Tracking the Red Panda
8 days · from US$2580 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
Search for the elusive Red Panda in the conifer forests of Jigme Dorji National Park near Gasa. Combine wildlife spotting with hot spring dips.
Highlights: Red Panda Spotting · Alpine Forests · Gasa Hot Springs · Wildlife
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu. Evening briefing on Red Pandas - shy, arboreal mammals living in temperate forests with bamboo understory. Best sighting chances: October-November (mating season) and early morning/dusk. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu to Gasa
Long drive to Gasa district (6-7 hours) in northwestern Bhutan. Gasa's remote forests are prime red panda habitat. Jigme Dorji National Park protects red pandas and their environment. Evening arrival in Gasa. Hot spring bath to soothe travel fatigue. Overnight: Gasa (2,770m)
Day 3: Gasa Forests
Early morning (5:00 AM) trek into conifer forests with bamboo understory - red panda habitat. Walk quietly, scanning trees. Red pandas are arboreal, often sleeping in trees during day. Look for reddish fur, bushy ringed tails. They're most active at dawn/dusk. Tracking signs: droppings, scratch marks on bark, feeding signs in bamboo. Even without sightings, the pristine forest is beautiful. Also look for Himalayan black bears, serows, musk deer. Afternoon: Rest or explore Gasa village and dzong. Evening: Second tracking session. Overnight: Gasa
Day 4: Damji Forest Tracking
Trek to Damji area, another excellent red panda habitat. The mixed conifer-broadleaf forests with bamboo are ideal. Full day tracking with expert forest guide and rangers. Camera traps have confirmed red panda presence, but sightings require patience and luck. Red pandas feed primarily on bamboo leaves and shoots. Look for feeding evidence. The tracking experience teaches forest ecology, wildlife behavior, and conservation challenges. Overnight: Gasa or forest camp
Day 5: Final Tracking Day
Last morning for red panda search. Sometimes persistence pays off with a sighting! Afternoon: Visit Gasa Tshachu hot springs. Soak in natural hot pools surrounded by forest. The springs have medicinal properties. Overnight: Gasa
Day 6: Gasa to Punakha
Drive to Punakha (5-6 hours) through spectacular mountain scenery. Afternoon in Punakha. Visit dzong and relax. Overnight: Punakha
Day 7: Punakha to Paro
Drive to Paro (4 hours). Afternoon at leisure. Optional visits or shopping. Farewell dinner sharing wildlife experiences. Overnight: Paro
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to airport. Whether or not you spotted red pandas, the experience of searching pristine forests, learning tracking skills, and understanding conservation makes this journey memorable. Tashi Delek!