Keokradong
Keokradong, once it was recognized as the highest peak in Bangladesh. Now it has become one of the highest peaks in Bangladesh, ranking 5th (arguably) and its height is 3235 feet above sea level. Whatever, one thing is sure the most mountain lovers in Bangladesh get inspired to explore more mountains after visiting Keokradong. It is true that recently Keokradong changed a lot, and many developments have happened there, tourists no longer have to trek to reach there, they can go by a vehicle called “Chander Gari” (4-wheeler). At the top, there is a resort made of bricks, rods, and cement. Now, however beautiful the resort is, it does not fit in the mountains. And I could console my mind if the resort looks very stunning on the hill, but it is not a bit. After all, it is not good to see brick, cement, and roads in the mountains. As a result, the hill has changed. I can’t explain it in words, but old travelers like Toukir (me) surely get disappointed in today’s Keokradong. But but but, Keokradong never fails to make tourists fall for its evergreen atmosphere. Back then to till now, it’s breathtaking. After visiting the hill, your mind definitely says “Once more time let’s go back and stand on that hill, touch the sky, lost in clouds”. And why not, That peak provides views of only the green sea on the horizon and the white cloud of the blue sky falls in love with the green sea. How can one heart deny this beauty? And it would be really unfair if I said that development has not been beneficial. Due to the construction of the road, everyone can now go to Keokradong (child to old). Can enjoy the mountain road from Boga Lake to Keokradong. Getting good accommodation in the Keokradong hill.
Where is it:
Located in Thanchi upazila, Bandarban district, Bangladesh.
How to reach:
[Note: To roam anywhere in Bandarban, tourists have to inform the Army or local authorities. For that tourists have to bring NID card or NID card photocopies]
For one, this travel is way too much costly. Therefore, it’s best to go in a group. That is how one can bear the cost of travel easily. As I mentioned, to go anywhere in Bandarban, tourists have to submit their information. And for this trip it is the same, even you have to submit information 3rd or 4th times for this trip. Oh, I am telling you everything except how to go to Keokradong. Sorry for that my friend, First come to Bandarban with your group. Then head to Ruma and your team has to reach Ruma before 4 p.m other wise Army won’t allow your team to go to Boga Lake. It is a rule here for safety. By bus your team can go to Ruma (Ruma Bus Station), normally tourists book a “Chander Gari” for the entire trip. After reaching Ruma, your team needs a guide to go further. So, hire one. A guide can lead a team of 16 and the travel cost of the guide has to bear by the tourists. And if your team comes here by bus then book a Chander Gari for the further trip. Now go towards Boga Lake, it will take 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy the Boga Lake and stay overnight there. At night, pray to Allah(God) that there is no rain in the night and the next. If it rains, the Army will not give you permission to Keokradong. In the past, tourists have to overcome a 4-5 hours challenging trek to reach the Keokradong from Boga Lake. Now there is a 17 km road all the way to Keokradong. So, the next day hop in your booked Chander Gari and ride 1-2 hours to reach Keokradong.
Activity:
1. Darziling para, the most humble tribal village in the entire Bandarban is located just before the Keokradong. The people of this village are gentle and they welcome tourists. The hospitality they show tourists is truly nice. They even made resorts for tourists to stay and eat. So, my friend explores the Darziling para before exploring Keokradong.
2. Standing on the top of the hill, let the wind touch your body and capture all the astounding beauty of the surroundings in the eye. I mean enjoy your time in the Keokradong.
3. Enjoy the golden moment that the sun creates on the mountain and white clouds as the sun sets.
4. Keokradong features “Zhoom ghr”. A hut built of wood, bamboo, and tin on the hill where tourists can get an experience of nightlife in the wild, and in the early morning, they can enjoy a fresh sunrise. [ There is a resort made of brick on the top of Keokradong where also tourists can have the above luxury. But personally, I don’t like it. I like the “Zhoom ghr” ]
Timing: Except for summer and monsoon. Before winter is a good time to visit Keokradong.
Brother, if you have time, come to the mountain, if not Keokradong, come to another mountain. But come to the mountains, you’ll love it.