Red Panda Outpost – Program Overview & Route Map

Red Panda Expedition Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival at Airport and Transfer to the Red Panda Outpost
  • For Indian travelers and inbound travelers, the preferred port of arrival and departure will be Bagdogra airport (IXB) in Siliguri, West Bengal.
  • International guests traveling from within Nepal have the option to arrive in and depart from Bhadrapur airport (BDP), also known as Chandragadhi airport.
  • International guests arriving for the expedition through India will have to go through immigration at the Kakarbhitta border in Nepal and will require a valid multiple entry tourist visa for Nepal and a multiple entry tourist visa for India.
  • The Red Panda Outpost is located in the tiny village of Jaubari in Nepal, at the border that touches India. Guests are requested to arrive before 10 AM as it can take up to 5 hours from / to Bagdogra and approximately 3.5 hours from / to Bhadrapur to cover the distance by road. We will be travelling to a remote location on the India – Nepal border so some buffer time is always helpful.
  • Due to limited flight connectivity or logistics challenges, if you need to spend a night in Bagdogra upon arrival the previous day or departure the following day, we are happy to help you book a hotel at an additional cost.
  • The last stretch of the journey which takes 1-1.5 hours does not have any metalled roads. We will be travelling in comfortable 4x4 Boleros and arrive at our homestay by early evening.
  • The evening is for leisure. Guests will receive a brief orientation, following which they can enjoy a sumptuous dinner and overnight at the property.
Days 2 – 5: Red Pandas, Birdwatching and More!
  • For the duration of your stay, our expert tracking team will leave early each morning to look for signs of the Red Panda, in the contiguous forests around Singalila National Park in Nepal and India. Guests have the option of participating in this morning ritual and assisting these local trackers on established trails.
  • Although there will be some flexibility in the main since the main goal of this expedition revolves around a particular species, the main focus will be to get enough time observing and photographing this elusive species.
  • After a hearty breakfast, we spend the morning birdwatching in the area, home to over 350 species of birds.
  • Once the tracking team reverts with positive information of fresh signs or a sighting of the red panda, guests will move to the area with a naturalist. 4x4 Boleros are used to get to the location if the sighting is close to a motorable road. On certain occasions, or for a more active experience, we may hike to the site depending on the location. Usually the last leg involves trekking through dense forests to reach the sighting location.
  • Depending on how the day unfolds, enjoy a picnic lunch on site or return back to Red Panda Outpost for lunch.
  • Late afternoons are usually very misty. Use this time for reading, or indulge in birdwatching in the area around Red Panda Outpost.
  • Spend your evenings relaxing by the fire, and gather for dinner before tucking into a warm bed.
Day 6 - Departure
  • After an early breakfast to fuel for the day, we say goodbye to the mountains and depart for Bagdogra. We request guests to book their departure flights post 5 PM.
  • Guests departing from India, including international guests with a valid Indian visa, can fly out from Bagdogra. For those traveling through Nepal, the exit airport would be Bhadrapur.

Red Panda Outpost Details

Everything you need to know for your stay at Red Panda Outpost:

Cost Inclusions :

5N & 6 days stay at Red Panda Outpost, Jaubari
4D Red Panda Expedition with tracker support and a naturalist with extensive knowledge of the local flora, fauna and ecosystem
All meals are included at Red Panda Outpost + tea / coffee refills. Meals and beverages enroute are on direct payment.
Shared Porters & 4X4 Safari Boleros for entire duration of stay
Wildlife Permit Cost & Conservation Fees
Still camera permits, 1 per person
Trek or visit to Sandhakphu top / sightseeing in neighbouring villages. International guests are not permitted currently to Sandhakphu top.

The package cost does not include the following :

Cost for any supplementary services consumed
Meals and beverages enroute to and from Red Panda Outpost on Day 1 and last day.
Cost for Airfare, Train fare, Insurance Premiums
Cost for personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, incidentals, porter charges, tips etc.

What to Carry

Since you will be traveling to a remote location on the India-Nepal border with limited road connectivity and amenities outside our homestay, here’s a helpful packing list to refer to before you embark on your Red Panda Expedition.

Essential Gear
Clothing & Footwear
  • Waterproof & Windproof Jacket – To stay dry and warm in misty forests
  • Moisture-Wicking Base Layers – Lightweight for breathability
  • Insulated Fleece or Down Jacket – For warmth at higher altitudes
  • Hiking Pants – Durable and comfortable for long hikes
  • Gloves & Hat / Beanie – For warmth in chilly weather
  • Hiking Boots – Sturdy, waterproof, and with a good grip
  • Extra Socks – Wool or synthetic socks to keep feet warm and dry
Health & Safety
  • Personal Medications – Any prescribed medicines you need and a first aid kit that might include bandaids, altitude sickness medication, pain relievers etc,
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm – For protection from harsh sun at high altitudes
  • Rehydration Salts / Electrolytes – To prevent dehydration

Precautions & Points to Keep in Mind

When planning a trip to Singalila National Park, here are some key precautions to keep in mind:

Singalila’s altitude ranges from 7,000 to 12,000 feet, while Red Panda Outpost is located at 10,000 feet. Only a small percentage of guests encounter altitude sickness for the initial one or two days, but basic care and precautions can help avoid most issues. Rarely does a serious condition occur. A few of our staff members are trained in basic first aid. In case of a medical emergency, we have a vehicle available 24x7 and a doctor for consultation virtually. In case further medical assistance is required, guests would need to travel up to 2 hours away, and 4 hours to reach a big hospital.

Drink plenty of water to help your body adjust to the altitude and acclimatize. Avoid drinking alcohol during the first two days, and consume alcohol and caffeine in moderation for the rest of the trip.

Since you will be traveling to a remote mountainous area, remember to carry any essential medication and personal prescriptions.

The weather can be unpredictable, with fluctuations in temperatures and strong winds. During winter, temperatures can reach -5 degrees at night, while days are usually around 4-5 degrees.

Mobile networks are patchy, and basic internet connectivity is available, although there might be breakdowns in the network occasionally which take time to fix. We advise you to activate international roaming for the duration of your trip, and inform your family/friends of your itinerary beforehand.

ATMs are available in and around Bagdogra airport and not after that, so carry enough cash for expenses.

Carry refillable insulated water bottles, avoid plastic waste, and respect wildlife guidelines to minimize your impact on the fragile ecosystem.