With a population exceeding 160 million people, Bangladesh is a hidden gem and relatively an unexplored area in South Asia, bordered by India, Myanmar, and the Bay of Bengal. It is a land where the rivers and hundreds of estuaries crisscross the landscape giving birth to a unique riverine culture. Exploring its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape and stunning natural beauty, offers a unique and memorable travel experience.

With Dhaka taking the centre stage for all political and administrative activities, other cities in the small country of Bangladesh take the onus of travel-oriented exposure to the visitor. For this, the Mahasthangarh Archaeological Site (country’s oldest known city, dating back to 3rd century BCE), Paharpur Archaeological Site (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ancient city of Bagerhat (known for its UNESCO-listed mosques from the medieval period), floating markets in Barisal, the tea gardens of Sylhet, Bandarban and Chittagong Hill Tracts (picturesque regions known for their stunning landscapes, diverse indigenous cultures, and rich biodiversity), Cox’s Bazar (the world’s longest natural sandy sea beach)etc. offer wonderful scapes to explore. Use these as base camps to get around, as the infrastructure is better in major towns rather than small villages. Its prime draw lies in the Sundarbans mangrove forest – the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to numerous endangered species including the Royal Bengal Tiger, saltwater crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Exploring this unique ecosystem is a must for nature enthusiasts.

Tibet is a region on the lofty Tibetan Plateau in Asia. It is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, featuring some of the highest peaks on Earth, including Mount Everest. The Tibetan Plateau, also known as the world’s third pole, spans across an area of 2.5 million square kilometres. The moniker, ‘roof of the world’, is apt for Tibet in many ways. Not only does the region stand amidst the Himalayas, but also has an otherworldly simplistic charm that is bound to enthrall the travellers. Stuck in a time-warp, Tibet is a window to how the world looked many centuries ago, unaffected by western influences, content and wonderfully aloof from the rest of the world. The place has a rich and complex history, shaped by various dynasties and cultural influences. Key historical figures like Songtsen Gampo, who founded the Tibetan Empire, and the successive Dalai Lamas, have left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Visitors to Tibet can explore the UNESCO listed world heritage sites like the Potala Palace which is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Tibet, Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, Norbulingka, notable for its beautiful Tibetan architecture and serene environment, Sakya Monastery, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in the late 11th century, etc. Visitors can also experience breath-taking views of high-altitude lakes (such as Namtso and Yamdrok), snow-capped mountains (including Mount Everest), and vast grasslands. Tibet also offers opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and exploring remote regions. Popular trekking routes include the Everest Base Camp trek and the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage trek.