Red Panda Outpost

Tucked away in the tiny Buddhist village of Jaubari near Singalila National Park, Red Panda Outpost is a remote sanctuary for those drawn to the untamed beauty of the Himalayas. Once a humble teahouse run by a local Gorkha family, it has been thoughtfully reimagined as a homestay – simple, warm, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Located at an altitude of 9,400 feet, this space was inspired by the numerous army outposts that offer warmth, comfort, camaraderie and a sense of discovery in the remotest of locations around India’s borders.

The heart of the space is the old wooden house, where guests gather around a bukhari-fire. The landscape beyond is home to one of the Eastern Himalayas’ most elusive and endangered treasures – the red panda. As dawn breaks, the forest stirs with birdsong, inviting travelers to set out on mist-laden trails in search of its rare inhabitants. And when the day winds down, the Red Panda Outpost offers the comfort of a homecoming, with hot water, electricity, and wholesome food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

As the stars come out to play, tuck into bed in one of six intimate rooms, each with an attached bathroom.