Ilam, March 21, 2026 - A Red Panda Festival is set to be organized in Kalpokhari, a northeastern border region of Ilam, aiming to strengthen conservation awareness and promote sustainable tourism centered around one of the world’s rarest wildlife species-the red panda.
The festival, scheduled from Chaitra 20 to 23, will take place in the Sandakpur Rural Municipality area, which has long been recognized as an important habitat for red pandas. Key locations within this region-including Jamuna, Hangetham, Choyatar Community Forest, Sandakpur, Goruwale, Jaubari, Thumke, and Kalpokhari-are known to support the presence of this endangered species.
The area’s ecological connectivity with India’s Singalila National Park, located at a similar altitude, further enhances its significance. Conservationists have observed that red pandas frequently move across this transboundary landscape, highlighting the need for coordinated conservation efforts.
According to Sanam Rai, Coordinator of the Festival Organizing Committee, this year’s event will focus on Kalpokhari as the central venue. He stated that the festival aims not only to raise awareness about red panda conservation but also to attract more tourists-particularly from India’s West Bengal-into Nepal through sustainable tourism initiatives.
The festival will feature guided eco-tours to red panda habitats, visits to the popular tourist destination Sandakpur, and interactive sessions showcasing the lifestyle and culture of local indigenous communities. In addition, discussions and forums will be organised on themes such as wildlife conservation, eco-tourism development, and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Sandakpur and Kalpokhari have already emerged as attractive destinations for Indian tourists, many of whom currently access the region via Indian routes. Organizers are encouraging visitors to instead enter through Nepal, using routes such as Kakarbhitta in Jhapa or Pashupatinagar in Ilam, thereby contributing directly to Nepal’s local economy.
The travel route on the Nepal side offers diverse natural attractions, including Ilam Bazaar, Maipokhari, Todke Waterfall, Mabu, Jamuna’s Dhap Pokhari, and Choyatar Community Forest. The development of a dedicated Red Panda Trail has further enhanced the area’s appeal for eco-tourism and wildlife observation.
The festival is being promoted with support from the Nepal Tourism Board, Koshi Province Tourism Office Jhapa, Kecana-Kanchanjunga Tourism Development Committee, and conservation organizations such as the Red Panda Network.
As Nepal continues to balance biodiversity conservation with tourism development, initiatives like the Red Panda Festival reflect growing efforts to integrate environmental awareness with community-based economic opportunities.
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