Singalila, Kaziranga, and Darjeeling
Wildlife of Eastern India: From Red Pandas to Rhinos
{"trip":{"TripID":10548,"Trip_Code":"WILDIND","Trip_Name":"Wildlife of Eastern India: From Red Pandas to Rhinos","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Kathmandu, Nepal","End_Location":"Kolkata, India","Number_Days":12,"Number_Nights":11,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"<p>Some of the rarest species in the world are found in the fascinating wildlife reserves of eastern India, including the furry, tree-dwelling red panda and the prehistoric-looking one-horned rhino. With Trip Leader Devendra Basnet, an inveterate naturalist who has been leading for WT for 35 years, we'll be immersed in the richness of India's natural habitats each day as we explore from the Himalayan foothills to the grassy savannas of Assam. To look for red pandas, we'll fly from Kathmandu to remote eastern Nepal and make our way by road up into the rugged Himalayan landscape of Singalila National Park, which straddles a dramatic ridge on the India-Nepal border. A population of endangered red pandas resides in the forests here, and with our local trackers, we'll look for these beautiful creatures as we hike peaceful trails. We'll also witness Himalayan panoramas from Singalila's high viewpoints. Afterwards, we'll descend into India and unwind in charming Darjeeling, known as the Queen of the Hill Stations. Our next Indian wildlife adventure begins in Kaziranga National Park in the lowlands of Assam. Spread across the floodplains of the great Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga is home to some of the world's last one-horned rhinos, along with a host of other wildlife including tigers and large breeding populations of elephant. This unique journey is limited to just eight people, so early signup is advised.<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p><\/p>","ActivityHighlight":"Cultural exploration, wildlife viewing, easy to moderate walks and hikes, some long drives.","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-WILDIND-red-panda-ailurus-fulgens-singalila-national-park.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/wildind-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/India\/wildlife-eastern-singalila-kaziranga-panda-rhino","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"<p><\/p>","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"Fall 2023- Spring 2024 ","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$7,695 (7-8 members)<br>\n$8,295 (4-6 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $1,570<br>\nInternal airfare: $345 (subject to change)<br><p><\/p>","PriceNextYear":"7695","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"<p><\/p>","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"<p><\/p>","PricingNotes":"<p><\/p>","NewTrip":true,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":6,"TripRatingName":"2+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":20,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Asia","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":110,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Kathmandu, Nepal","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Welcome to Nepal! On arrival, you'll be met outside the Customs area for a transfer to the Yak & Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu. We'll gather for a Welcome Dinner tonight. Overnight in hotel.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Biratnagar \/ Singalila National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":" A morning transfer brings us to the airport for a 30-minute domestic flight to Biratnagar (Bhadrapur-Chandragadi airport) in eastern Nepal. Here we'll board rugged 4WD vehicles for a bumpy but fascinating drive on steep gravel roads up to Singalila National Park, one of the most diverse Himalayan forests in India—a mix of fir, deciduous hardwood, and rhododendron, with a thick bamboo understory. The altitudes of the park range from 7,000 to 12,000 feet. We'll overnight near the park at Shikhar Tarry Lodge, a simple accommodation that grants us great access to the region.<br>\nApproximate Driving Time: 5.5 hours on gravel roads, with a restaurant lunch en route. There will be beverages and light snacks in the vehicle.<br>\nApproximate Flight Time: 30 minutes","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Tracking Red Pandas","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We'll have three full days with our local trackers. Tracking will involve hiking along a jeep trail as well as going off-trail into the forest as needed on challenging hikes involving bushwhacking through trees and scrambling up and down slippery hillsides. There are an estimated 32 red pandas within the limits of the park. Typically, we'll be up early at 6:00 am to join our trackers, who will have gone out earlier in the morning to find pandas. Once at a panda site, we'll have 30 minutes to 1 hour to get a look at them (they tend to stay high up in the trees so viewing can be difficult). Lunch will be back at \nShikhar Tarry Lodge or served in the field, depending on our location. If sightings are on roads, we will go by vehicle for the sighting. On one of the days we're here, we'll journey up to Sandakphu (11,929'), a famous spot for viewing Himalayan sunrises and sunsets over mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.