Red Panda Ecotrips Expanded!

Admin
September 12, 2017 / 5 mins read
Red Panda Ecotrips Expanded!
We are very excited to announce the expansion of our Red Panda Ecotrip program!

We are now offering nine Ecotrips a year, and have added several new destinations including Taplejung, Ghyangphedi, Choyatar and Thumke. This means there are more opportunities than ever to see the red panda in its native habitat and experience the natural and cultural splendor of Eastern Nepal.

As a trip participant, you’ll spend several days hiking in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, tracking the elusive red panda through the biodiverse “cloud forests” alongside local nature guides. However, while red pandas are the main focus of our Ecotrips, they’re just part of the whole experience. You’ll also see breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other stately peaks; visit significant cultural and religious sites; lounge in scenic tea gardens; and spend time interacting with the native villagers. Unlike conventional mass tourism, our Ecotrips are designed to give trip participants an authentic, in-depth experience of Eastern Nepal’s natural and cultural landscape.

Swayambunath Temple in KathmanduSwayambunath Temple in Kathmandu.

Himalayan peaks
Himalayan peaks including Mount Kangchenjunga.

Besides getting immersed in the indigenous wildlife and culture, you’ll get to see our community-based conservation work in action. All food, lodgings, hospitality and supplies are provided locally, creating a source of sustainable employment for the native communities that represents an alternative to forest exploitation. Your trip payment also directly supports our community-based conservation initiatives including our Forest Guardian program, which employs local people as professional forest stewards.

In addition to our regular Ecotrips, we also offer Eco Zoo Trips (an extended 12-day trip geared toward zoo staff and volunteers) and Himalayan Red Panda Phototrips (an Ecotrip that’s geared toward photography enthusiasts). All Ecotrips occur March through May and October through December in order to avoid red panda breeding and parturition seasons. Come experience what past participants are calling “the trip of a lifetime.” To learn more, visit our information page.

Wild Red panda in mossy treePhoto by Ashley Bowen during March, 2017 Eco Zoo Trip.

Ecotrip group hikingEcotrippers on mountain top.

Thank you for reading! We hope you can join us on an adventure soon!

Sincerely,

James Florence
Writing and Communications Volunteer
Red Panda Network