Join our BANGLADESH ADVENTURE TOUR; April 2025

You can keep your India and Sri Lanka, we want to go somewhere even more real! And that, my friends, is South Asia’s most intense adventure travel destination… Bangladesh. With a bonus stop in Calcutta, India.

The flavours, the colours, the jungle, the hectic transport, and even the otter fishermen (more on that later). Bangladesh makes India feel like the Disneyland.

If you want to feel alive on your travels in 2025, come with us to Bangladesh for a week in April. Let’s have a look at the charity project we’re doing, and the epic itinerary as we overland across Bangladesh, and its waterways, and train stations, all the way into Mother Theresa’s Calcutta, where we finish up.

NOTE: This is one of my charity trips. Run through my Mudita Adventures foundation. They have the same flavour as my OneStep4Ward blog group trips, but include a charity aspect too. All you guys who join us on these trips have allowed us to donate over a QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS to projects around the world. You can see a history of them HERE.

How to Book our Bangladesh Tour

You can DM me on instagram.com/onestep4ward, or you can click HERE.

Or go here:

https://www.wetravel.com/trips/bangladesh-charity-trip-john-ward-01325319

bangladesh tour

The highlights of our Bangladesh tour are undoubtedly:

  • A charity partnership, where by attending our tour, we donate thousands of dollars to a primary school. And get to visit the school and community where the work has been carried out.
  • Take a rocket steamer down the Ganges River, overnight and on the cusp of the Bay of Bengal.
  • Go fishing with the famous Otter Fishmernen, where they have trained otters to do the work for them (!)
  • Enjoy a real travel experience as we cross from Bangladesh to India on a 3rd class local train (don’t worry, it’s only a couple of hours!)
  • Stay at one of Bangladesh’s premier ecolodges near the Sundarban mangroves.

Bangladesh Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Dhaka

Arrive in Dhaka anytime today. We’ll meet in the hotel lobby for a trip briefing, dinner and some sneaky drinks to welcome you to one of Asia’s least visited countries. Landing in Dhaka is quite something. You’re really traveling now.

bangladesh
Manic street scenes in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Day 2: Charity Project

Today, we visit our partner community. We’ll visit the school that we’re helping to refurbish. It’s a blessing to be able to travel responsibility by giving back to the country before we head off on our adventure; and to give off the tourist trail gives us an insight into local life in Bangladesh.

Depending on the notorious Dhaka traffic, we may have time for a late afternoon walking tour to see Dhaka from a glorious, loud, in your face street level point of view.

cheap countries to visit

Day 3: Dhaka City Tour and overnight on the the Rocket Steamer


Wake up and dive into the chaos of Dhaka! From rickshaw-packed streets to colorful markets, this city is alive.

We’ll explore Lalbagh Fort, the Pink Palace (Ahsan Manzil), and the National Parliament—a wild mix of history and modernity. Lunch is a classic Bangladeshi feast before a boat ride on the Buriganga River. Expect sensory overload, non-stop smiles, and a true taste of one of Asia’s most underrated capitals. You’re living it now.

Tonight, we have a legendary ride on the old rocket steamer. 10 hours or so on the boat, down the Ganges. You’ll see Bangladesh like few do.

Rocket Paddle Steamer Bangladesh
Rocket Paddle Steamer Bangladesh

Day 4: Barisal Boat Tour and Bagerhat‘s 60 Dome Mosque

Disembark from the legendary Rocket Steamer, a slice of history in itself, into Barisal’s serene charm. We’ll kick off with a backwater boat tour, gliding through quiet canals and vibrant floating markets, soaking up the heart of Bangladesh’s “Venice of the East.” Ermmm.. manage those expectations though folks.

After lunch, it’s off to Bagerhat for the majestic Sixty Dome Mosque, a UNESCO treasure steeped in 15th-century history. Expect jaw-dropping architecture and timeless vibes before we settle in for the night at one of Bangladesh’s premier ecolodges.

bangladesh tour

Day 5: The famous Otter fishermen and ecolodge kickbacks

Start your day with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watch the incredible otter fishermen in action.These trained otters team up with local fishermen, showcasing a centuries-old tradition that’s uniquely Bangladeshi.

Afterward, we’ll head back to our eco-lodge to relax, unwind, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Whether it’s lounging by the water, swapping stories (or bootleg booze) with new friends, or just enjoying the stillness, today’s all soaking up Bangladesh before we hit India tomorrow.