\n\nThe red panda (Ailurus fulgens), also known as the fire fox, is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwest China. Its fur is reddish brown, with a shaggy tail and a waddling gait due to its short front legs. Red pandas are typically a bit over two feet long and are tree dwellers. They mainly feed on bamboo, but also eggs, birds, and insects when the opportunity arises. They are solitary animals, active between dawn and dusk. The original “panda” name was given to the red panda before the giant panda of China was known. Once considered to be in bear family, and later in the raccoon family, the red panda is actually now classified in a family of its own: Ailuridae. Other mammals that are known to be in the park are Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, leopard, leopard cat, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, wild boar, pangolin, and pika. Singalila is also known as a birding paradise, with more than 300 species recorded, including exotic species such as blood pheasant and fire-tailed myzornis. Because the region is well watered by the monsoon, over 600 varieties of orchids bloom in Singalila, the largest concentration in any single geographical area in the world. Overnights at Shikhar Tarry Lodge.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Siliguri, India \/ Mayfair Tea Resort","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>This morning we bid farewell to our trackers and the lodge staff and descend by 4WD vehicle on bumpy roads to Siliguri, India, with lunch en route. After going through border formalities in Siliguri, we check into the Mayfair Tea Resort, surrounded by tea gardens. Enjoy a walk in the hotel's tea gardens, if you wish, before dinner (the tea gardens are in operation only in spring).\nApproximate Driving Time: 5.5 hours on gravel roads, with a restaurant lunch en route. There will be beverages and light snacks in the vehicle.<\/body>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Darjeeling \/ Himalayan Mountaineering Institute \/ Himalayan Zoological Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning drive of about two hours brings us to Darjeeling, “the Place of the Thunderbolt” (as its Tibetan name is translated). Often called the Queen of the Hill Stations, Darjeeling straddles a ridge at 7,200 feet with views of Kanchenjunga on the northern horizon. The town and surrounding region share a complex history with Bhutan, Nepal, and Sikkim, having passed from one kingdom to another and finally being annexed by the British empire in 1866. Darjeeling's cool mountain air attracted the colonial British, who made it a favorite summer retreat to escape the tropical heat of the Indian plains.\r\n\r\nWe'll check into our hotel, then visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, with its rare collection of photographs and climbing equipment used in historic Himalayan ascents of the 20th century. Because Nepal was closed to foreigners until 1950, all Everest expeditions prior to that started from Darjeeling. Tenzing Norgay, who summited Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first Director of Field Training for the institute when it was set up in 1954. On the same property, we'll visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which features mammals and birds of the higher altitudes. The zoo has led successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf, and the red panda. Wilderness Travel is a donor to the zoo's red panda research and rehabilitation center.\r\n\r\nThe balance of the afternoon is on your own to relax. Those who want can enjoy a short walk from the hotel to the Chowrastra, the central square, to get a feel for the daily buzz of local life in Darjeeling. Dinner is on your own, with an overnight at the Mayfair Spa & Resort.\r\nApproximate Driving Time: 2 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Kanchenjunga Sunrise \/ Toy Train \/ Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"As an option before dawn for very early risers this morning, we offer a 1.5-hour drive (each way) to the famous Himalayan viewpoint called Tiger Hill. Here, as the sun begins to rise, visitors are treated (clear skies permitting!) to a fantastic panorama of the huge massif of Kanchenjunga with Everest and Makalu in view at the far eastern corner of the view. You'll be back in Darjeeling in time to start our regular day of exploration.\r\n\r\nOur day of exploring the Darjeeling area begins with a 1.5-hour ride on the classic Darjeeling Himalayan Rail, a narrow gauge “toy train” that brings us in heritage style to Ghum, the highest railway station in India at 7,400 feet, and around the spiraling Batasia Loop track, with wonderful Himalayan views along the way (clear skies permitting). Later we'll visit Chowrastra, the historic central square at the heart of Victorian Darjeeling, and The Mall, Darjeeling's busy commercial street lined with hotels and shops.\r\n\r\nWe'll also take a short walk through wooded hills up to the Mahakal Temple above the Mall. On our visit to the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, we'll meet families earning a living by producing Tibetan handicrafts such as rugs, paintings, and garments. Many Tibetan families took refuge in Darjeeling after the Chinese invasion of their home country. Dinner and overnight at the Mayfair Spa & Resort.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Bagdogra \/ Guwahati \/ Kaziranga National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today is a long travel day as we descend from the Himalayan foothills to the broad plains of Assam. A morning drive brings us to Bagdogra airport, where we catch our flight to Guwahati, Assam's capital. From Guwahati, we drive further to Kaziranga National Park on the southern banks of the great Brahmaputra River. Overnight at Infinity Resort Kaziranga, not far from the park headquarters.\r\nApproximate Driving Time: 3 hours to Bagdogra, plus 4.5 hours Guwahati to Kaziranga, including rest stops\r\nApproximate Flight Time: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Kaziranga National Park \/ One-Horned Rhinos and More","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga protects a vast expanse of tall \u2018”elephant grass,” marshland, and dense tropical broadleaf forests. The park is home to tigers, elephants, and, most famously, the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Asian rhinos have an even more armor-plated look than their African counterparts due to all the folds in their skin. They're vegetarians, grazing on tall elephant grasses and shrubs. They can be called a conservation success, as there were only 600 left in the 1970s, but after efforts by the Indian and Nepalese governments and the World Wildlife Fund, they now number about 3,500 in India and Nepal. Even so, the species faces the ever-present threat of poaching for its horn and continuing habitat loss.