Namaste and welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a travel-to-nature Asia representative will be waiting to greet you with a personalized name card just outside the arrival area.

After transferring to our hotel and settling in, those who are feeling energized can take a stroll through Kathmandu’s vibrant, medieval backstreets. Discover ancient temples that date back to the 16th century, and soak in the rich cultural atmosphere of the city.If time and energy allow, head down to Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist district, filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s a perfect spot to get your first taste of Nepalese cuisine or international fare. Popular dining spots include New Orleans Café, the iconic Rum Doodle, or the casual and cozy Beer Garden.

Enjoy your first evening at your own pace, and get a good night’s rest—the adventure truly begins tomorrow!

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker

Today, immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of the Kathmandu Valley. Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known as the Monkey Temple. Perched atop a hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers sweeping panoramic views of Kathmandu and is home to a lively community of monkeys. Its ancient stupas, prayer wheels, and vibrant murals embody centuries of Buddhist heritage.

Next, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic plaza at the city’s core. Surrounded by intricately carved temples, royal palaces, and bustling courtyards, this living museum captures the essence of the valley’s royal and
religious traditions.

In the afternoon, travel to Patan, one of the valley’s oldest cities. Wander through Patan Durbar Square, renowned for its exquisite Newar architecture, ancient temples, and artisan workshops. Discover hidden courtyards and traditional crafts that reveal the rich cultural tapestry and craftsmanship deeply rooted in Nepali history.

Accommodation: Shankar Hotel

This morning, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport for your scenic flight to Bhadrapur (approximately 45 minutes). We recommend requesting a seat on the left-hand side of the aircraft, as clear skies may reward you with breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest and several of the world’s highest peaks—an unforgettable introduction to eastern Nepal.

Upon landing in the subtropical lowlands of Bhadrapur, you will meet your local guide and driver and begin a gradual ascent into the eastern Himalayan hills. The drive to Ilam winds through lush valleys, forested slopes, and small settlements, slowly transitioning into a cooler, greener landscape.

Accommodation:  Ilam

After breakfast, continue northward along winding mountain roads toward the Red Panda Outpost, traveling deeper into increasingly remote and pristine forest zones. The route passes through traditional villages where daily life revolves around tea cultivation, black cardamom farming, and animal husbandry.

As the landscape changes, broadleaf forests and mixed woodlands begin to dominate, marking the transition into prime Red Panda habitat. There are frequent opportunities to stop for short walks and birdwatching, as the region is rich in Himalayan birdlife.

Along the way, you will meet local Forest Guardians who play a vital role in protecting these community-managed forests. A visit to a fodder nursery offers insight into how conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and wildlife protection are closely linked in this region.

Arriving at the Red Panda Outpost by afternoon, settle into your homestay/teahouse. If time permits, enjoy optional afternoon birding, when forest birds are most active in the cooler hour.

Accommodation: Homestay/Tea-House

Over the next few days, you will settle into the rhythm of life in the cloud forests surrounding the Red Panda Outpost—a remote, mist-draped landscape of bamboo groves, oak woodlands, and ancient rhododendron forests that form ideal habitat for the elusive Red Panda.

Each morning begins early, following breakfast, as the expert local tracking team—many of whom have spent years working as Forest Guardians—head out ahead of the group to search for signs of Red Panda activity. Using their deep knowledge of the terrain and animal behavior, they identify feeding marks, movement patterns, and fresh signs that help determine the day’s route.

Guests may join guided tracking walks along established forest trails, moving slowly and quietly through the forest while learning about Red Panda ecology, habitat conservation, and the vital role local communities play in protecting these fragile ecosystems. While sightings can never be guaranteed, extended time in prime habitat combined with experienced trackers significantly increases the chances of a meaningful encounter.

When trackers are focused on Red Panda activity, guests can also enjoy exceptional Himalayan birdwatching. The region is home to an impressive diversity of high-altitude species, and walks often reveal birds such as Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, and mixed forest flocks moving through the canopy.

Lunch is served either in the forest or back at the homestay, depending on wildlife movement and daily conditions. Afternoons may include continued forest exploration, quieter observation near wildlife corridors, or time to relax and absorb the atmosphere of this remote Himalayan setting.

At the discretion of your naturalist/guide and depending on weather and wildlife activity, optional hikes may be arranged to panoramic viewpoints such as Sandakphu, offering classic vistas of Kanchenjunga and, on clear days, even Mount Everest. Alternatively, guests may remain within lower forest zones for deeper exploration and photography.

Evenings are spent back at the homestay, sharing stories with your hosts and learning more about local life. Your stay directly supports conservation-based livelihoods, ensuring that tourism and wildlife protection move forward hand in hand.

Accommodation: Homestay/Tea-House

After breakfast, descend from the forest to Ilam or Bhadrapur, depending on onward travel plans. The journey concludes this rare Himalayan wildlife expedition, leaving you with lasting memories of Red Panda habitat and Himalayan birdlife.

Optional: Extend your journey to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve for additional birding and wetland wildlife experiences Or extend your journey to Bardiya National Park for a classic lowland safari experience in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger,