Lupine Travel

The neighbouring countries of Bhutan and Bangladesh offer a world of differences between them. Bhutan, a tiny nation wedged between China and India, has rejected most modern technologies in favour of adherence to traditional Buddhism. In contrast, the developing country of Bangladesh is a busy hub of authentic street life, with some of the friendliest locals around.

Itinerary

Day One, Feb 18 2027
Arrive into Dhaka

• Arrive in Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh.

• We will be picked up by our driver and transferred to the hotel.

• The group will meet in the evening for the first group meal in a local restaurant.
Day Two, Feb 19 2027
Sonargaon

• In the morning, we will head to Panam Nagar in the old capital, Sonargaon. Here we will visit the abandoned Panam City

• We will take a look around the local fruit and vegetable market, where there will be a chance to try some of the produce on offer.

• We visit the Folk Art and Craft Museum, which is housed in a restored palace building.

• After lunch, we will depart for our long journey to Barisal by luxury public bus.

• On arrival, we will be met by tuk-tuks, which will transfer us to our hotel

• In the evening, we will have a group dinner and enjoy traditional Bangladesh cuisine
Day Three, Feb 20 2027
Barisal River Cruise

• Today is an early start. We will drive to Banaripara to start the backwater cruise to a traditional floating market. .

• Next, we will meet the villagers and school children and take a walk around the village through their market and enjoy their everyday life.

• We will head back to the city for lunch

• In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the vibrant life of Barisal, starting with a visit to the lively local fish and vegetable market. and a wander through the busy streets, and past the many markets, tea stalls and street traders.

• After dinner in the central hub of Barisal, we will head to the ferry launch terminal for our overnight journey back to Dhaka on a large passenger ferry. We will check-in to our cabins and mingle on deck with the local people, who are also taking the overnight journey.
Day Four, Feb 21 2027
Tour of Dhaka

• We will disembark our overnight boat and enjoy breakfast in the city of Dhaka. We will walk through the streets to take a ride on a local river boat. These small, traditionally designed wooden boats, often referred to as sampans, are used for rapid transit across the river. These crossings are a part of the daily life and “river culture” of Dhaka, showcasing the bustling, dense, and often precarious nature of city life.

• Once over the river, we will tour the Dhaka Ship Breakers Yard in Keraniganj.

• After crossing back over the river by sampan, we will head to Ahsan Manzil Museum, also known as the ‘Pink Palace’.

• We will then head through the heavy traffic to our hotel and to have lunch, stopping along the way at Dhakeswari Temple.

• This afternoon, you will have free time to explore Dhaka independently. There is also the option to take an accompanied tour with our guide to visit an Armenian Church and the Star Mosque.

• This evening, we will have our last dinner in Dhaka before we head off to Bhutan in the morning.

(Sites may vary and alter according to public holidays in Bangladesh/limited opening times, etc.)
Day Five, Feb 22 2027
Travel to Bhutan

• Transfer to the airport, and off we go to the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

• Fly into Paro, Bhutan and drive to Thimphu, the capital of this tiny Buddhist nation.

• We will visit the Great Buddha Dordenma. A gigantic Buddha statue celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

• We will then check-in to our hotel for the night, and there will be free time in the afternoon/evening if you fancy a stroll to the local Craft Bazaar, which is a one-stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and artisan arts and crafts or you may want to chat with the locals over a beer in the local ‘Yak Bar’

• Overnight in Thimphu.
Day Six, Feb 23 2027
Punakha Dzong

• Bright and early, we drive through the Dochula pass and stop at Punhaka. On a clear day, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges.

• Next, we drive to Wangdue and on the way visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

• After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho Chu (male river) and the Mo chu (female river). We will also visit the massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall of all Bhutanese kings, the Dzongchung at the entrance to the dzong.

• Overnight in Punakha.
Day Seven, Feb 24 2027
Paro Tour

• In the morning, we will head back to Paro. We will visit Rinpung Dzong , which means a “fortress that sits on a heap of jewels”. This imposing dzong is located above the Paro River. Here we will visit Nyamai Zampa, the oldest traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan.

• We will enjoy a local singing and dancing cultural performance and witness the famous ‘yak dance’.

• In the evening, there is free time for you to stroll through Paro town and visit local handicraft stores.

• Overnight in Paro.
Day Eight, Feb 25 2027
Tiger’s Nest Monastery

• Time to visit the crown jewel of Bhutan: The Taktsang Monastery; also known as The Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

• Hike up the stunning trail to the viewpoint where we will stop for a rest and you can see the amazing views of the Tiger’s Nest. This monastery was built on a cliffside and is surrounded by Himalayan nature. There is no place like it. Continue the hike to the top and explore the monastery.

• After the hike head back to Paro where you will have some free time to relax.

•In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner.

• Overnight in Paro.
Day Nine, Feb 26 2027
Tour Ends

• Final day of this two-city tour.

• You can choose to book flights onwards with Druk Air to Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, or India.

Extra info

Please note, these dates are not confirmed until we have the schedule from DrukAir for the Dhaka-Paro flight.

Bhutan & Bangladesh Combo Tour
Tour Price: £1785
Deposit: £350
Single room supplement: £260

Tour Price: £1785
Talk to a travel rep
info@lupinetravel.co.uk

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