Red Panda Photography Tour in Singalila National Park

Overview

Embark on a 5 nights and 6 days Wildlife Photography Masterclass Expedition to the enchanting forests of Singalila National Park, one of the last remaining strongholds of the elusive and endangered Red Panda. Guided by expert mentors, this immersive wildlife photography tour in India offers a rare opportunity to explore pristine Himalayan habitats, refine your photography skills, and capture breathtaking images of one of the most charismatic creatures on Earth.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Post Event

Stay

About The Tour

Perched on the ridge where India, Nepal, and Bhutan meet, Singalila National Park is a breathtaking mosaic of alpine valleys, rhododendron forests, and sweeping Himalayan vistas — a dream destination for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and photographers alike. Rising from the misty foothills of Darjeeling to the lofty heights of Sandakphu and Phalut, Singalila offers panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. Every step through this enchanting landscape reveals new beauty — moss-draped forests, blooming magnolias in spring, vibrant carpets of primulas, and golden autumn foliage — creating a paradise where landscapes and wildlife blend seamlessly.

The Elusive Jewel – The Red Panda

Among Singalila’s greatest treasures is the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) — an elusive, tree-dwelling mammal often called the “fire fox” for its striking russet coat and ringed tail. Found in the temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas, this endangered species is the star attraction of our Red Panda photography tours in India. Observing these shy creatures in their natural habitat — climbing bamboo, curling into tree hollows, or munching on leaves — is a magical experience and a dream for wildlife photographers.

Recognized as one of the best places in the world for Red Panda ecotourism, Singalila National Park offers rare opportunities to photograph this charismatic species up close. Beyond the red panda, the park’s rich biodiversity includes clouded leopards, serows, pangolins, and over 300 species of birds, making it a living encyclopedia of Eastern Himalayan wildlife. For anyone passionate about wildlife photography tours in India, Singalila promises an unforgettable journey into one of the most spectacular natural habitats on Earth.

Quick Information

Route:

Bagdogra - Singalila - Bagdogra

Start Point:

Bagdogra

Duration:

5 nights 6 days

End Point:

Bagdogra

Inclusions

5 nights 6 days of Wildlife Photography Masterclass Expedition
Opportunity to explore one of the last remaining refuges of Red Panda.
4x4 customized vhicle capable of off roading full time available at the field
Homestay accommodation for 5 nights and 6 days on twin sharing basis.
Veg and non-veg breakfast, lunch (on field if needed) and dinner during the stay
Packaged drinking water. tea / coffee & Snacks provided on field
Pick-up and drop from Bagdogra Airport.
All park charges, entry fee etc.
DCP Masterclass photography expert for all days
Experienced Field guides, Porters, Trackers, Drivers, Naturalists
Nepal Forest Permit & Singalila National Park entry permit & camera permit

Exclusive learnings

Understanding composition, elements of art and the principles of art.
⁠How to use your images to make money.
⁠How to take award-winning images.

Experts

Ripan Biswas

Masterclass Mentor - Wildlife Photography

Ripan Biswas is the first Indian to win three times at London’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year — widely known as the “Oscars of Wildlife Photography.” A passionate mentor, Ripan has earned global recognition, with honours from Sanctuary Asia, Nature inFocus, Asferico, Nature Photographer of the Year, Bird Photographer of the Year, and more. His work has also appeared in world-renowned magazines like BBC Wildlife. With over a decade in India’s jungles—photographing everything from tiny insects to apex predators, Ripan brings unmatched field experience. He has led workshops at premier institutions, including the Indian Statistical Institute, British Council, Kolkata, and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Mumbai. A passionate mentor, Ripan loves to share his knowledge and help others create extraordinary images of the wild.

Arrival & reception at Bagdogra airport by early morning and departure for Maneybhanjyang (Vehicle : Toyota Innova), which is the nearest town to Singalila National Park.

Please coordinate with our team if you are reaching NJP railway station. Fixed departure for Maneybhanjyang (Vehicle : Toyota Innova), which is the nearest town to Singalila National Park.

Please coordinate with our team if you are traveling by road. Fixed departure for Maneybhanjyang (Vehicle : Toyota Innova), which is the nearest town to Singalila National Park.

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Clothing

Since we will be exploring the Himalayan landscape in January, expect pleasant days but cold nights, with temperatures likely dipping to around –2°C. Dressing in layers is strongly recommended—you may feel warm once the sun is up or while trekking, but evenings and early mornings can be quite chilly.

Please carry:

Warm jackets, pullovers, and windcheaters
Caps, balaclavas, mufflers
Woollen socks and gloves
Good-quality hiking shoes

Layered attire will help you adapt comfortably to changing conditions through the day.

