India
RED PANDAS & DARJEELING
29 FEB — 10 MAR 2024 • 11 DAYS • 8 GUESTS
*Please Note: that due to road issues this itinerary may change. Also, note that this expedition is only suited for experienced hikers and nature lovers.
Limited to 8 lucky adventurers, travel to a very remote corner of the Himalayas to experience the best remaining habitat of the rare Red Panda. Habre’s Nest is a small, cosy 4 guest room homestay surrounded by jungle situated on Singalila ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan cloud forest. On a clear day you can see the 4 highest Himalayan peaks. In Darjeeling, walk through tea plantations and learn about the history and process of tea making, while staying at gorgeous Glenburn Tea Estate, a heavenly little plantation retreat overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountain range.
Singalila National Park is one of the most exotic Himalayan forests in India. It is a wilderness located on the Singalila Ridge at an altitude of 2’100-3’600m. The habitat is a temperate forest of fir, deciduous hardwood, and Rhododendron with a thick bamboo understory. There are 39 varieties of Rhododendrons and over 600 varieties of orchids, the largest concentration in any single geographical area in the world. Singalila, located in the Eastern Himalayan region of India, gets considerable seasonal monsoonal rains. The park continues into Nepal where it is called Tinchule Forest. Tinchule-Singalila is one of the best places to see the elusive Red Panda. There is an estimated population of 32 Red Pandas within the limits of the park. Apart from the Red Panda, other elusive and rare mammals that can be seen are the Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, leopard, leopard cat, golden cat, marbled cat, Himalayan serow, barking deer, yellow-throated Marten, weasels, flying squirrels, wild boar, Pangolin and Pika. Singalila is also a birding paradise, with more than 300 species recorded. Its large list of exotic birds includes the blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Parrotbills, Rufous-vented Tit, Fire-tailed Myzornis and the golden-breasted Fulvetta, Rose finchs, Bull finches, Wren Babblers, Laughing thrushes, Nuthatchs, Treecreepers, Yuhinas, Minivets, Partridges and many more. The in-house bird hide is considered one of the best in the Eastern Himalayas.
At Habre’s Nest experience the warmth of the homestay staff and the skills of professional, dedicated guides and trackers in the middle of this high-altitude Himalayan jungle. Considering the high altitude, ever-changing weather conditions and the remoteness of Habre’s Nest, the place is comfortable and cosy and offers all amenities you could ask for like running hot water, a fireplace, delicious organic food, a library, and hot water bottles inside your comfy bed.
The previous summer capital of India under the British Raj, Darjeeling has come of age as one of the most sought-after scenic hill stations in India. Nestled among rolling mountains and surrounded by acres of tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at a height of 2000m, thus boasting a pleasantly cool climate year-round. Overnight at heavenly Glenburn Tea Estate, a tea plantation retreat situated above the Rungeet river, overlooking the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountain range. Get up early to watch the sunrise over Kachendzonga peak, enjoy a scenic train ride, hike through tea plantations and learn about the process of tea making.
HIGHLIGHTS
Search for the elusive Red Panda and other rare mammals and exotic birds in the Eastern Himalayas
Visit picturesque villages and trek through magnificent Himalayan Mountain scenery
Stay at a cosy Homestay on a mountain ridge surrounded by cloud forest with spectacular views
Explore Darjeeling, hike through tea plantations and overnight at an incredible tea estate
*Please note: full itinerary, brochure and pricing out shortly
RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES
You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today.
“What an adventure! Needless to say, not a moment was wasted exploring Sri Lanka and diving in the Maldives. Thank you, Thomas for putting together a great team and all the individual guides. You truly made the experiences come alive more than any other travel guide we have encountered! And then there was the group of fellow adventurers. We look forward to meeting them again on another Great Adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions.”
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
INDIA - RED PANDAS & DARJEELING
Day 01 | Feb 29 Depart home and travel to Delhi, India.
Day 02 | Mar 01 Arrive in Delhi
Day 03 | Mar 02 Fly to Bagdora and travel to Habre’s Nest / Singalila National Park
Day 04-07 | Mar 03-06 4 days in search of Red Pandas and other Himalayan wildlife
Day 08 | Mar 07 Travel through the mountains to Darjeeling / Tea plantation walk
Day 09 | Mar 08 Watch sunrise over mighty Kanchendzonga peak / Darjeeling sightseeing
Day 10 | Mar 09 Fly to Delhi and home / or continue with Quest for Snow leopards’ expedition
Day 11 | Mar 10 Arrive home
THE ULTIMATE INDIA EXPERIENCE
01 MAR - 01 APR 2024 – 32 DAYS
Combine all three epic India Itineraries - Red Panda & Darjeeling, Quest for Snow Leopards, and India’s Iconic Wildlife & Cultural Splendours for the most extraordinary travel experience.
WILD EARTH LEADERS
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Encounters Asia, Adobe Stock