\r\n\r\nWe'll set out each day for morning and afternoon game drives by 4WD vehicle. As we explore, we'll look for elephant, herds of wild Asiatic water buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, gaur, sambar, Indian muntjac (barking deer), and, with a bit of luck, the elusive royal Bengal tiger (because of the park's tall grasses, it can be hard to spot them). Kaziranga is home to about 15 species of India's threatened mammals, and Ganges River dolphins swim in the park's rivers. The rich birdlife includes egrets, herons, storks, fish-eating eagles, and grey pelicans. We'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner this evening. Overnight at Infinity Resort Kaziranga. each day","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Jorhat \/ Kolkata \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning drive brings us to Jorhat, where we connect a flight to Kolkata. Depart Kolkata on homeward-bound flights. Day rooms will be held for us at the Holiday Inn Kolkata until 10:00 pm.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Kathmandu \/ Singalila National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After an overnight in Kathmandu, a short flight brings us to eastern Nepal, where we board 4WD vehicles for a day's drive up to our remote accommodation in the broadleaf forests of Singalila National Park, habitat of the red panda and other fascinating species.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Singalila National Park \/ Tracking Red Pandas \/ Sandakphu","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<body>We join professional trackers to hike mountain trails in search of these iconic animals each day. While we're here, we'll also head up to the famous Himalayan overlook at Sandakphu (11,929') for classic Kanchenjunga and Everest views. Our ridgetop accommodation is a conservation hub and a Nepali-style homestay with breathtaking Himalayan views into India on one side and Nepal on the other.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Darjeeling \/ Tiger Hill","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>We descend from Singalila for an overnight at a tea resort in Siligiri, then continue to Darjeeling, long the queen of the British hill stations and still exuding Victorian charm. During our days here, we'll ride the narrow-gauge “toy train” and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Himalayan Zoological Park, with the option of a sunrise visit to the famous Kanchenjunga viewpoint at Tiger Hill.<\/body>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Kaziranga National Park \/ One-Horned Rhinos and More","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Descending to the tropical plains of Assam, we check into our wonderful lodge just outside Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Endangered Asian one-horned rhinos are the stars here, but as we explore by 4WD vehicle with our trackers, we'll also be on the lookout for elephant, wild Asiatic water buffalo, and with luck, a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger. Depart via Kolkata on Day 12.<\/body>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/wildlife-of-eastern-india-from-red-pandas-to-rhinos-itinerary-2023-24.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/wildlife-of-eastern-india-from-red-pandas-to-rhinos-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Track endangered red pandas in the misty Himalayan forests of Singalila","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25028,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Look for Asian one-horned rhinos in the UNESCO-listed sanctuary of Kaziranga","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25028,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Sandakphu and Darjeeling","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25028,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":10,"HighlightText":"","Description":"10-WILDIND-asian-one-horned-rhino-kaziranga-group-safari.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/10-WILDIND-asian-one-horned-rhino-kaziranga-group-safari.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11766,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":11,"HighlightText":"","Description":"11-WILDIND-red-panda-singalila-national-park-india.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/11-WILDIND-red-panda-singalila-national-park-india.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11769,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":12,"HighlightText":"","Description":"12-WILDIND-india-group-birdwatching-tour.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/12-WILDIND-india-group-birdwatching-tour.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11770,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":13,"HighlightText":"","Description":"13-WILDIND-india-two-hornbill-birds.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/13-WILDIND-india-two-hornbill-birds.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11772,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":14,"HighlightText":"","Description":"14-WILDIND-india-siligiri-tea-plantation-harvesters.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/14-WILDIND-india-siligiri-tea-plantation-harvesters.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11773,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":15,"HighlightText":"","Description":"15-WILDIND-walking-india-himalayan-mountains.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/15-WILDIND-walking-india-himalayan-mountains.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11775,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":16,"HighlightText":"","Description":"16-WILDIND-india-temple-monks-prayer-flags.