Bangladesh
Bangladesh Discovery Tour – a 15 day Small Group Tour from £2825 per person.
Bangladesh is a young country, independent since 1971, and a place that generally only makes the headlines through an apparent affinity for natural disaster.
That said, behind the easy preconceptions lies a fascinating south Asian state whose people, landscapes and wildlife provide a perhaps unexpectedly rich experience for visitors.
Certainly, it’s intense, and there’s no doubt that sights, sounds and smells… can be overpowering. If Center Parcs was your last trip, you’ll be in for a shock. However, as visitor numbers remain low, Bangladesh maintains an honest authenticity that’s often hard to find.
It’s incredible. Go now.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Dhaka
On arrival in Dhaka, transfer to hotel accommodation. Time permitting, attempt to get to grips with this seething, populous south Asian capital. It’s a tall order. Overnight at Asia Hotel or similar.
Day 2 - Dhaka
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 Asia Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 3 – Dhaka – Bogra
(Approximate driving time: six-hours)
Early this morning we travel out of Dhaka, through rural Bangladesh, to the Bogra district. We expect to arrive in the afternoon, and will visit the archaeological site of Mahastangarh, a significant Buddhist monastery dating from the 3rd century BC. Overnight at Hotel Naz Garden or similar. (BL)
Day 4 – The Chars of the Jamuna River
(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)
After breakfast we drive to Sariakandi and visit the chars (low-lying islands) of the Jamuna River. We take a boat along the river to see how erosion and flooding affect the lives of local people. In the late afternoon we will drive back to Bogra. Overnight at Hotel Naz Garden or similar. (BL)
Day 5 – Paharpur – Rajshahi
(Approximate driving time: two-and-three-quarter-hours)
After breakfast we drive to Paharpur and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Somapura Mahavihara. This famous Buddhist complex, dating from the 8th 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)
Day 6 – Train to Khulna - Mongla
(Approximate journey time: Train – six-hours, approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-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.
Day 7 - Sundarbans
The Sundarbans are the planet’s largest mangrove forest, home to Royal Bengal tigers, many other mammals and a rich birdlife. You’ll explore both larger rivers and enter smaller canals for maximum wildlife viewing opportunities. The Sundarbans are very difficult to negotiate on land. However, there are some areas where you’ll tie up and walk through the mangroves to experience the forest first-hand. Overnight on board. (BLD)
Day 8 – Sundarbans and Mongla – Khulna
(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)
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)
Day 9 - Otter fishing village – Jessore - Dhaka
(Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours – Approximate flight time: one hour)
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 Afford Inn or similar. (BL)
Day 10 – Dhaka - Sylhet
(Approximate driving time: six-hours)
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 Metro International or similar. (BL)
Day 11 – Sylhet - Jaflong
(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-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 Metro International or similar. (BL)
Days 12-13 – Jaflong - Srimongal
(Approximate driving time: two-and-a-half-hours)
After a morning drive to Srimongal we spend two days exploring the surrounding are, perhaps the country’s most beautiful region. We hike in the Lawachara Forest Reserve where wildlife highlights include the extremely rare Hoolock gibbon, and a rich avian population. Later we take a boat trip in Hail Haor wetland sanctuary, renowned for its water birds. Other visits include nearby tea plantations, and the villages of the Monipuri tribal people. Overnight at Nishorgo Eco Resort or similar. (BL)
Please note: Walking in the Lawachara Forest Reserve requires sturdy footwear and it’s advisable to wear long socks and long trousers.
Nishorgo Eco Resort is locally owned and managed accommodation on the edge of the Lawachara Forest. The rooms are simple, either bamboo huts on stilts or mud-walled rooms, with bathrooms and a fan but no air-conditioning. The accommodation is basic but full of character. However, if you wish to upgrade, nearby The Grand Sultan Tea Resort provides 4-star international standard hotel rooms. Upgrades start from £170 per room, per night. Contact us for details.
Day 14 – Srimongal - Dhaka
(Approximate driving time: four-and-a-half-hours)
Today we drive to Dhaka, stopping at 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. Finally, we return to Dhaka and check-in to our hotel. Overnight at Rosewood Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 15 - Dhaka
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for onward flights. (B)
Dates & Price.
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Tour CodeStartEndTrip StatusPricing
Tour Notes
Provisional Tour Dates 2022
Please note that the dates for 2022 tours are still provisional and many vary by a day or two, depending on national rail and flight schedules.
Minimum Group Size
This group tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 travellers.
Flights
Return flights from London to Dhaka start at £550. Contact us for a quotation.
Single Supplement
Single Supplement from £295 in 2019 and £325 in 2020.
Please note that single cabins cannot be guaranteed on the boat trip in the Sundarbans, even with the single supplement payment.
Bangladesh Discovery Private tour
If you do not wish to be part of a group tour then you can do the same tour on a private basis. Please contact us for prices.
Kindly note that we can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements. Please get in touch with Rhia so we can tailor your perfect Bangladesh tour.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodation
- Services of English speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Drinks