JOURNEY THROUGH BANGLADESH

• Short description
• Basic information
• Program
• More about Bangladesh
• How to join us
• Ask for more information

Short description

This program in Bangladesh is a result of my month-long trip around the country. I have carefully selected some of the most exciting places that showcase the authentic beauty of this country. While Bangladesh may not have many globally or locally renowned landmarks or monuments, the entire country itself is a significant landmark. Travelers come to Bangladesh for the authenticity that still exists in most parts of the country.

We will start the trip in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. In the city, we will make a special visit to Sadarghat, one of the world's largest river ports. We will explore the old city and the Hindu quarter, where the Hindu population is concentrated in a predominantly Muslim Dhaka. To observe traditional shipbuilding, we will take a boat to the shipyard on the other side of the Buriganga River.

We will explore the Barisal area, venturing beyond the city into the countryside. We'll take boat rides through numerous canals, visit fishing villages, and immerse ourselves in the extraordinary Bengali nature. Afterward, we'll return to Dhaka and travel by van to Srimangal, Bangladesh's tea capital. For those interested, we can arrange an optional overnight boat trip back to Dhaka.

In Srimangal, we'll discover the tea plantations and visit villages of the Tripura, Garo, and Khasi tribes. Here, we'll glimpse an authentic culture that has preserved its centuries-old traditions. We'll also visit a rainforest reserve known for its Hoolock gibbon monkeys.

Our journey continues aboard the first-class Paharika Express train from Srimangal to Chittagong. In this bustling port city, we'll explore the vibrant fish market and observe ships on the Karnaphuli River, among other fascinating sites. Our next stop is Rangamati, where we'll experience the floating markets on Kaptai Lake. Finally, we'll take a domestic flight back to Dhaka before departing for Sofia.

Throughout our trip, we'll stay in comfortable 4- and 5-star hotels (with one 3-star exception). Our diverse modes of transportation will include bus, train, boats, an optional ship journey, and a domestic flight.

All photos and videos featured are from my personal visit to Bangladesh.

Basic information

This program offers an overview of the key aspects of the trip. If you require customized solutions based on your specific case and circumstances, please contact us via email. We can arrange flight tickets from any location worldwide to the trip's starting point. Furthermore, we can handle hotel transfers and any necessary documents. Our team will provide assistance throughout the entire organization process. Feel free to reach out to us without hesitation via email!

Program

Day 1 Departure from Your Home

We'll arrange your tickets from wherever you wish to depart. Please contact us for more information.

Day 2 Arrival in Dhaka

This morning, we'll arrive in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital. The group will fly from Istanbul airport. For those with different flights, we'll arrange individual transfers to the hotel. Our first group meeting will take place at the hotel in Dhaka (or at Istanbul airport if everyone joins there). We'll discuss the upcoming trip, provide instructions, and answer any questions. More details about the hotel, meeting time, and location will follow.

Today, we'll explore Old Dhaka, home to the city's most impressive and exciting buildings. We'll wander through Hindu Street, the vibrant heart of the city's Hindu community.

In the afternoon, we'll visit Sadarghat, one of the world's most impressive river ports and Dhaka's main attraction. We'll spend ample time there, soaking in the spectacle of thousands of boats and ships, and the lively commotion of people coming and going. We'll also take a boat ride to some local shipyards, getting a close-up view of traditional boat-building techniques. We'll spend the night in Dhaka.

Day 3 Transfer to Barisal

After breakfast, we'll embark on a four-hour journey to Barisal. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, we'll explore the city on foot, visiting the bustling port and taking scenic boat rides through the city's intricate network of canals. Our tour will include visits to unique stilt houses and other notable areas. We'll spend the night at the Hotel Grandpark - a 4-star establishment renowned as the finest in Barisal.

