Expedition to the breathtaking festival of pain Charak Puja, for the Bengali New Year, and to the ancient capital of Sonargaon
BANGLADESH

April 12 – 16, 2026
Bangladesh
tour to bangladesh

Expedition to Bengal, tour to bangladesh dhaka charak puja festival, bengal new year

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.
Photos: Anna Rybkina
SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates: April 12 – 16, 2026

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Number of participants: 6 – 12

Cost per person:
  • 1 790 USD for 12 participants,
  • 1 950 USD for 10 – 11 participants,
  • 2 050 USD for 8 – 9 participants,
  • 2 190 USD for 6 – 7 participants.

10% early booking discount (in case of booking before October 12, 2025)

Everything is included, 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 accommodation: 430 USD (available throughout the itinerary)


TRAVEL PROGRAM: Tour to Bangladesh

Day 1. April 12, 2026 (Sunday). ARRIVAL IN DHAKA

Arrival in Dhaka and transfer to the The Way Dhaka 4* hotel. Dinner.

Meals included: dinner
Accommodation included: The Way Dhaka 4* 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,
– ⁠IndiGo flight 6E-1105, departing Kolkata at 3:50 pm on 12 April, arriving in Dhaka at 5:15 pm on 12 April,
– any other flight from any city arriving in Dhaka at any time on 12 April.


Day 2. April 13, 2026 (Monday). 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 included: The Way Dhaka 4* hotel


Day 3. April 14, 2026 (Tuesday). 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 included: The Way Dhaka 4* hotel


Day 4. April 15, 2026 (Wednesday). 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 included: The Way Dhaka 4* hotel


Day 5. April 15, 2026 (Thursday). RETURN FLIGHT

Free time and transfer to the airport.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

*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,
– 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.
Cost includes:
  • Accommodation in 4* hotel based on twin/double rooms
  • 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
  • English-speaking local guide throughout the itinerary
  • Russian-speaking and English-speaking team leader

Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):

  • International flight to and from Dhaka
  • 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 accommodation

To take with:

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