The third edition of the Red Panda Festival is set to be held in Sandakpur rural municipality, Ilam, one of eastern Nepal’s tourist destinations, with expectations that it will significantly contribute to both wildlife conservation and tourism promotion.

The festival will take place from April 2 to April 5, focusing on raising awareness about the conservation of the endangered red panda while promoting the region as an eco-tourism hub, organisers said on Monday.

Hosted by Sandakpur rural municipality, the event will centre on the “Red Panda Trail,” a trekking route designed to combine nature, biodiversity and adventure tourism.

The 40-kilometre trail connects various tourism sites from Maipokhari in Ilam to Jaubari, offering visitors opportunities to observe red pandas, diverse wildlife, bird species and rich biodiversity along the route.

During the festival, visitors will be able to witness sunrise and sunset views from Sandakpur hill, enjoy panoramic Himalayan vistas, take part in jungle safaris, and experience local culture and cuisine, according to the organiser.

The festival will also include visits to ecologically significant areas such as Maipokhari, a Ramsar-listed wetland, along with birdwatching and botanical exploration activities.

Organisers expect around 10,000 visitors—both domestic and international—during the festival. Given Sandakpur’s proximity to the Indian border, a notable influx of Indian tourists is also anticipated.

Previous editions of the Red Panda Festival have helped expand local tourism businesses, generate employment and raise awareness about environmental conservation, according to organisers. The rural municipality plans to continue the festival in the coming years.

With its natural beauty, Himalayan views, biodiversity and cultural heritage, the Sandakpur region is being promoted as a potential international tourism destination, with the festival serving as a key platform to showcase its appeal.