Day 4 Villages around Barisal

Today, we'll once again immerse ourselves in Bangladesh's rural life. We'll head to the port of Banoripara, where we'll board boats to explore the area. The region surrounding Barisal is crisscrossed by numerous canals, with villages dotting their shores. Late in the afternoon, we'll travel to Dhaka, where we'll stay at our 4-star Sarina Hotel.

Note: If the group wishes, we can arrange an overnight ship journey back to Dhaka along the river. This trip lasts all night, with sleeping accommodations in ship cabins. While the conditions can't compare to those of a 4-star hotel, the experience is truly worthwhile. We'll only opt for this if everyone in the group agrees.

Day 5 From Dhaka to Srimangal

Today, we'll journey by minibus to Srimangal, Bangladesh's tea capital, situated approximately 4–5 hours from Dhaka.

We'll spend the afternoon exploring the region's world-famous tea plantations. Our visit will include several estates, where we'll gain insight into the entire tea production process. We'll spend the night at the luxurious 5-star Grand Sultan Golf and Resort in Srimangal.

Day 6 The Local Tripura, Garo, and Khasi Tribes

This day is dedicated to exploring the local Tripura, Garo, and Khasi tribes. We'll visit their villages to learn about their traditions and customs. Our journey includes a light trek through the jungle between villages, where we'll discover the fascinating traditions of betel cultivation. We'll spend the night in Srimangal at the luxurious Grand Sultan Golf and Resort (5 stars).

Day 7 Tropical Forest and Express Train to Chittagong

Early this morning, we'll explore a tropical forest reserve, home to the fascinating Hoolock gibbon monkeys (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoolock_gibbon). After returning to the hotel for a brief rest, we'll board the first-class Paharika Express to Chittagong. This scenic seven-hour journey will bring us to Bangladesh's second-largest city by evening. We'll spend the night at the 4-star Hotel Agrabad (or similar accommodation).

Day 8 Chittagong and Rangamati

We'll start early with a visit to the bustling fish market. Our day includes a walk to the Karnaphuli River, where we'll observe parked ships and possibly a shipyard constructing new wooden vessels. Chittagong's intensity promises a day filled with diverse sights. By evening, we'll arrive in Rangamati. We'll spend the night at the Porzoton Holiday complex hotel (3 stars).

Day 9 Kaptai Lake; Dhaka

After breakfast, we'll embark on a boat ride on Kaptai Lake—a vast and picturesque water reservoir dotted with floating markets and other fascinating sights. In the afternoon, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Dhaka. We'll spend the night at our comfortable 4-star Sarina Hotel in Dhaka.

Day 10 Flight to Sofia

This morning is the flight to Istanbul.

My stories from Bangladesh

More about Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a captivating travel destination, particularly for those who venture off the beaten path. With tourists still a rarity, it's an ideal spot for adventurous travelers and photographers alike.

The country's greatest asset is undoubtedly its people. During my month-long journey, I was continually amazed by their genuine friendliness and curiosity. The simplicity of their daily lives, coupled with their eagerness to connect with the wider world, was truly inspiring. Their willingness to be photographed was a photographer's dream.

Visitors quickly become the center of attention wherever they go. People gather around, their eyes filled with curiosity—not aggression. Embracing this interest is key to a rewarding experience.

While poverty, slums, and deprivation are undeniable realities in developing countries like Bangladesh, the resilience of its people—especially the children—is remarkable. Despite obvious hardships, smiles are abundant.

The crime rate in Bangladesh is comparable to other countries, primarily involving household and street crime. The relatively low level of petty and domestic crime shouldn't deter you from visiting.

Occasionally, the country experiences strikes or "hartals," typically during elections or other political events. These can disrupt public transport, close banks and offices, and temporarily affect urban infrastructure. However, such strikes are usually announced well in advance and can be easily avoided with proper planning.

How to join us

Please email us for more information about this trip or to sign up. We'll respond promptly and keep you updated on all organizational details. If you're a group of 5–8 people, we can discuss dates that suit you. You can also join the list for future trips—just send us your names. It's that simple!

Ask for more information

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