Camera Gear

This expedition offers unique photographic opportunities, especially for wildlife and landscapes. To be fully prepared, we recommend the following:

Camera bodies: Ideally two—one full-frame and one crop-sensor body
Telephoto lens: 500mm / 600mm / 800mm (primary lens for wildlife)
Supporting lenses: 70–200mm and 24–70mm (or equivalent) for storytelling and landscapes
Teleconverters: 1.4x and 2x, if compatible with your lenses (check with your photo mentor)
Tripod & gimbal/video head: Essential for long telephoto stability
Triggers & intervalometers: Wired/radio triggers for stability and intervalometers for night-sky photography

Accessories & Essentials:

Fully charged camera/flash batteries, chargers, and extra battery packs
Backup memory cards, hard drives, and laptop for data storage
Rain cover/towel to protect gear from dust and moisture
Cloth/bandanna/scarf to protect yourself from dust
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
Basic first aid kit (we will also carry common medicines and first aid supplies)
A pair of good binoculars for spotting wildlife

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & reception at Bagdogra airport by early morning and departure for Maneybhanjyang (Vehicle : Toyota Innova), which is the nearest town to Singalila National Park. The town is located at the Indo-Nepal border. Vehicle change for off-road route (Mahindra Bolero, 4x4) and one hour drive to Tumling, a Himalayan hamlet located in Nepal and nearest to the Indian border. Tumling camp will be our stay for the next few days. Evening bird watching activity in the Tumling area.

Day 2

Morning bird watching activity in and around Tumling area. Breakfast followed by a hike into the forest for Red Panda in Nepal. Meanwhile our expert trackers will be out searching for Red Panda and they will inform our team once it has been sighted. Our team has 12 experienced trackers, 5 support staff and professional guides.

Day 3 and 4

Morning bird watching activity , breakfast followed by departure for Gairibas, at the heart of Singalila National Park, a paradise for birds, 6 km from Tumling. The road from Tumling to Gairibas is inside Singalila forest and is a very good trail for wildlife activities. Everyday specialised Red Panda trackers will be out looking for Red panda from early morning till afternoon in forests of Nepal and they promptly notify us if there's a sighting. We will reach the sighting spot by vehicle or on foot, depending on the nature of the terrain. This activity will be repeated for the next couple of days. Our guests can participate in Red Panda tracking as well. Our trained naturalist will be accompanying guests on marked trails of forest to look for Red Panda and other wildlife.

Day 5

Early morning departure for Sandakphu, 20 kms from Tumling, around 2 hours drive. Sandakphu is the best place to witness the Sleeping Buddha( Mt. Khangchendzonga range) from a very close distance and is the only place to witness Mt. Everest and Mt. Khangchendzonga together. Sandakphu is also very popular for birding, especially for Red Crossbills. Meanwhile the trackers will keep searching for Red Panda and promptly notify us if there's a sighting. We will reach the area as early as possible by vehicle.

Day 6

It is the last day of our expedition and we will round it off with an early morning birding session followed by check-out formalities and departure for Bagdogra Airport.

Field Learnings

Understanding subject behavior: Tracking elusive species like the Red Panda
Framing techniques in forested and hilly terrain
Use of natural light in misty and challenging conditions
How to photograph mammals in dense, moving landscapes
Advanced fieldcraft and ethical wildlife photography
Storytelling and building a conservation narrative

Package Cost

Indian nationals:
Twin sharing: INR 67,000 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: INR 82,000 per person inclusive of all taxes

Foreign nationals:
Twin sharing: US$ 1030 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: US$ 1265 per person inclusive of all taxes

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for a payment link.

Inclusions

Homestay accommodation at Tumling (Double occupancy rooms or Single Occupancy)
Breakfast/ Lunch will be provided on field (if needed)
4x4 Car will be full time available at the field. Car is customised specially for off-road travel. Vehicle - Mahindra Bolero/1956 Heritage Land Rover.
Packaged drinking water. Tea/Coffee & Snacks will be provided on field.
Experienced Field guides, Porters, Trackers, Drivers, Naturalists.
First Aid will be provided.
Nepal Forest Permit & Singalila National Park entry permit & Camera permit.
On-field photographic assistance.

Exclusions

Air fare/Train fare to and from Bagdogra
Any drinks & beverages
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Any tips
Personal expenses
Any travel, medical, evacuation insurance
Room heating facilities
Wi-Fi connectivity at Tumling hotel

Map

Singalila National Park

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Can I get a single occupany accomodation?

There are very limited twin sharing accommodation available. Please mail us to know availability

Can a non-photographer join the tour?

Yes certainly. However, the cost will remain the same

Design Your Custom Tour

Singalila - Red Panda Photography Masterclass Expedition, Jan 2026

₹ 66,999₹ 72,000

₹66,999₹ 72,000