Dates: April 12 – 16, 2025
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Number of Participants: 6 – 12
Cost per Person:
– $1,550 with 11 – 12 participants, or
– $1,750 with 9 – 10 participants, or
– $1,950 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)
– Medical insurance.
Estimated cost of flights from Moscow to Dhaka and back: $800 – $900.
Estimated cost of flights from Dubai/Sharjah to Dhaka and back: $400 – $500.
Single Supplement: $180 (available throughout the itinerary, except for accommodations on the boat; single accommodation on the boat will be provided if available)
TRAVEL ITINERARY: Tour in Bangladesh
Day 1. April 12, 2025. Arrival in Dhaka
Arrival in Dhaka and transfer to the Nascent Gardenia Residence hotel. Dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation included: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotel
*Recommended flights to Dhaka:
– Air Arabia, flight G9‑514, departing Sharjah at 9:00 AM on April 12, arriving in Dhaka at 3:50 PM on April 12, or
– IndiGo, flight 6E‑1105, departing Kolkata at 2:50 PM on April 12, arriving in Dhaka at 4:15 PM on April 12, or
– Any other flight from any city arriving in Dhaka at any time on April 12.
**Recommended flights from Paro (Bhutan) to Dhaka (Bangladesh) for those flying from Bhutan:
– Bhutan Airlines, flight B3 700 to Kolkata, departing Paro at 10:35 AM, arriving in Kolkata at 11:15 AM; then transfer to IndiGo Airlines, flight 6E 1105, departing Kolkata at 2:50 PM, arriving in Dhaka at 4:15 PM, or
– Bhutan Airlines, flight B3 773 to Delhi, departing Paro at 10:50 AM, arriving in Delhi at 1:40 PM; then transfer to Air India, flight AI 237, departing Delhi at 5:00 PM, arriving in 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, Dinner
Accommodation: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotel
Day 3. April 14, 2025. Bengali New Year Mangal Shovajatra and Sonargaon
This 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, Dinner
Accommodation: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotel
Day 4. April 15, 2025. Brass Craftsmen and Charak Puja Festival
After 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, Dinner
Accommodation: Nascent Gardenia Residence hotel
Day 5. April 15, 2025. Departure Flight
Free time and transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
*Recommended flights from Dhaka:
– Air Arabia, flight G9‑513 to Sharjah, departing Dhaka at 8:55 AM, arriving in Sharjah at 11:55 AM, or
– Any other flight from Dhaka at any time on April 16.
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**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.