Project Brief
Empowering communities through heritage-based tourism that celebrates authentic village life
Project Brief
The “Expedition North” (Expedition North) is a rural eco-tourism initiative launched by the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, aimed at unlocking the untapped tourism potential of Northern Bangladesh, particularly in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. This community-based program focuses on integrating natural beauty, historical sites, cultural heritage, and rural lifestyles into sustainable tourism experiences.
It initially targets 18 villages across districts such as Naogaon, Natore, Joypurhat, Gaibandha, and Bogura, blending attractions like archaeological wonders (e.g., Paharpur Buddhist Vihara, Mahasthangarh), scenic rivers (Padma, Teesta), wetlands (Chalan Beel), and mountain views (Kanchenjunga from Panchagarh). RDA’s 120-acre campus serves as a central hub, offering low-cost accommodations (approximately 700 units), hygienic dining, recreational facilities (playgrounds, ponds, parks), and guided tours to nearby sites, including special villages, green industrial areas, Jamuna River chars, and historical landmarks. The project, stemming from applied research, emphasises eco-friendly practices, youth involvement, and economic empowerment for rural communities, with advisory support from the research organisation Daahuk. It seeks to address the region’s tourism neglect by creating educational, enjoyable, and meaningful experiences that preserve the environment and culture.
- Develop Sustainable Tourism Models: Establish integrated, eco-friendly tourism systems in rural areas by involving local communities in nature-based, cultural, and heritage activities, ensuring environmental balance and minimal damage, especially in vulnerable areas like Barind land.
- Boost Economic Opportunities and Employment: Generate jobs for rural youth and residents through tourism-related roles, such as guiding, handicraft production, and small businesses, which channel revenue back into community development, including schools and clinics.
- Promote Cultural and Historical Preservation: Highlight Northern Bengal’s unique heritage, including archaeological sites, folk culture, and architectural styles, making them accessible globally while educating tourists on rural lifestyles and traditions.
- Enhance Accessibility and Inclusivity: Use RDA’s campus as a low-cost base for tourists to explore diverse attractions, involving university students and local entrepreneurs to create balanced tourism distribution and reduce overcrowding in popular national spots.
- Foster Community Empowerment and Resilience: Build communication networks, capacity through training, and market linkages for villages, promoting disaster-resilient practices and youth-led initiatives for long-term socio-economic transformation.
Project Progress
As of August 2025, the Expedition North project has made steady advancements since its launch in early 2025. Applied research and implementation began under RDA’s supervision, with the program officially starting in April 2025. By July 2025, several educational institutions and corporate groups had already conducted tourism activities under the initiative, including guided tours to historical sites, village explorations, and nature excursions. A detailed booklet featuring illustrated descriptions of key attractions (historical relics, water bodies, special villages) in multiple districts has been published to aid tourists. A fruitful seminar was organised at RDA with leaders from the Tourism Operator Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) and other stakeholders to discuss collaborations. The process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bangladesh Tourism Board for joint operations is ongoing, intending to enhance marketing and infrastructure support. Daahuk has provided advisory assistance, focusing on village connectivity, environmental safeguards, and youth involvement. Initial efforts have targeted 18 villages, with RDA’s campus fully operational as a tourism hub, offering accommodations and facilities. While specific metrics like visitor numbers are not detailed in recent reports, the project has generated enthusiasm for creating employment and rural development, with plans to expand the involvement of local university students and entrepreneurs. No significant updates beyond July 2025 were found in public sources, indicating steady but ongoing implementation.
Plan Your Visit
discover the unique culture of Rajshahi