Dates: April 12 – 16, 2025
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Number of Participants: 6 – 12
Cost per Person:– 1 550 USD with 11 – 12 participants, or
– 1 750 USD with 9 – 10 participants, or
– 1 950 USD with 6 – 8 participants.
Early Booking Discount: 10% (for bookings made by December 11, 2024)All-inclusive, except for:– International flight to and from Dhaka
– Visa for Bangladesh (available on arrival for Russian citizens, costing 51 USD)
– Medical insurance.
Estimated cost of flights from Moscow to Dhaka and back: 800 – 900 USD.Estimated cost of flights from Dubai/Sharjah to Dhaka and back: 400 – 500 USD.Single Supplement: $180 (available throughout the itinerary, except for accommodations on the boat; single accommodation on the boat will be provided if available)TRAVEL PROGRAM: Tour in BangladeshDay 1. April 12, 2025. Arrival in DhakaArrival in Dhaka and transfer to the Nascent Gardenia Residence hotel. Dinner.
Meals included: DinnerAccommodation included: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotel* Recommended flights to Dhaka:– Air Arabia flight G9-514, departing Sharjah at 9:00 am on 12 April, arriving in Dhaka at 3:50 pm on 12 April, or– IndiGo flight 6E-1105, departing Kolkata at 3:50 pm on 12 April, arriving in Dhaka at 5:15 pm on 12 April, or– IndiGo flight 6E-1103, departing Delhi at 12:35 pm on 12 April, arriving in Dhaka at 3:25 pm,– any other flight from any city arriving in Dhaka at any time on 12 April.** Recommended flights from Paro, Bhutan to Dhaka, Bangladesh, for those flying from Bhutan to Bangladesh:– Bhutan Airlines flight B3 520 to Kolkata, departing Paro on 12 April at 10:35 am, arriving Kolkata at 11:15 am, re-checking in for onward flight with IndiGo Airlines flight 6E 1105, departing Kolkata at 3:50 pm, arriving Dhaka at 5:15 pm, or– Bhutan Airlines flight B3 522 to Delhi, departing Paro on 12 April at 10:50 am, arriving Delhi at 01:40 pm, re-checking in for onward flight with Air India flight AI 237, departing Delhi at 5:00 pm, arriving Dhaka at 8:00 pm. Day 2. April 13, 2025. Old Dhaka and Shipyard After breakfast, we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. During the walk, we will visit Kawran Bazar—one of the largest markets for vegetables, fruits, and fish in Dhaka. Here, we will witness the daily life of the market located near the railway tracks. Next, we will stop at the National Parliament Building and then head to charming Old Dhaka. We will stroll through colorful alleys and market streets to observe the local way of life. Afterward, we will pass through the Sadarghat boat terminal and cross the river to the shipyard on a rowing boat. After exploring the ship repair and recycling yard, we will return by boat to Sadarghat and head to the Armenian Church and Star Mosque. After lunch, we will visit Lalbagh Fort and then explore the Dakeshwari Temple and Curzon Hall.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotelDay 3. April 14, 2025. Bengali New Year Mangal Shovajatra and SonargaonThis morning, we will celebrate the Bengali New Year. After an early breakfast, we will head to Dhaka University to witness Mangal Shovajatra. Mangal Shovajatra is a massive procession that takes place at dawn on the first day of the Bengali New Year. Every year, thousands of people participate in the procession, carrying giant displays depicting birds, fish, animals, folk heroes, and more. The procession symbolizes unity, peace, and the banishment of evil.
Next, we will travel to the former capital of Bengal, the city of Sonargaon. Here, we will visit Goaldi, a tiny mosque dating back to the early 16th century. Then, we will explore the Museum of Folk Art and Crafts of Sonargaon and Sardar Bari. Afterward, we will visit the ancient town of Panam Nagar, abandoned in the 19th century. Following our visit to Panam Nagar, we will head to the Meghna River, where we will board a local boat to reach one of the river islands to experience simple rural life and meet the local residents.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotelDay 4. April 15, 2025. Brass Craftsmen and Charak Puja FestivalAfter breakfast, we will travel to Dhamrai to visit the famous brass craftsmen. The techniques used by the artisans in this village have remained unchanged since the Pala Dynasty in the 7th century AD.
Next, we will experience the highlight of our expedition—Charak Puja. This is one of the most significant folk festivals for Hindus in Bangladesh. A distinctive feature of Charak Puja is the suspension of a devotee from a hook in their back while on a rotating pole. The devotee spins along with the pole, and when the cycle ends, any blood or wounds on their back vanish.
Today, we will witness the culmination of Charak Puja, which is preceded by 15 days of preparation. Organizers travel from neighborhood to neighborhood singing mantras dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, collecting donations for the puja: rice, dal (lentils), money, and magan (alms). Countless children, women, and men, regardless of caste or religion, gather to enjoy this celebration.
In the evening, we will return to Dhaka.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotelDay 5. April 15, 2025. Departure FlightFree time and transfer to the airport.
Meals included: BreakfastAccommodation: None*Recommended flights from Dhaka:– Air Arabia flight G9-513 to Sharjah, departing Dhaka on 16 April at 8:55am, arriving in Sharjah at 11:55am,– Air Arabia flight G9-515 to Sharjah, departing Dhaka on 16 April at 4:40pm, arriving in Sharjah at 7:40pm,
– any other flight from Dhaka at any time on 16 April.
**Please note, the order of the program may change while ensuring all major activities are preserved. If certain visits and/or activities cannot be carried out due to external conditions, they will be replaced whenever possible.