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/16-WILDIND-india-temple-monks-prayer-flags.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11776,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":17,"HighlightText":"","Description":"17-WILDIND-indian-rhino-mother-baby-brahmaputra-kaziranga.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/17-WILDIND-indian-rhino-mother-baby-brahmaputra-kaziranga.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11777,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":18,"HighlightText":"","Description":"18-WILDIND-tracking-red-pandas-singalila-national-park.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/18-WILDIND-tracking-red-pandas-singalila-national-park.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11778,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":19,"HighlightText":"","Description":"19-WILDIND-yellow-throated-marten-india-wildlife.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/19-WILDIND-yellow-throated-marten-india-wildlife.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11780,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":20,"HighlightText":"","Description":"20-WILDIND-brahmaputra-river-kazianga-elephant-safari.jpg","Image":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/20-WILDIND-brahmaputra-river-kazianga-elephant-safari.jpg","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":11782,"caption":""}],"weather":[{}],"accommodations":[{"VendorID":70911,"Day_Number":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel Yak and Yeti","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"yak-and-yeti-ktm","Custom_Location":"Kathmandu"}},{"VendorID":72555,"Day_Number":9,"Sequence":10,"Duration":3,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Infinity Resort Kaziranga","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"infinity-resort-kaziranga","Custom_Location":"Kaziranga"}},{"VendorID":73058,"Day_Number":7,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Mayfair Spa and Resort","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"mayfair-spa-and-resort","Custom_Location":"Darjeeling"}},{"VendorID":73126,"Day_Number":6,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Mayfair Tea Resort","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"mayfair-tea-resort","Custom_Location":"Siliguri"}},{"VendorID":73134,"Day_Number":12,"Sequence":3,"Duration":0,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Holiday Inn 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He studied Zoology in college in India and began his guiding career as a naturalist guide in Nepal's wildlife-rich Royal Chitwan National Park. His zoology background has also qualified him to guide ornithology tours as well as several expeditions into the Himalayas to collect and verify high-altitude butterflies for the British Natural History Museum. For Wilderness Travel, he has guided throughout the Himalayas as well as in Rajasthan, southern India, Central Asia, and China's Silk Road. Devendra speaks English, Nepali, Hindi, as well as some Tibetan and Bengali and is learning Chinese.","BioLong":"Devendra Basnet was born in the foothills of the Himalayas in Darjeeling, India, and makes his home in Kathmandu, Nepal, with his wife and two children. A WT Trip Leader since 1987, “DB” leads our cultural and hiking journeys into the Himalayas, across India, and along the ancient Silk Roads of Central Asia. His university studies in Zoology launched him in an early career as a naturalist guide, tracking tigers and spotting rare birds in Nepal's renowned Royal Chitwan National Park, and collecting elusive Himalayan butterflies for the British Natural History Museum. “I love working with people and working in beautiful surroundings, so guiding is a natural for me. I especially love being in the high Himalayas, from Tibet to Bhutan to India, and in areas rich in nature and wildlife. 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If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:34:09 --><p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br \/>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:36:23 --><p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travclcxinsurancc.com. 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Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. 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Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. 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Overview
Some of the rarest species in the world are found in the fascinating wildlife reserves of eastern India, including the furry, tree-dwelling red panda and the prehistoric-looking one-horned rhino. With Trip Leader Devendra Basnet, an inveterate naturalist who has been leading for WT for 35 years, we'll be immersed in the richness of India's natural habitats each day as we explore from the Himalayan foothills to the grassy savannas of Assam. To look for red pandas, we'll fly from Kathmandu to remote eastern Nepal and make our way by road up into the rugged Himalayan landscape of Singalila National Park, which straddles a dramatic ridge on the India-Nepal border. A population of endangered red pandas resides in the forests here, and with our local trackers, we'll look for these beautiful creatures as we hike peaceful trails. We'll also witness Himalayan panoramas from Singalila's high viewpoints. Afterwards, we'll descend into India and unwind in charming Darjeeling, known as the Queen of the Hill Stations. Our next Indian wildlife adventure begins in Kaziranga National Park in the lowlands of Assam. Spread across the floodplains of the great Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga is home to some of the world's last one-horned rhinos, along with a host of other wildlife including tigers and large breeding populations of elephant. This unique journey is limited to just eight people, so early signup is advised.
