Red Panda Photo Tour
Rhinos, Red Pandas and Rufus Necked Hornbills | Singalila National Park/Kaziranga National Park
18 days tour
Tour Information
The Singalila National Park and adjacent forests in Nepal are home to endangered Red pandas. These elusive and rarely-seen mammals are very skillful and acrobatic animals that predominantly stay in trees. Singalila is also home to more than 150 bird species. Satyr Tragopan , Blood Pheasant, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Red Crossbill, Rosefinches, Bullfinches, Grosbeak, Parrotbills, Yuhinas, Laughingthrushes are among the most notable ones.
A world heritage site, Kaziranga National Park is well known for its conservative efforts towards once fast disappearing and rare One-horned Rhinos. The biodeverse park has wide variety of forest cover and is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds. Placed beside the Brahmaputra River on the North and the Karbi Anglong mounts on the South India. Edged by fertile tea bushes, Kaziranga National Park offers a splendid scenic sight. Kaziranga National Park is the abode of 37 highways which is passes through the park.
The Mahananda Sanctuary is located on the west bank of River Teesta in the southern part of Darjeeling district in West Bengal. There is a grassland called Ghoramora and on the River Teesta, about 1 km from Ghoramora there are some big grass-covered islands which could have some floricans. Another globally threatened species occurring here is the Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis This large hornbill qualifies as Vulnerable is a sight to behold.
BASIC INFORMATION
Medical
Please consult with your doctor regarding general travel vaccinations and check the CDC website for more information.
Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
Internet Access
No wifi available during most locations, however the facility to call home country via satellite phone is available at a cost.
Electricity
Non-US style plug - However multi-plug charging strip available in rooms.
Airport
You should arrive to and depart from Chandigarh International Airport, India. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to a hotel near the city of Chandigarh.
Certified
All of our services are conducted by fully licensed travel, lodge, and transport operators. This is part of our commitment to providing a professional travel experience.
Cost (In USD)
1. $4400 per person in sharing accommodations/ $4900 in single supplement (2020)
2. $4800 per person in sharing accommodation/$5300 in single supplement (2021)
Tour Dates
Main Tour – Maximum 6 per group.
Tour Specifics
- Moderate walking at high elevation
- All level Photographers
- Land Photography
During our all-inclusive photography tour we shall focus on the photographing the elusive Red Panda in its natural habitat up in high elevations and visit the diverse Kaziranga National Park to spend time with the mighty Rhinos followed by the medievel looking bird the rufus necked hornbill. This well planned tour is a great opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife Indian sub-continents have to offer and is an expeirnces of a lifetime.
The tour starts and ends at Kolkata International Airport, West Bengal (India)
• Opportunity to photograph the rare Red Panda in its natural habitat.
• Himalayan birds galore
• A visit to fabled grasslands of North East India to phoograph the One Horned Rhino
• Serene himalayan landscape
• Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:
- A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A macro lens
- A sturdy tripod or monopod
- You may also bring your flash with a flash bracket
- Pack a ton of memory cards
- Release cable
Tour Pace
Easy to Moderate
Much of the Atlantic tour will be spent near feeders which are accessed by only a short walk. There will also be optional short walks on to get to the hide and access the farms with feeders and manakin leks.
North Pantanal photography sessions will mostly be done in safari vans and boats. Some sessions may involve walking around gardens and feeders.
ITINERARY
Upon arrival you will meet our representative at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and transfer to your hotel near the city of Kolkata. The hotel is situated near the airport for easy access.
- Overnight at hotel in Kolkata, meals are not included this day
- Elevation: Sea Level
Early Breakfast and boarding for Kolkata- Bagdogra flight ( 45 mins). After reaching Bagdogra journey starts towards Singalila National Park ( Four hours drive). Transfer to camp. A short break for refreshment and lunch. Second half on field
- Overnight at eco-lodge, B-L-D
Full days on field. Stay at our camp.
- Overnight at eco-lodge, B-L-D
- Elevation: 3600 m
Morning birding session in Singalila, have breakfast and leave for
Mahananda wildlife Sanctuary ( two hours drive). Transfer to the birding camp,
lunch and second half on field for the hornbills.
- Overnight at eco-lodge, B-L-D
- Elevation: 2100 m
Full day on field
Full day on field , transfer to Hotel nearby Bagdogra Airport .
Early Breakfast and boarding for Bagdogra-Guwahati flight ( 45 mins).
After reaching Guwahati journey starts towards Kaziranga National Park ( Five
hours drive). Transfer to the resort. Rest for the day.
Five full day safari in Kaziranga.
Drive to Guwahati Airport . Flight from Guwahati to Kolkata . Transfer to Kolkata hotel.
Return flight from Kolkata airport.
End of tour.
Day 1:
Upon arrival you will meet our representative at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and transfer to your hotel near the city of Kolkata. The hotel is situated near the airport for easy access.
- Overnight at hotel in Kolkata, meals are not included this day
- Elevation: Sea Level
Day 2:
Early Breakfast and boarding for Kolkata- Bagdogra flight ( 45 mins). After reaching Bagdogra journey starts towards Singalila National Park ( Four hours drive). Transfer to camp. A short break for refreshment and lunch. Second half on field.
- Overnight at eco-lodge, B-L-D
Day 3-7:
Full days on field. Stay at our camp.