Day 6: 3rd Class Train, and Hello India!

An experience quite like no other.
Brace yourself for a new style of travel, 3rd class train to Kolkata! No frills, just the raw, unfiltered chaos of local travel. Packed carriages, bustling vendors, endless chatter—it’s wild, gritty, and unforgettable. This is how you really see the heart of the region, up close and personal. By the time we roll into Kolkata, you’ll have stories for days and a deeper appreciation for the journey, not just the destination.

Finally, we pull into Mother Teresa’s Kolkata and settle into the hotel. Hello India!

Don’t worry, it’s not as hectic like this, this is just a joke!

Day 7: Kolkata Day Tour


Welcome to the chaos and charm of Kolkata, India’s cultural capital.

We’ll dive headfirst into this vibrant city, starting with the iconic Howrah Bridge and the flower markets. Then, we’ll explore Victoria Memorial, a gorgeous relic of British India, and wander the bustling streets of Park Street.

Followed by visits to Mother Teresa’s House and colorful local bazaars. Kolkata is raw, soulful, and totally unforgettable.

Kolkata
Kolkata

Day 8: See ya… where? Pakistan in August up next!


And just like that, it’s over. From the chaos of Dhaka to the serene canals of Barisal, the architectural wonders of Bagerhat, and the raw energy of Kolkata, we’ve truly lived it all.

We’ll have walked streets few tourists tread, made memories that’ll outlive us, and shared laughs with incredible people. You’ve seen the real side of Bangladesh and beyond. Until the next adventure—stay wild! 🌍✨

Come join us in Pakistan, Mongolia or Madagascar for our other 2025 charity trips!

Kashmir
Kashmir

Bangladesh Charity Project

Our NGO, Mudita Adventures has donated over $250,000+ since we started doing these trips. You can read all about the different projects HERE.

For our Bangladesh tour, we have partnered with a local school located just 90 minutes outside Dhaka. This collaboration is a cornerstone of our mission to leave a positive impact wherever we go.

During this project, we’ll focus on helping refurbish the school, enhancing the learning environment for both students and teachers. From fresh coats of paint to repairing facilities, we aim to create a space that inspires growth and learning.

Beyond refurbishing, we’re also donating essential items to the kids—school supplies, books, and other resources that will empower their education and brighten their futures.

Together, we’re not just traveling; we’re making meaningful connections and giving back to the communities we visit. This is adventure with heart. Thank you for being part of this journey. 💛

Bangladesh Tour Dates

April 5th to 12th, 2025

  • 8 days, 7 nights
  • Start in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Finish in Kolkata, India.

How to sign up for our Bangladesh Tour

You can click HERE to sign up. Or you can book directly by clicking the green ‘book now’ button below:

Bangladesh Tour Price

$1999*

  • *Plus an additional $300 donation to our charity project
  • Non-refundable deposit: $300

What’s included:

  • All Accommodations
  • All Breakfasts
  • Dhaka City Tour
  • Eco Lodge in Sundarban
  • All Ground Transportation
  • Experienced Local Guide 24/7
  • Experienced Western Guide (either Josh, or me, or both – depending on my TV show filming dates, this one could be Josh solo).
  • Community Project donation and visit
  • Ganges Delta River Boat overnight
  • Local Train to India
  • Kolkata city Tour
  • Otter Fisherman tour
  • Some miscallenous meals will also be included

What’s not included:

Places to visit in Bangladesh
Places to visit in Bangladesh

Final thoughts on our Bangladesh Tour?

Bangladesh is TRUE ADVENTURE TRAVEL. It’s intense, full-on, and life changing. It’s also quite a challenge to travel here, hence our tour. I think it’s much better/easier/more fun to do it with a group, to be 100% honest. A local fixer, with local guides. Transport and accomodation pre-organised. Some countries should be traveled freely, with spirit, Bangladesh isn’t one of those. So come and join us. We’ve got you covered. Make 2025 the year you do something out of your comfort zone. Come share the beauty of Bangladesh with us.

Join my other trips in 2025; Mauritania, Turkmenistan etc

As well as my charity trips, I have a few other trips in 2025 – Syria, Libya and Eritrea are all sold out (DM me on instagram.com/onestep4ward to be added to the waiting list), but I also have trips to Turkmenistan and Mauritania, as well as a 160km ultra marathon in the sahara, the a 300km ultracycle to the Gates of Hell. Come and suffer with me!

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