Bangladesh
Bangladesh Discovery Tour

On arrival in Dhaka, transfer to the hotel. Time permitting, explore Dhaka and get to grips with this vibrant city. No meals nor guided arrangements are included today. Overnight at Sky City Hotel, or similar.

Today we spend time in the city. Dhaka doesn’t have the obvious headline sights found in other regional capitals. However, the country’s low level of tourism adds an unaffected aspect to any sightseeing exploration, and indeed you may end up becoming ‘the sight’ yourself. Highlights include the Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace), the intestinal alleys of 400-year-old Shakhari Bazar (Hindu Street), Dhakeshwari Temple, the historic Armenian church and the Star Mosque. Overnight at Sky City Hotel, or similar. (BL)

Early this morning we travel out of Dhaka, through rural Bangladesh, to the Bogra district. On the way we visit the small market town of Dhamrai, famous for fine pottery, brass casting and other traditional crafts still practiced today. We visit a family involved in casting brass, through several generations, for over 200 years. We expect to arrive in Bogra the afternoon, and will visit the archaeological site of Mahastangarh, a significant Buddhist monastery dating from the 3rd century BC. Overnight at Momo Inn, or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: six-hours)

After breakfast we will drive to Sariakandi to visit the Chars of the Jamuna River. We take a boat along the Jamuna River and see how river erosion and flooding affect the lives of local people. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Bogra. Overnight at Momo Inn, or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

After breakfast we drive to Paharpur and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Somapura Mahavihara. This famous Buddhist complex, dating from the 8^th century AD, is the most impressive archaeological site in Bangladesh. Later, we visit the Hindu terracotta temples in Rajshahi. Overnight at Hotel Nice or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: two-and-three-quarter-hours)

Train travel makes a welcome change from Bangladesh’s unpredictable road conditions, and generally offers a comfortable and relaxed way to travel, and to interact with other passengers. The early morning express to Khulna arrives mid-afternoon, allowing time to transfer by road the remaining few kilometres to Mongla where you’ll meet your Sundarban boat. Overnight on board. (BLD)

Please note: Accommodation on the boat is very basic. Facilities are shared and cabins are small. However, the boat is clean, safe and functional, and local crew to prepare meals delicious meals on an open area of the deck.

(Approximate journey time:  Train – six-hours, approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

Spend a full day exploring the Sundarbans by boat. This is the planet’s largest mangrove forest, the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger and many other mammals and birds. You cruise both of the larger rivers and are able to enter smaller canals for maximum opportunities to see wildlife. You will also be able to go ashore to walk through and experience the forest first-hand. Overnight on board. (BLD)

This morning is spent in the Sundarbans as you proceed north to the Pashur river, arriving back at the port in Mongla. After lunch we will disembark and drive to Khulna, stopping off to visit Shat Gombuj Masjid, the famous ‘60 dome mosque’ (which actually has 77 domes) forming part of  Bagerhat’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at the City Inn, Khulna. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

In the morning we aim to witness the remarkable practice of otter fishing. At a nearby village we meet the local otter fishermen. This is one of the last places in Bangladesh where otters are trained to round-up fish, much as shepherds use dogs to round-up sheep. We’ll talk with the fishermen, learn about the challenges they face, and observe the otters in action. In the afternoon we’ll continue by road to Jessore, later catching a short domestic flight to Dhaka. Overnight at Sky City Hotel, or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours – Approximate flight time: one hour)

Early this morning we drive to Sylhet, north east of Dhaka, and endowed with a much more relaxed atmosphere than the capital. We’ll take a short tour of the city in the afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Grand Mostafa, or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: six-hours)

Today we drive to Jaflong, close to the Indian border and one of the most scenic areas in Bangladesh. Here we see how local people collect stone, a rare commodity in Bangladesh. We visit a village on the river’s far shore and meet Khasia tribal people, observing their daily lives. It’s a great chance to see a different side of Bangladeshi life, and a superb opportunity for photography. Later, we return to Sylhet and visit the shrine of the revered Sufi Muslim saint, Hazrat Shah Jalal. Overnight at Hotel Grand Mostafa, or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)

A morning drive to Srimongal. We spend two days exploring the area around Srimongal, perhaps the most beautiful region of the country. We hike in the Lawachara Forest Reserve, with its numerous species of birds and primates including the extremely rare Hoolock gibbon, which we hope to spot. We also take a boat trip in the Hail Haor wetland sanctuary, locally renowned for its water birds. Other visits include the charming tea plantations and villages of the Monipuri tribal people for an insight into their daily lives. Overnights at Balishira Resort or similar. (BL)

(Approximate driving time: two-and-a-half-hours)

Please note: Walking in the Lawachara Forest Reserve requires sturdy footwear and it’s advisable to wear long socks and long trousers.

Today we drive to Dhaka. If time permits, we can stop to see Zamdani Sharee Palli (Sharee is traditional woman’s clothing in Bangladesh), and see how this is made. Upon arrival in Dhaka we transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at Sky City Hotel or similar. (B)

(Approximate driving time: four-and-a-half-hours)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for onward flights. (B)