Bear Watching Expeditions

Tracking Asia’s Wild Bears, One Forest At A Time

From dry Central Indian forests to the icy edges of Ladakh, Asia is home to a remarkable diversity of bear species. Each has its own habitat, behaviour, and challenge to spot. Our expeditions focus on ethical tracking of Sloth Bears, Himalayan Black Bears, Himalayan Brown Bears, and the elusive Sun Bear of Borneo. The best time varies by region, and sightings depend heavily on season, terrain, and expertise. Entry points range from Nagpur and Srinagar in India to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo. These trips offer a deeper understanding of these charismatic animals—and the landscapes they call home.

At A Glance
Nearest Airports
Nagpur, Bhopal, Srinagar, Leh, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)
Best Time
Varies by species & habitat
Habitats
Dry Deciduous Forests, Temperate Broadleaf, Alpine Meadows, Tropical Rainforests
Min Recommended Stay
04–06 Days
Main Destinations
Satpura/Tadoba (Sloth Bear), Dachigam (Black Bear), Kargil–Drass (Brown Bear), Borneo (Sun Bear)

These are the most reliable places to encounter Asia’s wild bears. Each requires patience, timing, and a love for remote, rugged terrain.

Places to Go:

1
Satpura / Tadoba – Sloth Bear (300–1,200 m; dry deciduous forest): Best chance in India to see sloth bears wild—often seen on night drives, termite mounds, or crossing dry nullahs. 
2
Dachigam & Srinagar Forests – Himalayan Black Bear (~1,800–2,800 m; temperate oak & pine): Elusive but regularly seen in apple orchards, scrub forests, and national parks in the Kashmir Valley.. 
3
Kargil & Drass – Himalayan Brown Bear (~3,200–4,000 m; alpine scrub & meadows): Extremely limited range in India; high-altitude treks in spring/early summer offer the rare chance of a sighting.. 
4
Borneo Rainforests – Sun Bear (~100–1,200 m; lowland dipterocarp forest): The rarest to see in the wild—found in dense rainforest; occasional sightings near research zones in Sabah or Danum Valley.. 

Suggested Itineraries

Safari, Wildlife, Exploration Privately Guided

A Sabah Safari

13 nights, 14 days

Spot orangutans and pygmy elephants in Danum Valley

Explore the untouched rainforests of Maliau Basin

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Special Interest, Wildlife, Exploration Privately Guided

Asia’s Bear Odyssey

11 nights, 10 days

Track Sloth Bears, Himalayan Black Bears, Himalayan Brown Bears, and the elusive Sun Bear across diverse habitats from India’s forests to Borneo’s jungles.

From teak forests and alpine valleys to equatorial rainforests, every terrain reveals a different bear realm.

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History, Art, Exploration Privately Guided

Western Himalayas

11 nights, 12 days

Ride the Toy Train to colonial Simla

Visit the serene Golden Temple in Amritsar

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