Arrive: Kathmandu, Nepal
Depart: Kolkata, India
Highlights
- Track endangered red pandas in the misty Himalayan forests of Singalila
- Look for Asian one-horned rhinos in the UNESCO-listed sanctuary of Kaziranga
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Sandakphu and Darjeeling
Itinerary
Download Itinerary
Expand All Days
After an overnight in Kathmandu, a short flight brings us to eastern Nepal, where we board 4WD vehicles for a day's drive up to our remote accommodation in the broadleaf forests of Singalila National Park, habitat of the red panda and other fascinating species.
We join professional trackers to hike mountain trails in search of these iconic animals each day. While we're here, we'll also head up to the famous Himalayan overlook at Sandakphu (11,929') for classic Kanchenjunga and Everest views. Our ridgetop accommodation is a conservation hub and a Nepali-style homestay with breathtaking Himalayan views into India on one side and Nepal on the other.
We descend from Singalila for an overnight at a tea resort in Siligiri, then continue to Darjeeling, long the queen of the British hill stations and still exuding Victorian charm. During our days here, we'll ride the narrow-gauge “toy train” and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Himalayan Zoological Park, with the option of a sunrise visit to the famous Kanchenjunga viewpoint at Tiger Hill.
Descending to the tropical plains of Assam, we check into our wonderful lodge just outside Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Endangered Asian one-horned rhinos are the stars here, but as we explore by 4WD vehicle with our trackers, we'll also be on the lookout for elephant, wild Asiatic water buffalo, and with luck, a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger. Depart via Kolkata on Day 12.
Dates & Pricing
The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: $600
110 days prior to departure: Balance
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Up to 111 days prior to departure: No charge!
61-110 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in hotels, lodges, and a homestay
- All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
- All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Not Included
- Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
- Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Visa fees
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Hotel Yak and Yeti
Day 1 (1 night)
Perfectly located in the heart of Kathmandu yet on a quiet street, the Yak and Yeti is a combination of old and new. Its restaurants and conference rooms are in a restored century-old Rana palace, a showcase of the era's opulence. The hotel's newer wings blend with the old palace, offering guest rooms with a high degree of comfort and traditional Nepali decor. The hotel's gardens, complete with swimming pool, walking trail, and temple dedicated to the goddess Kumari, make it a relaxing hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.
Shikhar Tarry Lodge
Days 2-5 (4 nights)
This rustic yet comfortable lodge is more of a homestay than a hotel, but it gives us fantastic access for our panda tracking. The lodge has simple guest rooms and bathrooms, a seating area, dining room and kitchen. The staff is friendly and helpful. There is a small fireplace to enjoy after your day's adventures.
Mayfair Tea Resort
Day 6 (1 night)
Surrounded by thousands of acres of tea gardens on a lush tea estate, the Mayfair is a luxury hotel with state-of-the-art facilities. Designed with classic Tudor architecture in mind, it features comfortable public spaces with vintage furnishings and a collection of centuries-old collectibles on display. The resort has a stylish tea lounge, a bar themed around a classic English pub, two excellent multi-cuisine restaurants, and a well-stocked poolside bar.
Mayfair Spa and Resort
Days 7-8 (2 nights)
The Mayfair is a heritage hotel that was once the summer home of the Maharaja of Nazargunj. With 43 guest rooms, it has a prime location opposite the Governor's House and is within walking distance of all of Darjeeling's attractions. The hotel maintains its Old World charm with classic architecture and warm hospitality. Its modern amenities include a stellar spa, a tea boutique, and fantastic dining options.
Infinity Resort Kaziranga
Days 9-11 (3 nights)
Infinity Resort Kaziranga has 16 simple cottages scattered around its peaceful grounds. Each cottage has a balcony overlooking the gardens and is crafted using local material when possible, including thatched roofs and teak furnishings. There is a swimming pool and a small pond for a nature walk.1/5
Trip Leaders
Devendra Basnet
View ProfileWhat the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2+, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is a cultural and natural history journey with travel by vehicle with hikes and walks that can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health who has recent hiking experience.
