Red Panda Expedition

Singalila National park is one of the most exotic Himalayan forests located in the in Darjeeling District in the West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal tri-junction. It is a mystical forest located on the Singalila range at an altitude ranging between 7,000ft to 12,000ft above sea level. It is well known for the trekking route to Sandakphu that runs through it and also famously known for its ageless vintage Land Rovers.

Singalila Park in West Bengal - an enchanting once in a lifetime experience where you are welcomed by red pandas aka #cutenessoverload.

It is always recommended to plan for 7 day trip including 6 days of the major trip and 1 day in hand to travel to the destination to and fro. A 6 nights 7 days trip fits all the possible ventures one wants to pursue while in the Wildlife photo safaris in Singalila National Park.

Singalila National Park welcomes you with open arms as you catch glimpse of enchanting flora and fauna. Uncover the lid of your camera lens and capture the charismatic beauty of the national park.

A few years back photographing a wild Red panda was unimaginable. Since 2016 we have successfully organized many Red Panda expeditions in the Singalila National Park & wild Nepal under our expert supervision.

If you wish to photograph the elusive Firefox of the Himalayas, Just check out the information below and write to us!

Singalila National Park

Not to exaggerate or brag, but the exuberant charm of Singalila and Singalila range is capable enough to make one feel next to heaven.

It is one of the most exotic locations characterized by the presence of Red pandas. This next vacation of yours serves as a natural home for mammals by keeping them secured under its tender heath. Apart from Red Panda, the inclusion of Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Serow, Barking deer, Yellow-throated marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Pika, and various others are an added watch, when visiting Singalila for your wildlife tour.

This place also records the world’s highest point Sandakhphu to experience the 4 out 5 highest peaks including Everest- 8848m, Kanchenjunga- 8586m, Lhotse- 8516m, and Makalu- 8481m, giving you the single panoramic view of the highest peaks together.

If one is greatly fascinated by bird watching and birding photography, then this is an ideal place to experience 300 different species of birds with distinct habitats. Our participants are invited to come for a Singalila trek to relish the birdwatching holidays, including Blood pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Brown & Falvous Parrobills, Rufous-vented tit, fire tailed Mayzornis, Golden breasted Fulvetta, Rose finchs, Bullfinches, Wren babbers, Laughing thrushes, Nuthatches, Tree creepers, Yuhinas, Minivets, Partridges and more will make this holiday a thrilling one.

Also, the forest is the habitat of the Red Pandas as this is densely covered with Oak, Maple, Magnolia and Rhododendron with Bamboo undergrowth and Pandas love sustaining on bamboo. Not to forget the beautiful landscape of the Eastern Himalayas. The breath-taking aura of Kanchendzonga and Mount Everest can be visualized on crystal clear days making it ideal for photographers to grab their cameras and click those timeless shots.

Red Panda

Commonly known by the name 'Firefox', Red pandas can be spotted in Eastern Himalayas and Southwest China. Though Red pandas are endangered and on the verge of extinction as considered by IUCN, it certainly cannot be denied that they have some eye-catching elegance.

Their body covered with reddish-brown fur and long shaggy tail. Their go-to nutrition being bamboo, they are found mostly around areas covered with dense forest, full of natural Red Panda habitat. Red pandas also show minimal dependence on eggs, birds, and insects.

Red Pandas are more active during the afternoon and early evening as compared to the day time. They are considered one of the most silent species only making some sort of whistling sound to communicate amongst themselves.

Red Pandas can only sustain at a habitat which has a moderate climate ranging from 10 to 25 degree Celsius with little annual rain. Since it mostly depends on bamboo eating, they love dense forest and mountain.

The Wildlife Adaptation Innovation Fund is working to help save the extinction of the Red Pandas by reducing the risk of forest fires, sustainable harvesting, and many other unsustainable activities.

Even after careful surveillance, the numbers of Red Pandas are decreasing with time due to multiple threatening issues including deforestation, poaching, and depression leading from inbreeding.

Choose the months of March, April, and May as they are the most pleasant and suitable time to visit this particular region associated with the tantalizing blush of rhododendrons and orchids. Do not miss out on a chance to experience this wondrous place. You can choose to go solo or accompany your photographer friends to experience the magnificent sight of a lifetime.

