Expedition Overview
Ratargul Swamp Forest, in north-eastern Bangladesh, is one of only a handful of freshwater swamp forests in the world. For five to six months of the year, the forest floor is submerged under two to three metres of crystal-clear water, turning the ancient swamp into a place of genuinely surreal beauty: trees rising from the water like columns in a flooded cathedral, their canopies meeting overhead, the water surface perfectly still and reflective below. Small wooden boats are the only way to navigate the interior.
This expedition combines Ratargul with the surrounding Sylhet landscape — tea gardens, rivers, and the extraordinary Jaflong river at the Indian border, where massive stones are extracted by hand from the river bed. The combination of surreal forest, industrial landscape, and human documentary gives this three-day expedition an unusual range.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Ratargul at Dawn
Depart early for Ratargul, arriving to enter the forest by small wooden boat as first light filters through the canopy. Reflections are most perfect at this hour before any wind. We spend the morning photographing the forest interior — its extraordinary geometry, its light, and the local fishermen who set nets among the submerged roots.
The Goal of the Day: Reflection photography and available forest light; composing with reflections and verticals.
Day 2: Jaflong Riverbed & Stone Workers
Jaflong is on the Indian border where the Piyain River carries vast quantities of rounded stones down from the Meghalaya hills. Hundreds of workers extract these stones by hand and basket. The scale and visual drama of this operation make for exceptional documentary photography.
The Goal of the Day: Industrial documentary and large-scale landscape photography.
Day 3: Bichanakandi & River Portraits
Bichanakandi is where the crystal-clear Umiam River from India meets the green Sari River of Bangladesh — a confluence that creates extraordinary colour contrast. Final afternoon portraits and group review.
The Goal of the Day: Colour contrast photography; water and landscape; final portfolio selection.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Sylhet has direct flights from Dhaka (45 min) and a scenic train service (6.5 hours). Ratargul is 26km from Sylhet city. Most dramatic June–October when water is highest. November–May: lower water, more stable photography conditions.
What to Bring
• Wide-angle lens for forest interior (24mm or wider)
• Circular polariser for water reflections
• Lightweight tripod or gorilla pod
• Waterproof bag liners
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
