Snow Leopard and Red Panda

At the moment EcoQuest Travel does not have a trip to India with a focus on Snow Leopards or Red Pandas scheduled, but it is a trip that we offer frequently. In the past we have searched for both species on the same trip, but future trips could include varying itineraries so the itinerary listed below is just one example. If you are interested in a Snow Leopard and/or Red Panda trip, or for a more detailed itinerary, please contact EcoQuest Travel by email at: info@ecoquesttravel.net.

SNOW LEOPARD & RED PANDA

Quest for the Gray Ghost & Red Phantom of the Himalayas

16 Days With Optional 7-Day

Red Panda Extension

 

The Himalayas are home to two iconic mammals that are rarely seen. Snow Leopards have been called the gray ghost for their historical elusiveness and Red Pandas were seldom seen in their mist-shrouded mountain forests. Thanks to the efforts of local villagers, it is now possible to see both species and the main goal of this trip is to observe both in the wild. Several years ago a program started involving local communities – villagers were paid to map Snow Leopard territories. The results of this effort has led to a better understanding of how these big cats move through their territories and has made it possible, with time and patience, to find and view Snow Leopards. Having said this, Snow Leopards are still not easy, but the chances for successfully seeing them is now quite high. In this area of India the density of prey is high and correspondingly the density of Snow Leopards is quite high – my partner in India has seen more Snow Leopards than Tigers over the past couple of years! Although our focus will be on Snow Leopards there are other species to be seen in the Himalayas and we will seek as much diversity as possible while concentrating on the big cats.
Once we have concluded the Snow Leopard portion of this trip we will offer an extension to the dense highland forests of Sikkim to search for another phantom of the Himalayas – the Red Panda. The area of Singalila National Park we will visit is perhaps the easiest place in the world to see Red Panda. These forests also hold an extraordinary diversity of other mammals and birds. The use of local trackers will greatly enhance our chances of seeing both Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
EcoQuest Travel is proud to offer this incredible journey to the Indian Himalayas to search for Snow Leopard, Red Panda and other wildlife. This trip will only be open to a small number of individuals so if you are interested please let us know. We invite you to join us on our quest for the gray ghost and the red phantom!

Days 1 & 2 – The US to Delhi, India
Day 3 – Fly from Delhi to Leh
Day 4 – Leh
Day 5 – Leh to Uley
Days 6 – 13 – Snow Leopard Quest
Day 14 – Uley to Leh
Day 15 – Leh to Delhi & Back to the US or on to the Red Panda Extension
Day 16 – Arrival Back in the US and Home

RED PANDA EXTENSION

Day 16 – Fly from Delhi to Bagdogra and Drive to Darjeeling
Day 1 – Darjeeling to Singalila National Park
Days 2 – 5 – Singalila NP & Red Panda Quest
Day 6 – Singalila to Bagdogra; Fly to Delhi and Departure for the US
Day 7 – Arrival in the US and Home
* Please note that EcoQuest Travel, Inc. will make every effort to adhere to this itinerary, but dates, times, activities and prices are subject to change depending on scheduling and availability.