Review Trip Level Details
On some of our panda-tracking hikes, there may be some rough off-trail footing, so these hikes are best suited for people who have a good sense of balance. There is also some rough road travel on dirt or gravel tracks.
Singalila National Park is at altitudes between 7,000 and 10,000 feet in the foothills of the Himalayas. In spring in Singalila, daytime highs will be in the chilly 50s and 60s, even dropping as low as the 30s at night. There is more precipitation in spring and skies can sometimes be hazy but the rhododendrons should be in beautiful bloom and the stunning tea gardens will be operational. In autumn, daytime highs will be in the 60, with nights in the low 50s, and the Himalayan vistas should be mostly clear. As in all mountain areas, there is always the possibility of rain. In Darjeeling in spring, temperatures will be pleasant, ranging from the 60s to the high 70s, with autumn temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F. In Kaziranga National Park in the lowlands of Assam, it will be quite warm, with spring temperatures between 70°F and 85°F and autumn temperatures ranging between 65°F and 80°F, dropping to much cooler at dawn.
We enjoy excellent hotels and a comfortable wildlife lodge on this journey, plus four nights at
Shikhar Tarry Lodge, a very simple “homestay-style” accommodation. A recommended clothing and equipment list is provided in our Pre-Departure Booklet, and more detailed description of each accommodation can be found in the “Lodging” section.
In Singalila, the only vehicles available are old-fashioned “vintage” land rovers with limited shocks and suspension systems, which make for bumpy rides on the dirt roads. In Kaziranga, we use open-roof safari vehicles that guarantee everyone a “window” seat and great wildlife viewing opportunities. All other road travel will be in modern and comfortable vehicles—typically a Toyota Innova.
Important Note: Please be aware that this journey includes three long, full days of rugged overland road travel (Day 2, Day 6, and Day 9). These long travel days are demanding but necessary to allow us to access remote and diverse wildlife areas.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
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They mainly feed on bamboo, but also eggs, birds, and insects when the opportunity arises. They are solitary animals, active between dawn and dusk. The original “panda” name was given to the red panda before the giant panda of China was known. Once considered to be in bear family, and later in the raccoon family, the red panda is actually now classified in a family of its own: Ailuridae. Other mammals that are known to be in the park are Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, leopard, leopard cat, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, wild boar, pangolin, and pika. Singalila is also known as a birding paradise, with more than 300 species recorded, including exotic species such as blood pheasant and fire-tailed myzornis. Because the region is well watered by the monsoon, over 600 varieties of orchids bloom in Singalila, the largest concentration in any single geographical area in the world. Overnights at Shikhar Tarry Lodge.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Siliguri, India \/ Mayfair Tea Resort","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>This morning we bid farewell to our trackers and the lodge staff and descend by 4WD vehicle on bumpy roads to Siliguri, India, with lunch en route. After going through border formalities in Siliguri, we check into the Mayfair Tea Resort, surrounded by tea gardens. Enjoy a walk in the hotel's tea gardens, if you wish, before dinner (the tea gardens are in operation only in spring).\nApproximate Driving Time: 5.5 hours on gravel roads, with a restaurant lunch en route. There will be beverages and light snacks in the vehicle.<\/body>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Darjeeling \/ Himalayan Mountaineering Institute \/ Himalayan Zoological Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning drive of about two hours brings us to Darjeeling, “the Place of the Thunderbolt” (as its Tibetan name is translated). Often called the Queen of the Hill Stations, Darjeeling straddles a ridge at 7,200 feet with views of Kanchenjunga on the northern horizon. The town and surrounding region share a complex history with Bhutan, Nepal, and Sikkim, having passed from one kingdom to another and finally being annexed by the British empire in 1866. Darjeeling's cool mountain air attracted the colonial British, who made it a favorite summer retreat to escape the tropical heat of the Indian plains.\r\n\r\nWe'll check into our hotel, then visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, with its rare collection of photographs and climbing equipment used in historic Himalayan ascents of the 20th century. Because Nepal was closed to foreigners until 1950, all Everest expeditions prior to that started from Darjeeling. Tenzing Norgay, who summited Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first Director of Field Training for the institute when it was set up in 1954. On the same property, we'll visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which features mammals and birds of the higher altitudes. The zoo has led successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf, and the red panda. Wilderness Travel is a donor to the zoo's red panda research and rehabilitation center.\r\n\r\nThe balance of the afternoon is on your own to relax. Those who want can enjoy a short walk from the hotel to the Chowrastra, the central square, to get a feel for the daily buzz of local life in Darjeeling. Dinner is on your own, with an overnight at the Mayfair Spa & Resort.