Many nature lovers know Bandarban as the daughter of nature. It is a region with high mountain peaks, and its mountain range is a paradise for trekkers.
Keokradong Hill is in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban. It has importance as it is one of the highest peaks in Bangladesh. It is in the southeastern district of Bandarban, Bangladesh.
It was famous as the highest mountain peak in Bangladesh. But, modern researchers found this information wrong in their research.
Currently, the highest peak in Bangladesh is Saka Haphong. Its beauty will mesmerize you. From a distance, the peak of Keokradong seems to be nothing.
But once you reach the top, the mountain and clouds mesmerize you with a magical charm. Rain, wind, and clouds always occupy the vicinity of the peak.
The lush green beauty of the hills and the waterfalls can attract anyone. Many people come to visit because of this attraction.
The winding mountain paths and the game of the cloud grow a heavenly feeling in the mind. It is like a piece of green heaven on earth. The country named Bangladesh itself is a green heaven.
7 Important Information about Keokradong
Some valuable information everyone should know before visiting this place. This place is in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh.
This region is different than other parts of Bangladesh. Many tribal people live in this area. Knowing their culture can help in travel.
1. Natural Beauty
Keokradong is a mountain of the fairy tale. The beauty of this mountain is beyond description. There is no hesitation that it is one of the most beautiful mountains in Bangladesh.
But generating feelings of beauty depends on the perspective of the individual. But the people who visit this area appreciate the natural beauty.
The beauty of this green mountain can vary in different seasons. The vibrant colors of spring and autumn or the heavy rain can affect the winter.
The beauty of it is a combination of natural aesthetics and personal experience. Every year thousands of people from Bangladesh visit this place of Bandarban. Many foreigners also come to visit this place.
2. Origin of The Name
The meaning of the name Keokradong is interesting. The word Keokradong comes from the Marma language.
In the Marma language, ko means stone, kara means mountain, and Dong means highest. That is, Keokradong means the highest rock mountain.
3. Keokradong Height and Position
The first measurement of the height was 1,230 meters. It was once considered the highest peak in Bangladesh at that time.
But current SRTM data and GPS calculations of Russia show that its height is not more than 1,000 meters.
Bangladesh army craved a plaque at the top of the peak. It states that the height of this mountain is 3,172 feet.
But the GPS survey discovered it as 974 meters, corresponding to the Russian measurement. Russian researchers did it through SRTM data and maps.
But, this is not the perfect location of Kyokradang as currently claimed by Russian SRTM data and the USGS.
They marked the position of Keokradang further north of this location. There they measured its height as 883 meters.
4. Visitors need to Get permission
This region is in the hill tracts area of Bangladesh. Many armed rebel groups are active in this area.
So there are many army camps to maintain peace. If Bangladeshi people from other regions want to visit this area, they need to take permission.
The Process of Taking Permission:
- After reaching Ruma Bazar, you have to fill out the form from the Bangladesh Army.
- You have to get permission from Ruma Bazar Police Fari.
- You must take permission from the army while going to Boga Lake.
- Before going to Keokradong, you need to get permission from the army of Boga Lake again.
- Go to Keokradong and get permission from the army there again.
Your guide can help you with all these tasks. You have to give your name, phone number, and signature.
5. How to get to Keokradong
Visitors have to go to Bandarban first to reach Keokradong. Many buses leave for Bandarban every day from different parts of Dhaka.
For example, Shyamli, Hanif, Unique, S Alam, and Dolphin – you can go to Bandarban by these buses.
These buses leave for Bandarban from Kalabagan, Syedabad, or Fakirapool at 10 pm or around 11:30 pm. Non AC bus take 550 tk per person. AC 950 Tk.
It is possible to go to Bandarban from Chittagong. Pubali and Purbani Paribahan buses go from Bahaddarhat to Bandarban. These buses charge 220 takas per person.
It is possible to reach the bus stand to Ruma Bazar from Bandarban city by 15 takas. The first bus starts the journey at 8 am. Try to catch the first bus.
It costs 110 Tk per person and will take 2.5 to 3 hours. Visitors need to take a break in Ruma Bazar. It is necessary to complete all the documents at the army camp with the guide.
After the army camp work, you can go to Boga lake by car. The car has a seating capacity of 7/8 people. The rent is 1800 Tk.
It is again necessary to submit the documents at the army camp of Boga Lake. Visitors can start the journey to the destination after submitting the documents.
It is good to keep saline, dry food, and water. Every visitors have to hike about eight to nine kilometers to reach the destination. It is not an easy task at all.
The elevation difference from Boga lake to the mountain is about 2000 feet. It will take around 4 hours to reach the destination, depending on walking.
6. Where Will You Stay?
There are cottages for overnight stays in this area. There are also cottages for the overnight stay in Darjeeling Para on the way to the destination.
Besides, those who don’t want to spend the night at Keokradong can return in the afternoon. They can spend the night at Boga Lake. The guide will fix the cottage for them.
120-150 taka per person is necessary to stay in Boga Lake. There are various cottages here to stay in the night. But Siam Didi’s Cottage has a good reputation.
Keokradong Tourist Motel – This place is at the peak of the mountain. One has to struggle with the booking of this cottage.
This cottage offers a spectacular view of the hill valley. If you want to stay in this cottage, spend up to 150-300 taka. It depends on the number of tourists.
Food facilities are also available here. Each meal will cost Tk 130-150, including egg and rice with any side dishes. There is a lot of water shortage here.
Even if you get free water for washing your hands and face, you have to buy 50 takas per bucket of water to take a bath.
Cloud Hill Agro Resort – This cottage is in the Darjeeling Para. To stay here, spend 130-150 taka per night.
Food is also available here. Each meal will cost Tk 120-130, including egg and rice with any dishes.
7. Where Will You Eat?
There are many ways to eat food in this area. You can eat at the cottage where you stay. Or if you ask the guide, they will arrange the chicken.
If you want, you can also cook it yourself. Food is not 100-120 taka per person. Apart from Bagalek, you can eat at Keokradong for lunch.
The food standard and price are the same as in Boga lake. Also, on the way from Boga lake to Keokradong, you will find some neighborhoods.
There you will also find some food shops. These shops have food like tea, bananas, bread and mountain fruits, papaya, and oranges.
Tell the guide in advance what to eat, and the man will talk to the shop owners and arrange everything for you.
Some Special Information
There are some hotels to stay at Ruma Bazar, but you should leave Boga Lake during the day. You must reach Ruma Bazar by 4 PM.
The army does not allow vehicles to leave for Boga Lake after 4 PM. It takes 4 hours by car from Ruma Bazar to reach Boga Lake. You have to take a guide to visit the mountains from Ruma Bazar.
There are guide associations in the market, and you will get a guide if you go to them. The man should go to the army camp and register the information for you.
Conclusion
The ideal time to visit Keokradong is during monsoon or autumn. Beautiful clouds can be visible during this time. It is possible to visit Boga Lake, Chingri Waterfall, and Keokradong together.
No one should throw plastic anywhere when going to visit this beautiful mountain. A large amount of plastic and polythene spoils the beauty of the mountains.
This mountain is our wealth, so we must protect its beauty. Thank you for reading this article, and hopefully, have a pleasant and safe journey.