In the remote eastern hills of Nepal, beneath the shadow of Kangchenjunga, a rare and remarkable species lives quietly among the rhododendron and bamboo forests. The red panda, elusive, endearing, and endangered, has become a flagship for forest conservation in this fragile Himalayan landscape.
For those seeking a meaningful wildlife experience, the Red Panda Expedition offers a unique opportunity to observe red pandas in their natural habitat while directly supporting grassroots conservation.
A Species Under Pressure
Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Global estimates suggest between 2,500 and 10,000 mature individuals remain in the wild, with populations continuing to decline. Nepal is home to roughly 500–1,000 of these, making it a critical stronghold for the species.
Despite their global popularity, red pandas face numerous threats:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation, caused by deforestation, road construction, and livestock grazing
- Poaching and illegal trade, including both targeted hunting for pelts and accidental snaring
- Isolated populations, limiting genetic diversity and increasing vulnerability to local extinction
Red pandas are reliant on high-altitude temperate forests between 2,600 and 3,600 metres, where they depend on bamboo for up to 95% of their diet and thick forest vegetation for shelter. They are solitary, mostly arboreal creatures with highly specific habitat needs.
As many as 80% of red panda cubs die in their first year due to disease, predation, or environmental stress. Conservation efforts in Nepal are therefore critical not just to protecting the habitat, but also to supporting breeding success and long-term survival.
Fortunately, there are protected forest pockets where red pandas are thriving—thanks in part to responsible ecotourism. Visitors can now enjoy guided expeditions to track red pandas, with a percentage of profits directly reinvested into conservation.
The Red Panda Expedition – Habre’s Nest
Based in Ilam, eastern Nepal, Habre’s Nest is a community-run conservation homestay located within a vital forest corridor linking protected areas in Nepal and India. The nearby Tinchule Forest in Nepal and Singalila National Park in India create an ideal habitat for red pandas, with 32 wild individuals recorded in the immediate area.
Habre’s Nest partners with the Red Panda Network, which has worked with local communities since 2007 to protect red panda habitat and train Forest Guardians to monitor wildlife and deter poaching.
Guests typically stay for five nights, giving them the best chance of a sighting while also allowing time to enjoy the tranquil forest setting. The approach is mindful and sensitive:
“For the first 2–3 days we give preference to red panda sightings and suggest all our guests stay close to Habre’s Nest. All our trackers will be out looking for red panda during daylight with necessary breaks. In case of sightings, we will start our journey from home with all the necessary field support.”
– Habre’s Nest
The homestay has just four ensuite rooms, ensuring a maximum of eight guests at any one time. The experience is warm and welcoming, with a wood stove to gather around, traditional home-cooked Nepali food, and a real sense of connection to place. The setting is exceptional, with views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including majestic Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Kabru North (7,338m), and Mount Pandim (6,691m).
Beyond red pandas, guests may encounter musk deer, leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, and hundreds of bird species. The on-site bird hide is a highlight, offering excellent photography and viewing opportunities.
What to Expect
Red pandas move freely through their habitat, so it’s important to remain flexible. Once a sighting is reported, guests must be ready to mobilise. Time near the animal is usually limited to around 15 minutes to minimise disturbance.
While sightings can never be guaranteed, success rates are high, especially between October and April, when visibility is better. During treks, guides interpret signs such as claw marks, droppings, and feeding traces, enriching the experience with ecological insight.
And even if the panda proves elusive, the forest offers other rewards: wild orchids, rhododendron blooms, and mossy glades, all changing with the seasons.
A Model for Conservation
What makes this expedition truly special is its impact. 20% of profits are reinvested into red panda conservation. The homestay also supports:
- Training and employment of local rangers and trackers
- Environmental education for local schools and communities
- Sustainable livelihoods for people living in the buffer zones
By choosing to travel with purpose, visitors not only enjoy an unforgettable wildlife encounter—they also help ensure the survival of one of the Himalaya’s most iconic species.
This is slow travel, rooted in respect, conservation, and community, a model that offers hope for the future of the red panda.
See a sample itinerary including Habre’s Nest>>
Watch The Making of Asia, BBC Earth (filmed from Habre’s Nest with Shantanu Prasad)>>
Ask us about extending this trip to include sister property Baghrol Basa, and the chance to see fishing cat.
Images: Shantanu Prasad, Habre’s Nest