- Overnight at eco-lodge, B-L-D
- Elevation: 3600m
Day 8:
Morning birding session in Singalila, have breakfast and leave for
Mahananda wildlife Sanctuary ( two hours drive). Transfer to the birding camp,
lunch and second half on field for the hornbills.
- Overnight at eco-lodge, B-L-D
- Elevation: 2100m
Day 9:
Full day on field
Day 10:
Full day on field , transfer to Hotel nearby Bagdogra Airport .
Day 11:
Early Breakfast and boarding for Bagdogra-Guwahati flight ( 45 mins).
After reaching Guwahati journey starts towards Kaziranga National Park ( Five
hours drive). Transfer to the resort. Rest for the day.
Day 12-16:
Five full day safari in Kaziranga.
Day 17:
Drive to Guwahati Airport . Flight from Guwahati to Kolkata . Transfer to Kolkata hotel.
Day 18:
Return flight from Kolkata airport.
End of tour.
Tour Motive
During our all-inclusive photography tour we shall focus on the photographing the elusive Red Panda in its natural habitat up in high elevations and visit the diverse Kaziranga National Park to spend time with the mighty Rhinos followed by the medievel looking bird the rufus necked hornbill. This well planned tour is a great opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife Indian sub-continents have to offer and is an expeirnces of a lifetime.
The tour starts and ends at Kolkata International Airport, West Bengal (India)
Photo Opportunities
• Opportunity to photograph the rare Red Panda in its natural habitat.
• Himalayan birds galore
• A visit to fabled grasslands of North East India to phoograph the One Horned Rhino
• Serene himalayan landscape
• Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
Cost (In USD)
$4000 per person in sharing accommodations/ $4500 in single supplement
TOUR DATES
Main Tour – Maximum 6 per group.
Tour Specifics:
- Moderate walking at high elevation
- All level Photographers
- Land Photography
Tour Pace
Easy to Moderate
Much of the Atlantic tour will be spent near feeders which are accessed by only a short walk. There will also be optional short walks on to get to the hide and access the farms with feeders and manakin leks.
North Pantanal photography sessions will mostly be done in safari vans and boats. Some sessions may involve walking around gardens and feeders.
Photo Gallery
Suggested Equipments
It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:
- A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A macro lens
- A sturdy tripod or monopod
- You may also bring your flash with a flash bracket
- Pack a ton of memory cards
- Release cable
Click on the link below for some questions you may have:
Testimonials
Tour Leader
Sourav Mandal is a naturalist, wildlife tour leader and a nature photographer. With a degree in Zoology, photographing rare animals is his primary area of interest. He has spent more than six years in the Eastern Himalayas in quest of the Red Panda and other Himalayan wildlife. He is associated with Red Panda eco-tourism in Nepal and North Bengal, India which is dedicated to the conservation of Red Pandas in that area. His work has been recognised across various international and national platforms. His photographs have been published in reputed magazines such as Sanctuary Asia, Saevus, The Wildtrail Journal, Indian Birds, Travel & Leisure,National Geographic Traveller, Conde Nast Traveller to name a few.
Click on the link below for some questions you may have:
⦁ A 'non-refundable' deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount
⦁ The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour
⦁ All figures per person
⦁ Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation
• Lodging as specified.
• Meals as specified
• Stainless steel flask for water.
• Private transfers to and from hotels on first and last days.
• Land transportation during the tour
• Professional driver/photo/nature guide and private transportation in spacious tour bus.
• Guide and Photography Skipper services
• Entrance fees for all described activities.
• Taxes on all services listed above.
• Non-mealtime snacks or meals not included.
• Non-mealtime soft drinks and bottled water.
• Visa fees
• International/personal airfare
• Insurance
• Phone calls
• Laundry
• Tips
• Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary
Photo Gallery
Registration
To register for this trip, fill out and submit the below Registration form. PayPal invoice option is also available.
To contact us you can send an email to info@tropicalphototours.com.
See the TERMS AND CONDITIONS page for cancellation/refund policies and other important information.
Book Your Tour With Us In 6 Easy Steps
1. Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.
2. Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.
3. Book your international travel
4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.
5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.
6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.
1. Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.
2. Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.
3. Book your international travel.
4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.
5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.
6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.
FAQs
Important Note
- • Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers
• Tropical Photo Tours holds the rights to modify a reservation at any time during a workshop. As a company, we always try to comply with what we have promised but due to several unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, natural calamity, political, environmental, cultural we may have to make changes to our reservations.
• All amounts are in USD unless specifically mentioned otherwise
Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at +1-512-803-8049/512-806-6469 if you’d like to talk first.
Tour Leader
Supreet Sahoo An avid birdwatcher and photographer from Austin, U.S.
Supreet's work has been featured in reputed publications like the BBC Earth, National Geographic Spain and Sanctuary Asia.
Testimonials
Bird Photography And Beyond
About Us
Since our inception, we have curated unique Bird Photography tours, customized Photography Travel Tours and fun-filled photography sessions in over 5 countries!
Tropical Photo Tours LLC is a US Based photography tour company helping birders from all over the world visit and experience the rainforest birding and photography.
Reach Us
Address:
2414 Elkhorn Ranch Rd, Leander, Texas – USA 78641
Email:
info@tropicalphototours.com
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