raccoons, then with bears. It wasn’t until genetic studies advanced that their identity became clearer: red pandas represent an entirely distinct lineage, classified under their own family, Ailuridae, and the single genus Ailurus.

For a long time, scientists grouped them into two subspecies: the Himalayan red panda and the Chinese red panda. But recent research is pointing toward something even more fascinating...they may actually be two separate species. The Chinese form tends to be slightly larger and is distinguished by more pronounced ring patterns along its bushy tail.

No matter the species, though, one thing remains constant that the red pandas are some of the most captivating creatures of the Asian highlands, far more complex and captivating than their viral fame alone conveys.

HABITAT & BEHAVIOUR

They inhabit the cool, mist-laden mountain forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, and central China; ecosystems defined by dense canopy, moss-laden branches, and a near-constant veil of moisture. This arboreal world is where red pandas spend most of their lives. They rest, travel, and even sunbathe high above the forest floor.

Their anatomy is finely tuned for this elevated lifestyle. Semi-retractable claws allow them to grip slick branches with precision, while unusually flexible ankles enable something few mammals can manage: the unique ability to climb down trees headfirst. This helps them quickly escape predators. Their dense coat is equally purposeful: a warm underlayer paired with coarse guard hairs provides insulation against the mountain cold, and their long, bushy tail doubles as a wraparound blanket.

Though largely solitary, red pandas do communicate on the rare occasions their paths cross. Tail arches, subtle head movements, and soft vocalisations help them convey intent. Among those sounds is the sound that scientists call a “huff-quack”, a mix between a duck quack and a pig snort. When threatened, they may bark sharply or release a strong-smelling secretion from glands near the base of the tail. This scent marking becomes especially important during the breeding season, when males advertise their presence in hopes of finding a receptive female; a brief window, as females are fertile for only a few days each year. Litters typically range from one to four cubs, which remain safely tucked away and dependent on their mother for roughly three months before beginning to explore the world on their own.

THE PLAN : ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival and Journey into Singalila National Park

Touch down at Bagdogra Airport in the morning and begin your adventure with a beautiful 3-hour drive through winding hills to the quaint town of Maneybhanjyang. From here, continue to your cosy retreat in Tumling. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, soak in the mountain air, and get an informal orientation about the exciting days ahead. As evening settles in, enjoy a warm dinner and settle down for a peaceful night in Tumling.

Day 2: Red Panda Tracking & Wildlife Exploration

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before the day’s real thrill begins. Early in the morning, our expert trackers venture out in search of the elusive Red Panda. Once they spot one, you’ll be guided to the location either on foot or by 4x4 vehicle, depending on accessibility.

Join the team on established forest trails, led by a skilled naturalist who will help you discover the park’s hidden wildlife gems. Singalila is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, too, so keep your binoculars ready for vibrant birdwatching throughout the day.

Lunch will be served either amidst nature or back at your lodge, depending on the sightings. Wrap up the day with a wholesome dinner and a restful night at your hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 3-4: Scenic Trails, Wildlife Sightings & Himalayan Wonders

Over the next two days, the excitement continues as trackers scour the forest for Red Pandas while your naturalist curates the best trails to explore the region’s rich biodiversity. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, 4x4 vehicles will be available to take you to promising sighting spots. Beyond wildlife, Singalila offers some of the most breathtaking Himalayan panoramic vistas.

From Tumling, take in the spellbinding “Sleeping Buddha” formation, with the mighty Kangchenjunga dominating the skyline, an unforgettable sight for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Your naturalist may also lead short cultural walks to nearby villages, giving you insight into local mountain life. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Departure

After one last delicious breakfast at the lodge, bid farewell to the Himalayas as you drive back to Bagdogra Airport. Carry home cherished memories of misty trails, rare wildlife encounters, and days spent in one of India’s most enchanting landscapes.

FOR PRICES, YOU CAN REACH US AT

EMAIL: pradhanpratiku@gmail.com OR WHATSAPP: +917666320211

4 Nights/ 5 days at beautifully scenic Singhalila National Park
Stay & Meals during your tour
Morning to Evening photography sessions
Road transfers throughout the tour
Pickup & drop-off Bagdogra Airport

Travel to and from Bagdogra/Siliguri from your location.
Cost for supplementary services.
Any medical expenses and emergency medications.
Cost for insurance premium.
Any personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, tips, drinks, etc.)
Cost for excess baggage fees for all internal flights.
Any cost difference resulting from mishaps, political turmoil, or natural disasters. In such circumstances, the client is responsible for paying all additional costs on the spot.