Red Panda Tour

Day 1: Drive from NJP/Bagdogra to Dhotrey

Distance: 105 Km

Duration: 5 hours

Altitude: 8,500 ft

Time: 10 A.M

The Red Panda is a protected species and is readily sighted in the Singalila National Park. But it is a shy creature and quite elusive, so you need quite a fill of patience and much venturing into the forest path. Your journey with us starts upon reaching the frontier town of Siliguri. Depending upon your mode of arrival, pick up will be arranged from Bagdogra, NJP or Siliguri Junction. The cost of the transport from the pickup point to Dhotrey is Rs 6,000/- and is shared by the trekkers.

The hamlet, Dhotrey is located about 100 kms from Siliguri. Nestled within a thick pine forest, Dhotrey is truly a sight to behold. If you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of Kanchenjungha from here. On reaching you can relax while sipping a cup of hot tea. After Lunch, you can explore the nearby area. There is an observatory watch tower constructed on a nearby hill top, you can visit that too. In the evening, you will be briefed about the plan and various practices that need to be followed while on the exploratory trek. Have an early dinner and call it a day as you need ample rest before your trek tomorrow.

Day 2: Dhotrey to Jaubari

Distance: 10 Kms

Duration: 4 Hours

Altitude: 10,000 ft

Time: 9 A.M

Today will be your first day of trek. It will be relaxed climb of about 1,500 ft and will mostly warm you up for the difficult terrain up ahead. From Dhotrey its initially a gentle climb towards Tumling. You will walk through rich forests of Pine and Coniferous and some occasional appearances of Rhododendron as you slowly gain the altitude. The forest is rich in flora and fauna and you will have multiple sightings of numerous birds. At the halfway point, you will find a beautiful resting stop comprised of a flat land, with mountain views all around and a peak of the Dhotrey village down below. From there it’s a bit of a steep climb till you reach Tonglu. From there its just a km of flat walk to reach your destination for the day, Tumling. Reaching there you will receive the warm mountain hospitality as you sip on some tea while taking in the breathtaking views all around. This is the place which gives you a brief trailer of what treat awaits you once you reach your summit. After having a hearty dinner, sleep of to the sound of nature as you prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

Day 3: Tumling to Kalipokhari

Distance: 13 Kms

Duration: 5 Hours.

Altitude: 10,500 ft

Time: 8 A.M

After an early breakfast, we will set out for our adventure, in search of the elusive Red Panda. We will traverse in the initial 4 km trail to Tonglu, through dense forests, catching a glimpse of our upcoming adventure. After catching your breath a while at Tonglu, we press on towards our destination. From Tonglu, the trail flattens out and isn’t much strenuous. Once reaching Jaubari, you will be served your lunch. Post lunch you will be taken for a short hike in the nearby forests, into which we will venture in the next couple of days. Spend the evening gathering around in the warmth of the homestay’s kitchen, interacting with your fellow travellers till your dinner is served. After dinner, keep your day pack ready and check its contents for dry fruits, chocolates, water bottle, first aid etc.

Day 4: Exploration around Jaubari

Distance: 10 km

Altitude: 10,500 ft

Duration: 5 hours

Time: 9 A.M

Today after breakfast, you will set out for your quest to catch a sight of the Red Panda. AT this point, its important to note that you need to strictly adhere to the instructions of your guide and in no point stray from his prescribed path or venture out alone. Also, the sighting is 10 percent effort and 90 percent chance, so in no circumstance is a sighting guaranteed. You will be provided a packed lunch for the trail. Your whole day will be spent in the Jungle in search of the elusive animal.

Day 5: Reserve Day

Distance: 10 Km

Altitude: 10,000 ft

Duration: 5 Hours

Time: 9 A.M

Today is a reserve day. If we have had the luck of sighting yesterday, we will move towards Dhotrey otherwise, we would repeat our effort on some other areas of the jungle. We will have our night stay either at Dhotrey or Jaubari.

Day 6: Dhotrey to NJP

Distance: 105 Kms

Altitude: 400 ft

Duration: 5 hours

Time: 10 A.M

In the case that we had stayed back at Jaubari, we will set out for Dhotrey after an early breakfast. From Dhotrey your cab will take you back to the town of Siliguri. You will follow the familiar road through, Maneybhanjan, Sukhia Pokhari and Mirik. Soon you will reach the station/airport for your onward journey while your mind stays back to your adventure days which will earn quite some bragging point to your friends and collegues.