Bangladesh - Masked Finfoot & Cachar Bulbul Expedition 2028

01 Feb 2028 - 10 Feb 2028 (10 days)

From USD4,395 SPACES AVAILABLE

(**Prices can vary depending upon the cabin of choice and time of booking**)

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Tour Leader: André Bernon

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Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop

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Tour Price (Per person): (GBP3,335 * ZAR71,512 * CAD6,223 * AUD6,258)

Single Supplement: (GBP2,273 * ZAR48,732 * CAD4,241 * AUD4,265)

From the forested hills of eastern Bangladesh to the vast tidal wilderness of the Sundarbans, this compact yet highly rewarding tour explores some of the country’s finest and most atmospheric birding habitats. Dense tropical forests, quiet rivers, sprawling wetlands and an immense maze of mangrove-lined waterways provide refuge for a superb selection of South Asian specialities, including several species that are difficult to see anywhere else.

Foremost among our targets is the Critically Endangered Masked Finfoot, one of Asia’s rarest and most enigmatic birds, for which the Bangladeshi Sundarbans remain the world’s most important stronghold. Other mouth-watering possibilities include the elusive White-eared Night Heron, magnificent Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mangrove Pitta, Buffy Fish Owl, range-restricted Cachar Bulbul, secretive White-cheeked Partridge, Blue-naped Pitta, Red-headed Trogon and Great Slaty Woodpecker, alongside a colourful supporting cast of hornbills, barbets, woodpeckers, pittas, babblers and kingfishers.

Our time aboard a comfortable houseboat in the Sundarbans adds an adventurous dimension to the tour as we explore narrow creeks and tidal channels by small boat in search of birds and other wildlife. Ganges River and Irrawaddy Dolphins, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Leopard Cat and Fishing Cat are all possible, while the ever-present chance, however remote, of encountering a Bengal Tiger adds further excitement. Join us for a fascinating birding journey through one of South Asia’s most underrated and rewarding destinations.

Top Birds

White-cheeked Partridge; Red Junglefowl; Grey Peacock-pheasant; Masked Finfoot; Grey-headed Lapwing; White-eared NIght Heron; Buffy Fish Owl; Indochinese Roller; up to 6 Kingfisher species; Great Slaty Woodpecker; Blossom-headed Parakeet; Blue-naped & Mangrove Pittas; Cachar Bulbul; Orange-headed Thrush; Siberian Rubythroat; Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker.

Top Mammals

South Asian River & Irrawaddy Dolphins; Asian Small-clawed Otter; Leopard & Fishing Cats; Western Hooloick Gibbon; Phayre's Leaf Monkey; Capped Langur; outside chance of Bengal Tiger

Habitats Covered

Extensive mangroves, estuaries, coastal mudflats, coastal forest, tropical forest

Expected Climate

Hot and humid with chance for rain.

Max Group Size

Up to 12 with 2 Tour Leaders

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Moderate, though target focussed. Suitable for most birding and wildlife interest levels.

Accommodation

Comfortable. Several nights spent on a live-aboard houseboat with basic facilities.

Ease of Birding

Moderate

Number of Species Expected

150-170 speices

Other Attractions

Sundarbans (Asia's most extensive mangrove forests). The tour is specifically concentrated to see the Critically Endangered Masked Finfoot, a species that is unlikely to be seen outside of this remote area of Bangladesh.

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good

What our clients say about us

Glen Valentine
MW, Indonesia - Buru Extension II 2025

The Buru extension following the RWPI Cruise was fantastic. I feel sorry for those on the main tour that did not take this extension. The birds were fabulous, Glen was a superb guide, and the scenery great. Glen did a great job trying to get us on all the birds, even the most rare and elusive. Again, flexibility was a key element in the success of the trip. I can't think of anything about the trip that could be done to improve it.

Stephan Lorenz
SR, Bolivia - Remote 2025

Thanks Stephan for a fantastic tour. The stay at the Monastery was especially memorable.

Robert Williams
RE, Guyana - Birds & Wildlife (Relaxed) 2026

An excellent trip. Good list of birds even though it was the relaxed itinerary. Rob’s recounting some of his excellent adventures was an added bonus.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
JH, Jamaica - Island Endemics I 2026

Great trip

André Bernon
RA, Thailand - Southern Extension II 2025

The guides continued their superb and tireless efforts to find bird species during the extension to the main tour.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map