\r\nApproximate Driving Time: 2 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Kanchenjunga Sunrise \/ Toy Train \/ Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"As an option before dawn for very early risers this morning, we offer a 1.5-hour drive (each way) to the famous Himalayan viewpoint called Tiger Hill. Here, as the sun begins to rise, visitors are treated (clear skies permitting!) to a fantastic panorama of the huge massif of Kanchenjunga with Everest and Makalu in view at the far eastern corner of the view. You'll be back in Darjeeling in time to start our regular day of exploration.\r\n\r\nOur day of exploring the Darjeeling area begins with a 1.5-hour ride on the classic Darjeeling Himalayan Rail, a narrow gauge “toy train” that brings us in heritage style to Ghum, the highest railway station in India at 7,400 feet, and around the spiraling Batasia Loop track, with wonderful Himalayan views along the way (clear skies permitting). Later we'll visit Chowrastra, the historic central square at the heart of Victorian Darjeeling, and The Mall, Darjeeling's busy commercial street lined with hotels and shops.\r\n\r\nWe'll also take a short walk through wooded hills up to the Mahakal Temple above the Mall. On our visit to the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, we'll meet families earning a living by producing Tibetan handicrafts such as rugs, paintings, and garments. Many Tibetan families took refuge in Darjeeling after the Chinese invasion of their home country. Dinner and overnight at the Mayfair Spa & Resort.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Bagdogra \/ Guwahati \/ Kaziranga National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today is a long travel day as we descend from the Himalayan foothills to the broad plains of Assam. A morning drive brings us to Bagdogra airport, where we catch our flight to Guwahati, Assam's capital. From Guwahati, we drive further to Kaziranga National Park on the southern banks of the great Brahmaputra River. Overnight at Infinity Resort Kaziranga, not far from the park headquarters.\r\nApproximate Driving Time: 3 hours to Bagdogra, plus 4.5 hours Guwahati to Kaziranga, including rest stops\r\nApproximate Flight Time: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Kaziranga National Park \/ One-Horned Rhinos and More","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga protects a vast expanse of tall \u2018”elephant grass,” marshland, and dense tropical broadleaf forests. The park is home to tigers, elephants, and, most famously, the world's largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. Asian rhinos have an even more armor-plated look than their African counterparts due to all the folds in their skin. They're vegetarians, grazing on tall elephant grasses and shrubs. They can be called a conservation success, as there were only 600 left in the 1970s, but after efforts by the Indian and Nepalese governments and the World Wildlife Fund, they now number about 3,500 in India and Nepal. Even so, the species faces the ever-present threat of poaching for its horn and continuing habitat loss.\r\n\r\nWe'll set out each day for morning and afternoon game drives by 4WD vehicle. As we explore, we'll look for elephant, herds of wild Asiatic water buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, gaur, sambar, Indian muntjac (barking deer), and, with a bit of luck, the elusive royal Bengal tiger (because of the park's tall grasses, it can be hard to spot them). Kaziranga is home to about 15 species of India's threatened mammals, and Ganges River dolphins swim in the park's rivers. The rich birdlife includes egrets, herons, storks, fish-eating eagles, and grey pelicans. We'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner this evening. Overnight at Infinity Resort Kaziranga. each day","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Jorhat \/ Kolkata \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning drive brings us to Jorhat, where we connect a flight to Kolkata. Depart Kolkata on homeward-bound flights. Day rooms will be held for us at the Holiday Inn Kolkata until 10:00 pm.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Kathmandu \/ Singalila National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After an overnight in Kathmandu, a short flight brings us to eastern Nepal, where we board 4WD vehicles for a day's drive up to our remote accommodation in the broadleaf forests of Singalila National Park, habitat of the red panda and other fascinating species.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Singalila National Park \/ Tracking Red Pandas \/ Sandakphu","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<body>We join professional trackers to hike mountain trails in search of these iconic animals each day. While we're here, we'll also head up to the famous Himalayan overlook at Sandakphu (11,929') for classic Kanchenjunga and Everest views. Our ridgetop accommodation is a conservation hub and a Nepali-style homestay with breathtaking Himalayan views into India on one side and Nepal on the other.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Darjeeling \/ Tiger Hill","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>We descend from Singalila for an overnight at a tea resort in Siligiri, then continue to Darjeeling, long the queen of the British hill stations and still exuding Victorian charm. During our days here, we'll ride the narrow-gauge “toy train” and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Himalayan Zoological Park, with the option of a sunrise visit to the famous Kanchenjunga viewpoint at Tiger Hill.