Bangladesh
Bangladesh Discovery Tour – a 15 day Small Group Tour.
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.
- Fitness
- Off the beaten track
- Culture
- History
- Wildlife
Tour pace
Busy
Tour style
Pioneer
Relaxed Pace
Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.
Moderate Pace
Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.
Busy Pace
A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.
Pioneer Class Tours
On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.
Traveller Class Tours
Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Dhaka
On arrival in Dhaka transfer to the hotel. Time permitting, explore Dhaka and get to grips with this vibrant city. No meals or guided arrangements are included today. Overnight at Sky City Hotel or similar.
Day 2 - Dhaka
Today we have a Dhaka city sightseeing tour. Places of interest include the Ahsan Manzil (the pink palace), Shakari Bazar (Hindu Street), Dhakeshwari Temple, Armenian church and the Star Mosque. Overnight at Sky City Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 3 – Dhaka – Bogra
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 in 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)
Day 4 – The Chars of the Jamuna River
After breakfast we 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 drive back to Bogra. Overnight at Momo Inn or similar. (BL)
(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)
Day 5 – Paharpur – Rajshahi
Today we will drive to Paharpur to visit this famous Buddhist world heritage site. This is the most impressive archaeological site in Bangladesh and it dates from the 8th century AD. Later in the day we will visit the Hindu Terracotta temples in Rajshahi. Overnight at Parjatan Motel or similar. (BL)
(Approximate driving time: two-and-three-quarter-hours)
Day 6 - Rajshahi to Jessore, Visit Otter fishing village
Early morning travel to Jessore by train. This is a very nice journey that lets you experience the different geography of Bangladesh, Arrive Jessore around 11:30 Am then drive to Otter fishing village to Narail. Meet the local Otter Fishermen and see how the local people are catching fishes with otters. Late afternoon drive to Khulna. Overnight at City Inn or similar, Khulna (BL)
Days 7-8 - Explore Sundarbans
After breakfast we drive to Mongla, en route visit the famous sixty domed Mosque in Bagerhat. In the early afternoon we will disembark our Sundarban boat in Mongla. 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 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)
*Please note that accommodation on the river boat is very basic. Facilities are shared and cabins are small. The boat is safe and functional with a local crew to prepare meals, often in a small open area on the boat.
Day 9 - Sundarbans & Fly Dhaka
A morning in the Sundarbans and we proceed north to the Pashur river and arrive back at the port in Mongla. After lunch we will disembark our boat and drive to Jessore airport to fly Dhaka. Overnight at Marino Royal Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 10 – Dhaka - Sylhet
Early this morning we drive to Sylhet, north east of Dhaka, which has a much more relaxed atmosphere than the capital. We will take a short city tour to explore this afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Grand Mostafa or similar. (BL)
(Approximate driving time: six-hours)
Day 11 – Excursion to Jaflong
Today drive to Jaflong, one of the most scenic areas in Bangladesh, close to the Indian border. Here we can see how the local people are collecting stone, with great opportunities to see a different side of Bangladeshi life and superb chances for photography. Visit the village across the river to meet Khasia tribal people and see their daily lifestyle. Return to Sylhet and visit the shrine of the great saint Hazrat Shah Jalal. Return to Sylhet for the night. Overnight at Hotel Grand Mostafa or similar. (BL)
(Approximate driving time: one-and-a-half-hours)
Days 12-13 – Srimongal
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.
Day 14 – Srimongal - Dhaka
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)
Day 15 - Dhaka Departure
Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
Provisional Tour Dates
Please note that the dates for 2022 and 2023 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
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.
Kindly note that we can also tailor a similar or totally different itinerary to meet your requirements.
Please contact us for a quote.
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
- Tips (Discretionary)
- Items of personal nature
Read more about Bangladesh and our other tours
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