1,500 tourists book for third Red Panda Festival in Sandakpur

By Shashidhar Parajuli, Biratnagar, Mar. 27: More than 1,500 tourists have already booked packages for the third Red Panda Festival, set to take place in Sandakpur, a popular tourist destination in Ilam, from April 3 to 6.

The Sandakpur Rural Municipality has increased promotional efforts with a target of bringing in 10,000 tourists through package bookings during the festival. Officials expect a higher turnout compared to previous years.

The festival is being organised to promote eco-tourism and conserve the endangered red panda. 

At a press conference in Biratnagar, organisers said the event has been included in the municipality’s annual tourism calendar. So far, around 1,500 domestic and international visitors have confirmed advance bookings.

According to organisers, red panda viewing -- an emerging form of wildlife tourism -- is more exclusive and relatively costlier than other religious or nature-based tourism activities.

During the festival, visitors will have a rare opportunity to observe red pandas in their natural habitat. As the animals primarily feed on bamboo shoots and leaves, guided treks will be arranged through forests where they are commonly found.

A major attraction of the festival will be the 43-kilometre-long Red Panda Trail (Maipokhari-Jaubari), developed with support from the federal government, said Sanam Rai, coordinator of the promotion committee.

In addition, tourists will be able to enjoy birdwatching in the Mai Valley area and visit key sites such as Maipokhari, a Ramsar-listed wetland, as well as Todke Waterfall and Chhintapu.

From the Sandakpur ridge, visitors can view more than 60 Himalayan peaks across Nepal, India, Bhutan and China, along with stunning sunrise and sunset views, making the destination attractions for travellers.

Arrangements have been made for food and accommodation through local hotels and homestays, where visitors can also enjoy organic local produce and traditional dishes. The festival will feature daily cultural performances, traditional dress exhibitions and panel discussions on conservation.

Earlier, the second edition of the festival attracted around 27,000 visitors, organisers aim to bring in 10,000 “quality tourists” this year. 

The total cost of organising the festival is estimated between Rs. 850,000 and Rs. 1 million. Sandakpur Rural Municipality has contributed Rs. 300,000, while the Nepal Tourism Board has provided Rs. 500,000. 

An additional Rs. 300,000 will come from the Koshi Province Tourism Year programme. Further support will be mobilised through the Kechana-Kanchenjunga Tourism Development Committee, Red Panda Network and local tourism entrepreneurs.

Organisers believe that linking red panda conservation with tourism will help improve local livelihoods, promote Sandakpur as a global wildlife tourism destination, and create employment and self-employment opportunities.