<\/body>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Kaziranga National Park \/ One-Horned Rhinos and More","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Descending to the tropical plains of Assam, we check into our wonderful lodge just outside Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Endangered Asian one-horned rhinos are the stars here, but as we explore by 4WD vehicle with our trackers, we'll also be on the lookout for elephant, wild Asiatic water buffalo, and with luck, a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger. Depart via Kolkata on Day 12.<\/body>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/wildlife-of-eastern-india-from-red-pandas-to-rhinos-itinerary-2023-24.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/wildlife-of-eastern-india-from-red-pandas-to-rhinos-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Track endangered red pandas in the misty Himalayan forests of Singalila","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25028,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Look for Asian one-horned rhinos in the UNESCO-listed sanctuary of Kaziranga","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25028,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Mt. 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He studied Zoology in college in India and began his guiding career as a naturalist guide in Nepal's wildlife-rich Royal Chitwan National Park. His zoology background has also qualified him to guide ornithology tours as well as several expeditions into the Himalayas to collect and verify high-altitude butterflies for the British Natural History Museum. For Wilderness Travel, he has guided throughout the Himalayas as well as in Rajasthan, southern India, Central Asia, and China's Silk Road. Devendra speaks English, Nepali, Hindi, as well as some Tibetan and Bengali and is learning Chinese.","BioLong":"Devendra Basnet was born in the foothills of the Himalayas in Darjeeling, India, and makes his home in Kathmandu, Nepal, with his wife and two children. A WT Trip Leader since 1987, “DB” leads our cultural and hiking journeys into the Himalayas, across India, and along the ancient Silk Roads of Central Asia. His university studies in Zoology launched him in an early career as a naturalist guide, tracking tigers and spotting rare birds in Nepal's renowned Royal Chitwan National Park, and collecting elusive Himalayan butterflies for the British Natural History Museum. “I love working with people and working in beautiful surroundings, so guiding is a natural for me. I especially love being in the high Himalayas, from Tibet to Bhutan to India, and in areas rich in nature and wildlife. I want my trip members to appreciate how fast everything is changing, and help them take back wonderful memories of the wild places and rich cultures we visit.” Devendra speaks English, Nepali, Hindi, as well as some Tibetan and Bengali and is learning Chinese."}],"guestreviews":[{}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10548,"SimilarTripID":10523,"Trip_Code":"TIGERIND","Trip_Name":"Central India: In the Realm of the Tiger"},{"TripID":10548,"SimilarTripID":10323,"Trip_Code":"MADAGASC","Trip_Name":"Magical Madagascar"},{"TripID":10548,"SimilarTripID":10448,"Trip_Code":"SNOWTIGE","Trip_Name":"Searching for Snow Leopards in India"},{"TripID":10548,"SimilarTripID":10364,"Trip_Code":"SRILANKA","Trip_Name":"Sri Lanka"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73384,"ProductID":84110,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Exotic Journeys","Address1":"Office No. 7, 2nd Floor, Local Shop","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"110 070","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Kanha National Park Extension","Day":-3,"Sequence":3,"Duration":4,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73384,"ProductID":84111,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Exotic Journeys","Address1":"Office No. 7, 2nd Floor, Local Shop","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"110 070","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: South India Extension: The Malabar Coast","Day":-3,"Sequence":3,"Duration":4,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73384,"ProductID":84112,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Exotic Journeys","Address1":"Office No. 7, 2nd Floor, Local Shop","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"110 070","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Varanasi and Khajuraho Extension","Day":-2,"Sequence":3,"Duration":3,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":70911,"ProductID":84591,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Hotel Yak and Yeti","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Kathmandu","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Hotel Yak and Yeti (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Perfectly located in the heart of Kathmandu yet on a quiet street, the Yak and Yeti is a combination of old and new. 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If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. 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Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:36:23 --><p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travclcxinsurancc.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the "Dates & Prices" tab on our Pilgrim's Way webpage:<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>At time of reservation: $600<br \/>110 days prior to departure: Balance<br \/><br \/><em>*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 111 days prior to departure: No charge!<br>61-110 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}