Keokradong
Keokradong is a word that comes from the Marma language, and its meaning is the highest rocky mountain. Keokradong was once recognized as the highest peak in Bangladesh. Now, it has become one of the highest peaks in Bangladesh, ranking 5th/4th (arguably), and its height is 3230+ feet above sea level. Whatever, one thing is sure: it was once one of the greatest trails in Bandarban that Bangladeshi trekkers used to trek. In my point of view, Keokradong was the first place that taught Bangladeshi travel enthusiasts to love mountains and how to feel to trek in mountains. But now, travel enthusiasts no longer need to trek to reach there, a brick cement paved road to get there now. Our favaorite mountain now changed a lot but one things is remain same as the past: its evergreen natural beauty.
How Keokradong looks
At the top of the hill, there is a Three-story resort made of brick cement rods. It is not good to see such a type of resort at the top of a hill. I think the owner of the resort is trying to earn back the title of the highest mountain in Bangladesh. Opposite the resort, there is an army camp. And a paved road goes forward between these two. Oh, there is also a helipad, and it is the best place to enjoy the sunrise and sunset views. There are numerous resorts in the Jhoom-Ghar style surrounding the mountain. Such type of resorts suits in the mountains and these type resorsts hold the natural vibe and asure the feeling of staying in nature. Except for the dry season, when you look from Keokradong, you will see endless waves of green carpet (green-covered mountains). Above, there is a different kind of competition of white clouds, as if the clouds are fighting to catch a distant mountain.
Location
Geographically, the mountain falls under Thanchi Upazila, but the road that leads the way to the mountain falls under Ruma Upazila. It is located about 28 kilometers from Ruma.
How to go
First of all, you need a good budget and a group of travel enthusiasts. Because this tour costs a good amount of money, and you don’t want to bear the cost alone. If you settle these two things, you can now safely come to Bandarban with your group. Coming to Bandarban will be no problem as it is well connected by road. Then, rent a travel vehicle from Donesh Dhonesh Chattar, which is 5 to 10 minutes away from the bus stand. As a travel vehicle, you can rent a Jeep, Mahindra Jeep, CNG, and bike. For a group, a Jeep or a Mahindra jeep is best. A Jeep can carry 10-12 persons, and a Mahindra Jeep can carry 16 persons. Then you have to reach Ruma before 4 pm; after that, the army will not give permission to go further. If you go further from Ruma, you will reach Boga Lake. From here, you will drive for another 30-40 minutes and reach Keokradong. You can witness the afternoon sunset in Keokradong if you set out early in the morning.
How travel enthusiasts used to go
In the same way, they reach the Boga lake, then start trekking. Back then, the trail took at least 4 to 5 hours to reach the mountain. On this trail, travel enthusiasts can enjoy a waterfall called Chingri Jhorna and can enjoy Bandarban’s wild nature.
In today’s time, armies don’t allow trekking, but if you can somehow manage to trek there. Then, surely, trek.
Note: On the way Bandarbant to Keokradong, at least 5 army checkpoints fall, and at each point, you need to submit your NiD card photo copies to get permission to go further. And to lead you safely to the destination, you need a guide. You can hire a good guide either from the tourist association center or Ruma.
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 explored 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 hill.
3. Enjoy the golden moment that the sun creates on the mountain with the help of clouds as the sun sets.
4. Keokradong features “Zhoom ghr”. A hut built of wood, bamboo, and tin is on the hill where tourists can get an experience of nightlife on the top the mountain, and in the early morning, they can enjoy a fresh sunrise. [ There is a resort made of brick on the top of Keokradong where tourists can also have the above luxury. But personally, I don’t like it. I like the “Zhoom ghr”]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Fare of Jeep car?
To enjoy the hill and come back, you at least need two days. For two days, jeep’s charge is 10-12 thousand BDT.
2. Fare of a guide?
1000-1200 taka per day. And you will have to bear the guide’s food and accommodation.
3. Food and accommodation?
Ruma, Baga Lake, and Keokradong have good resorts and food options. You can even eat in different neighborhoods of locals like Darziling Para if you want.
4. Budget for each member?
5-7 thousand BDT for each member of the group of 10-12.
5. Best time to visit?
Before or after the monsoon. Another thing is that when it rains, the army does not give permission to go from Boga Lake to Keokraodng. Because the steep roads become more dangerous in the rain.
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.