Region                         Eastern Himalayas

No of Days                   Ex – Bagdogra 7 Days

Grade                          Moderate 

Type                            Walking Expedition

Endurance                   High

Walking                       8-10kms per day

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Return transfer by AC vehicle from Bagdogra
• Guides, Porters & Safari Land Rover/ Bolero
• Restricted Area Permits for India and Nepal
• Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary.
  • 7 Buffet breakfast
  • 7 Lunch
  • 7 buffet dinner
• Pure Himalayan water
• Red Panda Tracking
• Professional wildlife naturalist host of the experience
• GST 5%
• Convenience fee
• Return 3 tier AC train ticket from Mumbai (Ex Mumbai option)**

• Airfare / Rail fare (Ex Bagdogra option)**
• Additional / personal use of vehicle.
• Extended stay due to weather conditions or any situation not in human control.
• Any personal expenses, room service and special orders, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, laundry etc.
• Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above specified itinerary.
• Still & Video Camera fees
• Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
• Anything Specifically NOT mentioned in includes.

Activities to look forward to in our wildlife trips:

Trekking

We have made it more adventurous with our trekking experience that our participants can choose to opt for while moving through the trails of Singalila National Park looking for Red Panda, accompanied by our trackers. There will be a team of porters helping our participants through the trails while looking for the Red Panda.

Bird Watching

One can get involved in bird watching while the trackers look for the traces of the Red Panda through the wild. Our participants have both by foot and by our Land rover safari to experience the different species of birds across Singalila National Park.

Safari Car

Looking at the current situation we have made sure that we keep our vehicles sanitized and hygienic. In the mountain, the best car to travel through is either a Bolero or a Land rover. We provide both for our participants keeping in mind the comfort of our travellers.

Home Stay

As we are planning for a wildlife safari in India, we happen to expect a clean and hygienic place with basic amenities and aesthetic food to relish our times while traveling in the wild.

Species to Photograph -

If you are into the wild, then Singalila is one of the best places in India to experience the rare Red Panda, apart from the Red Panda alongside Singalila is home to a different species of mammals including Himalayan Black bear, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Serow, Barking deer, Yellow-throated marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Pika among others.

If one is greatly fascinated by bird watching and birding photography, then this is the ideal place to experience 300 different species of birds with distinct habitats. Our participants are invited to come for a Singalila trek to relish the birdwatching holidays, including Blood pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Brown & Falvous Parrobills, Rufous-vented tit, fire tailed Mayzornis, Golden breasted Fulvetta, Rose finches, Bull finches, Wren babbers, Laughing thrushes, Nuthatches, Tree creepers, Yuhinas, Minivets, Partridges and more will make this holiday a thrilling one.

Not to forget the beautiful landscape of the Eastern Himalayas. The breath-taking aura of Kanchendzonga and Mount Everest can be visualized on crystal clear days making it ideal for photographers to grab their cameras and click those timeless shots.

• Wildlife safaris are a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
• Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
• Our safaris are not target species specific (Unless specified)
• We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
• Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
• Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
• Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
• Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
• Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
• No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
• No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
• Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
• Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety.

Best time to visit -

Planning to Visit? Find out the best time to experience the scenic beauty

Visit during September through November – autumn is the time for wild fruits and Red Panda loves to taste these wild fruits including kiwi, Strawberries, and Sarbus. In addition, you can also experience the clear sky making it a good time for birding.

December through January – Our participants might experience snowfall. This the best time as this is the season for mating and our wildlife photographers can take advantage of this time. This is a time when one might be able to experience good birding because of the clear sky.

If you are planning for February through March – Since the fall happens to be the mating season, right after the same our participants might be able to experience mother Red Pandas with their baby red panda during this late fall season. This could be a great emotional capture for many wildlife photographers. This season is also a great time to experience heavy birding.

April through Mid-May – This time of the year happens to be a complete bridal look accompanied with the Rhododendron as the colour of the flowers is showering bright, making the valley blossom. Besides this, you can also see flowers like Orchid, Magnolia and many more. This is the best time for excellent birding.

Mid May through Mid-June – This is the time in the rain when you can experience beautiful wildflowers like Orchids, Cobra Lily, Wild strawberries and an excellent time for birding.

• A Hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• A dust protection mask
• Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
• Small backpack for safaris (10Ltrs)
• Bird books
• Sun screen
• Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
• Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
• Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius
• Binoculars
• Energy bars for safaris

Essentials:

• Telephoto lenses preferably above 400mm
• Wide - angle lenses for landscapes and habitat shots
• Extra Camera batteries and memory cards
• Binoculars
• Forest - friendly clothing
• Camera Strap
• Tripod or Monopod