Photo expedition with a photographer to the breathtaking festival of pain Charak Puja, for the Bengali New Year, and to the ancient capital of Sonargaon

BANGLADESH

April 11 - 15, 2025
TOUR TO
Bangladesh
tour to Madagascar

Expedition to Bengal: islands of the Ganges delta, the mangrove forest of the Sundarbans and fishermen with otters

During our short but exciting expedition, we’ll witness Charak Puja, a Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva that embodies the theme of suffering.

We’ll also celebrate the Bengali New Year, experiencing the lively procession that fills the streets of Dhaka in honor of this festive occasion.

Our journey will take us to Sonargaon, the historic capital of Bengal, where we’ll navigate bustling markets that unfold right alongside the railway tracks. Additionally, we’ll delve into the maritime heritage of Dhaka with a visit to its renowned shipyard.

Experience the vibrant energy of Dhaka's bustling markets, nestled right alongside the untouched beauty of the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans. Meandering waterways and quaint villages add to the charm of this unique landscape. In the Ganges Delta, where roads are scarce, the river remains the lifeline connecting locals to the outside world, preserving a way of life that has endured for centuries.
Discover the remarkable biodiversity of this region, home to gharials and Bengal tigers. Immerse yourself in the fascinating local traditions, such as the art of fishing with trained otters.
Join us as we explore the wonders of this extraordinary place where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly.

SCHEDULE & COST:

Dates: April 11 – 15, 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 11, 2025 (Friday). 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 11, arriving in Dhaka at 3:50 PM on April 11, or
– IndiGo, flight 6E‑1105, departing Kolkata at 2:50 PM on April 11, arriving in Dhaka at 4:15 PM on April 11, or
– Any other flight from any city arriving in Dhaka at any time on April 11.


**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 12, 2025 (Saturday). 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 13, 2025 (Sunday). 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 4. April 14, 2025 (Monday). 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 5. April 15, 2025 (Tuesday). 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 15.
.

**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.

Cost includes:

  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Ground transportation: Toyota Hiace minivan with air conditioning (up to 8 participants) or Coaster bus with air conditioning (for groups of 9–12 participants)
  • Three meals a day along the route
  • Drinking water
  • Accommodation in twin rooms at hotels
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Russian-speaking and English-speaking team leader



Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):

  • International flight to and from Dhaka (estimated cost of a round-trip from Moscow to Dhaka starting at $800 USD)
  • Bangladesh visa (issued upon arrival for Russian citizens, cost: $51 USD)
  • Medical insurance
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips for the team and contributions to support local communities
  • Single room accommodation




To take with:

  • Clothing appropriate for weather conditions
  • Long-sleeved clothing
  • Insect repellent (essential!)
  • Mosquito net for sleeping (essential!)
  • Comfortable closed and open shoes
  • Headlamp
  • Large backpack (or duffel bag or small suitcase) for luggage
  • Small backpack for personal items and camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Personal first aid kit (pain relievers, antiseptics, antibiotics, personal medications)
  • Camera for photos and videos
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