Red Panda Eco-Tourism at Ilam

Red Panda based eco-tourism has been initiated to conserve this threatened species in Mabu and Jamuna VDCs of the northern Ilam, and Red Panda Network (RPN) is supporting this initiative from the very beginning. This trail is not only important and famous research and nature lover point of view, but also joyful of Tea Garden and six “A” Aalu (Potato), Alaichi (Cardamom), Aduwaa (Ginger), Akabare Khursani (Red Round Chilly), Alon  (Milk) and Amliso (a grass from which brooms are made, Thysasanalaena).
In fact, these forests are well known to our partners, as we have explored them regularly, and looking for their rare birds — in particular those east Himalayan specialties not found elsewhere in Nepal. Such avian gems as Bay Woodpecker, Large Niltava, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Hill Prinia, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Cutia, Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Rusty-fronted and Hoary-throated Barwings, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Brown and Black-throated Parrotbill, Maroon-backed Accentor and eight species of laughingthrush have been among our target species in the past, and we will look for such special species again on this tour.
If your dream is to see Red Panda in Nepal, there’s no superior place than Eastern Himalaya in Jamuna VDC. Most of our visitors were successful in seeing a red panda. Red Panda is famously elusive and usually viewed at a distance. But they more readily observe in this place than anywhere else, and you are much more likely to see them when you travel with us.
With our combination of expert guides, small groups, long-standing relationships with Red Panda Network and in depth days spent tracking Red Panda, we up your chances to examine them, plus other creatures like bears, rare clouded leopards, wolves, monkeys/macaques ad other threatened mammals and bird species. This spot is too popular for photography, if you’re a nature photography enthusiast. We spend several full days tracking Red Pandas in the broad expanse of the Jamuna VDC, using spotting scopes as we learn in detail about their habits and behavior from our naturalist Expedition Leaders and local researchers.

Day 01 Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to ilam (Oct 23rd 2015)
Flying Hours: 45 Minutes Drive Hours: 3-4 Hours
Today we'll fly to the small town of Bhadrapur in the far eastern corner of Nepal. There will be a private vehicle waiting for us at Bhadrapur airport and we’ll drive north towards Ilam. We'll pass through lowland villages, as well as cultivations including tea-gardens and subtropical vegetation, before reaching Ilam.
Overnight in Tea Garden.
Day 02 Drive to Dobate (Oct 24th 2015)
Drive Hours: 4-5 Hours
Early morning, having breakfast at the hotel, we continue our journey from Ilam to Dobate, climbing until we reach the upper temperate vegetation at Dobate. The drive to Dobate is very scenic, and on the way, we will do bird watching tour. The drive from Biblatey (soon after Ilam) to, Dobate will be on a dirt road passing through hill villages and farmland and light Alder forests with cardamom plantations. We will aim to reach Dobate in the afternoon, and it will be our base for three nights while we explore the habitats around this very small settlement inhabited by Sherpa and Rai people.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 03-05 Explore Red Pandas (Oct 25th - 27th 2015)
Hiking per day: 4-5 Hours
For three days we will explore the forest near Dobate, looking for Red Pandas and a variety of birds. If local conditions are favorable, we’ll head to the best areas for seeing Red Pandas and spend two full days in the company of local guides looking for this elusive and beautiful mammal. Should conditions not be ideal at higher altitudes we will still explore the local forest, hoping to see Red Pandas and enjoying the diversity of bird species in the area.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 06 Hike to Kalpokhari(Oct 28th 2015)
Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
After breakfast at home stay, The first part of the trail slightly descends and then begins to ascend through the rhododendron forests until Kalpokhari, which is located in a beautiful Mai River valley, after which we climb down to lower altitude. Before climbing to Kalpokhari, you can see the settlements of cattle herders (mainly huts and mud houses) at 3000m as you cross a stream after coming through rhododendron, oak and juniper forests.
Overnight at Tea House.
Day 07 Hike to Sandakpur(Oct 29th 2015)
Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours
After the Breakfast, we will walk around Kalpokhari, to see the beautiful Mai river which is located in the Mai valley. In the afternoon we will hike to Sandakpur (3636m). Today you will walk around 3-4 hrs, today you will see the different kind of birds on the way to Sandakpur. In the evening you will enjoy with the Panoramic Mountain views and a beautiful sunset view from your Eye Level.
Overnight at Tea House.
Day 08 Hike to Kaiyakatta (Oct 30th 2015)
Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
It's an experience not to be missed- wake up in the early morning to witness the beautiful sunrise outlook from the Sandakpur. We will enjoy with a Breathtaking Sunrise View, as well as a 360º view of the scenery from the Lookout Tower, which is an 10 minute walk from the tea house. Sandakpur has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern corner of Nepal. After having breakfast at hotel, then we will trek down to Kaiyakatta. The trail gradually descends all the way to Kaiyakatta through green forest and cultivated fields. Along the way, you come across old villages with their own particular traditions. Walking today is quite pleasant with mountain views and the possibility of interacting with the friendly locals.
Overnight at Tea House.
Day 09 Hike to Hangetham (Oct 31st 2015)
Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
Today, after breakfast, we will leave for Hangetham. We’ll walk through a relatively undisturbed oak forest and climb to a ridge called Singalila, bordering India. We’ll have a short (10-minute) walk, a small portion of which will be on a dirt-track road, before we turn right and head down towards Hangetham. On the way to Hangetham you will explore the forests, birds, mammals and other wildlife. We will stop for lunch en route.
Overnight at Tea House.
Day 10 Drive to ilam (Nov 01st 2015)
Driving Hours: 3-4 Hours
Hangetham is the best destination for bird watching. The birds found here are Cormorants, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Blue Indian Roller, Hornbills, Stork billed Kingfishers, Grey headed Eagles, Ruby Cheeked Sunbird, Bengal Florican, Large tailed Night jar, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Beaters & Lesser Florican etc. After birdwatching We’ll leave Hangetham after lunch, giving us one more chance to explore the forest and look for any species we have missed. After lunch we’ll walk down (for over an hour) to meet the jeep to take us to Ilam.
Overnight in Tea Garden.
Day 11 Drive to Bhadrapur & Fly to Kathmandu (Nov 02nd 2015)
Drive Hours: 3-4 Hours Flying Hours: 45 Minutes
Today we must leave Ilam and begin the drive to Bhadrapur, a bustling town situated in the Gangetic floodplains in southeastern Nepal, where we catch our plane to Kathmandu. Heading west, the flight gives spectacular views of the Himalayas (weather permitting) including distant views of the world’s highest peak, Everest. Our last night in Nepal will be spent in Kathmandu. Overnight at the Hotel.