VOLUNTEER • TRAVEL • EXPLORE
Bangladesh 29-Day Program Schedule
An archived day-by-day guide to the Bangladesh combined experience: community activities first, then cultural and nature travel.
Program dates, fees, inclusions and eligibility reflect the previous VAT website. Confirm current availability and written terms with the team before applying, booking or paying.
Itinerary at a glance
Days 1–7
Arrival, orientation and the start of volunteering near Bogura.
Days 8–14
Continuing project activities, heritage excursion and reflections.
Days 15–21
Return to Dhaka, central and south-western Bangladesh and the Sundarbans.
Days 22–29
Tea country, Sylhet, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and return to Dhaka.
Week 1: Arrival & Volunteer Program in Northern Bangladesh (Bogura, Days 1–7)
Day 1
Arrival in Dhaka; airport transfer to accommodation
Day 2
Program induction at the hotel lobby — Meet the local program coordinator for Volunteers Adventure Travel — Briefing on the itinerary, activities, and expectations — Distribute free T-shirts to be worn during the volunteer program and travel tour activities — Free leisure day for exploring Dhaka at your own pace — Rest day for those arriving late on Day 1
Day 3
Travel to Bogura village near volunteer site — Induction program (Day 1) — – Introduction to NIKS, Bengali History, and Cultural Context
Day 4
Induction program (Day 2) — – Survival Bengali Language Skills, Cultural Dos and Don’t’s, Safety and security guidelines. — Begin one of the chosen volunteer programs out of the five available: Community Development, Education for Vulnerable Children, Environmental Conservation, health Support, or Women Empowerment.
Day 5
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Day 6
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Day 7
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Week 2: Volunteer Program Activities and Field Trip (Days 8–14)
Day 8
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Day 9
Field Trip Excursion — To local tourist sites, Mahasthangarh and Paharpur, to explore the rich heritage of Bangladesh. — Mahasthangarh — An ancient city from the 3rd century BCE, a major hub of Bengal’s history. — Depart for Mahasthangarh — explore ruins and monasteries. — Paharpur — An 8th-century Buddhist monastery, famed for terraced architecture and terracotta art. — Visit Paharpur (a UNESCO site), explore Sri Kanta Vihara.
Day 10
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Day 11
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Day 12
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Day 13
Continue the selected volunteer program activities.
Day 14
Conclude all volunteer program activities, — Final reflections, sharing experiences & Certificate for completion of Volunteer Program — Prepare for departure from Bogura.
Week 3: Travel Tour – Central & South Western Bangladesh (Dhaka, Barisal, Sundarbans, Days 15–21)
Day 15
Travel back to Dhaka from Bogura and check into accommodation. — Explore New Dhaka — Evening visit to Crown Plaza for a 360 view of Dhaka skyline. Option for buffet dinner at Crown Plaza.
Day 16
Old Dhaka Tour — Dhaka University & graffiti — Shaheed Minar, Curzon Hall, Lalbagh Fort — Dhaka Shori Temple, Star Mosque, Armenian Church — Paddle steamers, Ahsan Manzil — Evening: Visit National Assembly (Parliament House) and street food.
Day 17
Explore Ancient Dhaka, Panam City — Tour historic streets and architecture — Visit Sonargaon Museum — Optional: Noapara Jamdani Palli — Explore Sadarghat River Port — Depart Dhaka in the evening on an overnight ship to Barisal.
Day 18
Barisal — Floating vegetable market — Water lily lake — Shrine of Khan Jahan Ali (UNESCO site) — Bagerhat UNESCO sites: Sixty Dome Mosque, Nine Dome Mosque
Day 19
Khulna & Sundarbans — Travel from Barisal to Khulna via Mongla, then proceed to Sundarbans — Explore Sundarbans: canal cruising, honey hunting, tiger attack survivor.
Day 20
Sundarbans — Village visits, wildlife sanctuary at Karamjal, wildlife viewing points.
Day 21
Return to Dhaka — shopping at Dhaka’s famous — New Market — in the evening. New Market serves as a direct outlet from the world’s largest garments industry.
Week 4: Travel Tour – Northeastern and Coastal Bangladesh (Sylhet, Sreemangal, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Days 22–29)
Day 22
Dhaka to Sreemangal — Morning train journey to Sreemangal — Explore Sreemangal — Madhobpur Lake — Lal Pahar — Tea Gardens — Monipuri Markets — 7-layer tea
Day 23
Sreemangal — Pottery village — Khasia tribe village — Lawachara National Park — Big Tea Garden & tea markets
Day 24
Sreemangal to Sylhet — Train to Sylhet — Sylhet — Kean Bridge — Shahjalal Shrine — Bichanakandi — Shada Pathor boat cruise
Day 25
Sylhet — Long drive to Indian border — Ratargul Swamp Forest — Lalakhal boat cruise — Jaflong Zero Point. — Chittagong — Night train to Chittagong
Day 26
Explore Chittagong — Fish Market — WWII Cemetery — Patenga Sea Beach — Traditional local food in restaurants
Day 27
Travel to Cox’s Bazar — Explore Marine Drive, Himchari Waterfall, Inani Coral Beach, Cox’s Bazar main beach with the hop-on-hop-off bus.
Day 28
Cox’s Bazar — Deep-sea fishing (optional) — Free day
Day 29
Travel back to Dhaka — Flight from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka; End of tour.
Important details
Itinerary activities and transport connections are examples from the previously published plan and may change. Confirm the current program itinerary and any travel restrictions with VAT before booking.