Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, a megacity of roughly 10 million people in the city and more than 20 million in the metro area on the Buriganga River. It combines Mughal and colonial monuments, the crowded lanes of Old Dhaka, Louis Kahn's parliament building and some of South Asia's best biryani and street food.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Hatirjheel Lakeside Walkway
Dhaka's largest urban lake project has a paved lakeside footpath, bridges and landscaped promenades, and it is the city's most convenient place for a continuous walk away from traffic.
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2
Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan Loop
Dhaka's most historic green space: shaded rain-tree avenues and a lake at Ramna Park, connected to the open lawns and memorials of Suhrawardy Udyan a short walk away.
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3
Old Dhaka Heritage Walk: Sadarghat to Lalbagh Fort
The best on-foot introduction to the old city: the river port, the Shankhari Bazar lanes, the pink Ahsan Manzil palace and the 17th-century Mughal Lalbagh Fort.
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4
National Botanical Garden, Mirpur
A large planted garden in Mirpur with lakes, tree collections and shaded lanes, and the most extensive green space for casual walking inside Dhaka city limits.
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5
Bhawal National Park Forest Trails
Dhaka's nearest real forest: a 5,000-hectare sal (Shorea robusta) woodland reserve on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway with tracks and monkeys, but limited facilities.
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6
Madhupur National Park Sal Forest Walk
A larger sal forest north of Dhaka with pineapple farms, Garo (Mandi) villages and forest tracks; it is a day trip or overnight rather than a city outing.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.