Best of Bangladesh and Bhutan: A 13-day South Asian Journey

Day 1. Arrive in Dhaka
Arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh's lively capital and economic hub. Transfer to our hotel, check in, and spend the remaining day resting and unwinding as we prepare to cross the country from the Bay of Bengal toward the high Himalayas. -/-/-

Day 2. Dhaka - Chittagong
Early in the morning, escort to the station to board the Shonar Bangla Express train to Chittagong (approx. 7 hours). After hotel check-in, we will spend the afternoon taking in Chittagong’s historical landmarks. The first one is the Shrine of Bayezid Bostami, a famous holy complex, Bangladesh, dedicated to a revered 9th-century Persian Sufi mystic. It features a historic Mughal-era mosque at the base of a hill and a large sacred pond inhabited by rare Black Soft-shell Turtles. Local legend says these critically endangered turtles were originally spirits transformed into animals by the saint, and visitors frequently feed them for good luck and blessings. The next one is the vibrant Fishing Waterfront, a bustling riverside market along the Karnaphuli River. It offers an authentic look at local life as colorful wooden trawlers unload their daily catches of sea fish amidst high-energy auctions, busy vendors, and crowded docks. The last two are the post-WWII Chittagong World War Cemetery, and the historic 1924 Catholic Church in Pahartali. After the visit, we will go back to the hotel. B/-/-

Day 3. Chittagong - Kumira - Rangamati
In the morning, we will embark on a boat tour at Kumira to view the world-famous Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard. Stretching along an 18-kilometer coastal strip in Sitakunda, it is one of the largest ship-recycling sites in the world, where massive decommissioned ocean vessels are dismantled by hand to supply roughly half of Bangladesh's domestic steel. We continue by road into the Chittagong Hill Tracts to Rangamati. After checking in, visit the local Tribal Market to observe indigenous mountain cultures and admire the views from the town's Iconic Hanging Bridge. B/-/-

Day 4. Sightseeing tour to Kaptai Lake
After breakfast, we will get on a boat cruise across Kaptai Lake, the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh. Glide past scenic forested hills to discover key waterside highlights: the Bonorupa Floating Market, the Rajban Vihar Buddhist monastery, the Chakma King House, which serves as the official residence of the traditional leader of the Chakma people, offering a glimpse into the regal heritage, culture, and social traditions of Bangladesh’s largest indigenous community, and the cascading Shuvolong Waterfall. B/-/-

Day 5. Rangamati - Bandarban
Drive south deeper into the hill tracts toward Bandarban. Along the route, visit the Golden Temple - the largest Theravada Buddhist temple in Bangladesh, near Balaghata, perched 60 meters high on a hill. In the afternoon, we will visit the Hatiabandha Tripura Village to learn about the lifestyle of the indigenous Tripura people, then head to Nilachal for sweeping mountain vistas and a sunset over the valley. B/-/-

Day 6. Bandarban - Cox's Bazar
Morning drive up to Chimbuk Hill and Nilgiri, offering panoramic overlook points across the entire hill district. Proceed down toward the coast to Cox's Bazar - a major coastal town and the top beach resort destination in southeastern Bangladesh, and is famous worldwide for having the world’s longest unbroken natural sandy sea beach, stretching an incredible 120 kilometers without interruption. On the way, visit Farukpara Bawm Village, the historic Ramu Buddhist Temple, and the famous Sleeping Buddha statue before arriving at your seaside hotel. B/-/-

Day 7. Maheshkhali Island tour in Cox's Bazar
Board a local boat across the channel to Maheshkhali Island. Visit the tranquil Rakhine Buddhist Temple, enjoy free time exploring the island's peaceful paths, and head to a local fishing port to watch fishermen unload their daily catch before taking the boat back to Cox's Bazar. B/-/-

Day 8. Himchari and Inani beaches - Fly back to Dhaka
Take a morning coastal drive down Marine Drive to visit Himchari National Park, a protected tropical rain forest reserve where lush, green hills meet the sea, offering hilltop lookout points with panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal coastline and seasonal waterfalls. Continue along the coast to Inani Beach, a tranquil, golden-sand shore famous for its distinctive dark coral boulder formations scattered across the tide line and serene, clear waters. After relaxing along the beach, transfer to the airport for your evening flight back to Dhaka for an overnight stay. B/-/-

Day 9. Fly Dhaka - Paro (Monday or Friday) - Thimphu
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Paro, Bhutan (operating Mondays/Fridays). We will enjoy views of Himalayan peaks as we land. Meet our Bhutanese guide and drive along the river valley to Thimphu, the political, economic, and cultural capital of Bhutan, nestled in a high mountain valley along the Wang Chhu (Thimphu River) at an elevation of 2,320 meters. Unlike most modern world capitals, it retains a uniquely traditional Himalayan character - all buildings strictly follow classical Bhutanese architectural design, and it famously remains one of the few national capitals in the world without a single traffic light (traffic is still directed by white-gloved officers). Time permitting, stop at Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma) for panoramic views over the Thimphu valley and visit the National Memorial Chorten. B/L/D

Day 10. Thimphu - Punakha
In the morning, we will explore Tashichho Dzong (the seat of government and central monastic body). Afterwards, we will drive over the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m), enjoying views of snow-capped peaks like Jomolhari. Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley to visit Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of two rivers, and walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang (the fertility temple). B/L/D

Day 11. Punakha - Paro
We will drive back through the mountain pass from Punakha to the picturesque Paro Valley. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Ta Dzong - a former watchtower now housing the National Museum, and walk down to Rinpung Dzong, famous for its traditional wooden cantilever bridge and painted courtyards. B/L/D

Day 12. Paro - Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) hike
We will set off on the iconic hike up through pine forests to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched dramatically on a granite cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. Spend time exploring the sacred shrine and enjoying the views before descending to Paro for your final evening. B/L/D

Day 13. Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your final departure flight. End of services. B/-/-