The Red Panda Project - Conservation in Action

Ecotrips

A wildlife and cultural bonanza. Explore the treasures of the Kathmandu valley, taste one of Nepal’s only organic teas, and search for the elusive red panda, all with the Himalayas and four of the world's seven tallest mountains in view.

Kathmandu Valley. We start off exploring the treasures of the Kathmandu valley, the cultural heart of Asia. We'll explore Patan and Swayambunath temples and more.

Tea. Next we fly to Eastern Nepal for trekking to Meghma Tea Estate, one of Nepal's highest and only organic tea estates, to taste its robust, hearty Oolong varietal. While there we will experience Meghma's red panda habitat restoration with 4 of the 7 tallest mountains in the backdrop.

Red Panda and much more. We'll hike through some of the Eastern Himalayas most pristine red panda habitat in search of one of Asia's most elusive mammals; red panda. We'll also look out for bears, rare clouded leopards, wolves, and threatened bird species.

From recent Eco-Tripper, Mei-Ling McNamara:

The eco-trip experience with the Red Panda Project was a rewarding, unforgettable experience. The aim was to not only be able to get a rare sighting of the endangered Red Panda, but to also experience first-hand the surrounding landscapes and intact communities that comprise the region. Our group began our trekking tour in the tea-estate town of Ilam in Eastern Nepal and trekked along the Singhalia Ridgeline, camping amidst the rhododendron forests and in Nepali-owned teahouses. Along the way, we visited with forest guardians and communities who were involved with helping the organization work towards preserving the surrounding forests and species. In this spectacular region, we were able to view Mt. Kachenjunga, Mt. Everest, and the Buddhist and Hindu temples that have stood for centuries. The eco-trip allowed us to view unique places and see rare wildlife. As Brian Williams, the founder, and his Nepal team run the tour in a responsible, conscious way, we felt we were benefiting, rather than taking away from, the social and conservation efforts Nepal is working so hard to achieve.

Mei-Ling McNamara

Mei-Ling is a writer, travel guidebook author, advocacy journalist and international development worker. She contributed to the Bradt Madagascar Travel Guide and is currently writing the Bradt Senegal Travel Guide. You can learn more about Mei-Ling and her work here.

Intinerary

Day 1–2
Day 3–4

Day 5

Day 6
Day 7
Day 8–9
Day 10

Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Fly to Kathmandu
Tour the ancient Bhuddhist and Hindu treasures of the
Kathmandu Valley
Travel to Darjeeling, India stay in misty Maneybhanjang,
gateway to the Singhalila range
Hike to Meghma
Tea tasting and exploration of the Meghma tea estate
Hike to Kalpokhari–search for Red Panda
Hike to Sandukphu–spectacular views of Everest, Makalu,
Lhtose, Kanchenjunga, Sikkim, Bhutan
Return to Maneybhanjang–relax
Travel back to Nepal and on to Kathmandu
Rest day in Kathmandu
Fly home
Arrive back in US

Details

Departures
Trip begins
Group size
Distance
Lodging
Meals
Cost

Discounts

Miscellaneous
November–December OR March–April
Kathmandu, Nepal
4–15
Varies by activity
Hotels, rustic tea houses
Included
$2,995 tax deductible donation
(includes $220 internal airfare and $50 Indian Visa fee )
10% off if you are an RPCV
15% if you sign up two people
Airfare not included
RPP membership $25.00
Non-RPP members add $100
$400 deposit due by February 10