Pugdundee Safaris is set to open ‘Red Panda Outpost,’ an eco-tourism homestay near Singalila National Park in Jaubari, Nepal, in early November 2025. Situated at 9,400 feet, this intimate six-room homestay combines rustic charm with modern comforts, including attached bathrooms, hot water, and fresh meals made from seasonal produce.
The property, formerly a local teahouse run by a Gorkha family, has been transformed to foster camaraderie and discovery, featuring a central wooden house with a traditional bukhari fire for warmth after treks. Inspired by traditional army outposts, the homestay is designed to support sustainable tourism and conservation efforts, specifically focusing on the endangered red panda and its fragile habitat.
Manav Khanduja, Co-Founder of Pugdundee Safaris, emphasized the initiative’s goal to generate high-value tourism while involving local communities as true partners in conservation. The homestay has eliminated single-use plastics and packaged foods to promote sustainability.
Accessible via Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, India, or Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal, the site offers proximity to Singalila National Park’s breathtaking landscapes, which include rhododendron and oak forests, misty valleys, and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks such as Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest. The park is home to numerous endangered species, including red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and clouded leopards.
With Red Panda Outpost, Pugdundee Safaris expands its footprint into the Eastern Himalayas, providing travelers an opportunity to explore a delicate ecosystem while supporting wildlife conservation and local communities.
