Pugdundee Safaris to launch ‘Red Panda Outpost' Near Singalila National Park

Pugdundee Safaris, one of India’s wildlife-tourism brands with seven sustainable boutique lodges across premier tiger reserves, is expanding into the North East with a distinctive initiative. The company has announced the forthcoming launch of Red Panda Outpost, an eco-tourism homestay in Jaubari, a small Buddhist village in Nepal, on the Singalila National Park’s boundary. The park is renowned for harbouring the endangered and captivating red panda. The homestay is scheduled to open in early November 2025.

Formerly a modest teahouse run by a local Gorkha family, Red Panda Outpost has been transformed into a warm, intimate retreat while remaining closely connected to its surroundings. Perched at 9,400 ft, it draws inspiration from army outposts that offer comfort, camaraderie and a spirit of discovery in remote border landscapes. At its centre is an old wooden house where guests can gather around a traditional bukhari fire after days of exploration.

Regarding the upcoming initiative, Pugdundee Safari’s Co-Founder Manav Khanduja said, “This is a small eco-tourism initiative in one of the remotest parts of Eastern India and Nepal, aimed at shaping Red Panda tourism in the right direction, generating high-value tourism and involving as many locals as possible so that benefits are shared equitably and they become true partners in conservation. Keeping the delicate ecosystem of Singalila at the forefront of every decision, we will work closely with local NGOs and the Forest Department to support the conservation of the Red Panda and its fragile habitat.”

The homestay comprises six thoughtfully designed rooms, each with en-suite facilities, offering simplicity without compromising comfort. Guests can expect hot water, electricity and hearty meals prepared from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Lunches will feature regional thalis, while dinners will present a blend of locally inspired dishes alongside select Indian and global flavours.

Jaubari lies along the India–Nepal border. For Indian and inbound travellers, Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, is the closest hub, about a five-hour drive away. International guests arriving from within Nepal can fly into Bhadrapur (Chandragarhi) Airport, followed by a four-hour transfer.

Sustainability lies at the heart of Red Panda Outpost’s ethos. The homestay has eliminated single-use plastics and packaged foods. Adventure and conservation will go hand in hand at this space, offering travellers an authentic way to connect with the land, its people and its wildlife.

Straddling the India–Nepal border near Darjeeling in West Bengal, Singalila National Park is a high-altitude paradise of rhododendron and oak forests, mist-draped valleys and panoramic Himalayan vistas. Declared a national park in 1992, it protects rare habitats that support species such as the red panda, Himalayan black bear and clouded leopard, as well as over 300 bird species. On clear days, visitors can see four of the world’s highest peaks — Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and even Mount Everest.

Whether guests visit in pursuit of the elusive red panda or simply to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity and culture of the Eastern Himalayas, Red Panda Outpost offers a front-row seat to the wonders of Singalila National Park and beyond.