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Keokradong Hill

Keokradong Hill


Which is located in the border area of ​​Bangladesh and Myanmar at the southeastern edge of Ruma Upazila in southeastern Bandarban district of Bangladesh. This is not the actual location of Keokradong as currently claimed by the Russian SRTM and USGS. They located Keokradang further north from this location and measured the elevation at 883 meters. It is the third highest mountain peak in Bangladesh. There are different measurement opinions about its height. For example-

  • Its height was measured at 1,230 meters when it was considered the highest peak in Bangladesh.
  • Current SRTM data and GPS calculations conducted by Russia show that its height does not exceed 1,000 m.
  • The Bangladesh Army plaque at the top of the peak states its height as 3,172 feet.
    A GPS survey found the elevation to be 974 meters (3,196 ft).

So its height is 3,172 feet or 966.83 meters according to the context of Bangladesh and written information of Bangladesh Army.

Rain, wind, and clouds often obscure the view, making the Keokradong peak appear misty from a distance. Additionally, the strong winds can make it difficult to stand there for long periods. The view of the sunset from the Keokradong helipad is particularly spectacular. The area is surrounded by green trees and various small and large hills. The winding road to reach this place is quite rugged and captivating. Recently, the Honorable Prime Minister visited Keokradong and unveiled a commemorative plaque.


History of Keokradong Hills

The word Keokradong is originally from the Marma language. In the Marma language, ko means “rock”, kara means “mountain” and dong means “highest”. According to Lala Bom, the current king of Keokradong as of 2022, the Chaina Huang tribe (royal lineage) migrated here from China in 1962 due to flooding. In 1800, Nikwal Mahajan Hauheng brought gayals (a type of cattle) from China, first to Manipur and Mizoram, and then to the Karnaphuli Kaptai area in Bangladesh. In 1963, Sunbil Mahajan Hauheng and Mankip Mahajan Hauheng established a gayal farm in the Keokradong area of Ruma Upazila. That same year, Darjeeling Para was discovered. They started raising gayals in various villages within Ruma Upazila, including Keokradong, Messrs Lala Gayal Farm, Saloupi Para, Tamlo Para, Fainuam Para, Baktai Para, Dolachan Para, Tangchat Para, Anand Para, Pukur Para, Jaruchari Para, Sunsang Para, Thaikhyong Para, Tangdoai Para, Simtangpi Para, and Prata Para. This practice continued for many years. Eventually, in 2005, the area began to attract tourists, turning it into a notable destination.

When Will You Go

During the monsoon, despite nature enveloping itself in its unique beauty, the environment around Boga Lake, Chingri Jhorna, Keokradong, and its surroundings becomes very dangerous. However, if you still wish to visit, you can take a jeep towards Ruma during the rainy season, which often goes up to Koikhyang Jiri. From there, you need to travel more than an hour by motorboat to reach Ruma Bazaar. During this time, you must walk the entire way from Ruma Bazaar to Keokradong. The unpaved and muddy roads make travel extremely difficult, so winter is the safest and most convenient time for a visit. The period from early August to November is considered the best time to travel to Keokradong.

Special Advice
During the dry season, you can reach the mountain peak from Boga Lake by renting a “chander gari” (a local vehicle). Therefore, you should arrange for transportation before heading to Keokradong. The lifestyle of the local people is different from that of the plains, so avoid doing anything that might disrespect them. Do not take pictures of the locals without their permission and refrain from arguing with them. Do not litter, especially with peels, plastics, or bottles. Since you will be traveling through a remote area for about 4-5 hours, try to carry a small bag and light items. Ensure you have an adequate supply of water, oral rehydration salts, glucose, headache medicine, light snacks, and basic first aid supplies. Before trekking, you must submit the necessary documents at the Boga Lake Army Camp and then start your journey towards Keokradong. Use shoes with good grip for trekking.

  • It is convenient to travel in a group of at least 6 people.
  • Keep a copy of your voter ID or birth certificate.

Certain guidelines set by the Bangladesh Army must be followed:

  • Going to the helipad after 5 PM is prohibited.
  • You must return to your respective cottage by 10 PM if you wish to stay overnight.
  • If you stay overnight, you must leave Keokradong by 7 AM the next morning, unless you have permission to stay longer.
  • Unnecessary wandering without permission is prohibited.
  • Socializing between boys and girls who are not family members is not allowed.
Special Precautions
Traveling on the roof of the jeep is completely prohibited by the Bangladesh Army. There is no electricity facility except solar, so it is very important to carry power bank and torch. Robi and Airtel are suitable as mobile SIM networks here. To avoid untoward risks and to prevent recurrence of previous fatal incidents, bathing or bathing in the lake is strictly prohibited by the local administration. Teletalk and Robi networks have better coverage compared to all other operators in Ruma Upazila.
Where to Obtain Permission
To visit Keokradong, you need to obtain permission from five places:

  • Upon reaching Ruma Bazaar, fill out a form and obtain permission from the army.
  • Obtain permission from the Ruma Bazaar police station.
  • Get permission from the army while heading to Boga Lake.
  • Before going to Keokradong, get permission again from the army at Boga Lake.
  • Upon reaching Keokradong, obtain permission from the local army there.
  • You also need to sign out at the same places on your return.

However, there is no need to worry. Your guide will handle all these tasks. You just need to provide your name, phone number, and signature.

Some Essential Information
  • There are some hotels in Ruma Bazaar for staying, but it is recommended to head to Boga Lake within the day. You must reach Ruma Bazaar by 4 PM, as the army does not permit any new “chander gari” (local vehicle) to depart for Boga Lake after that time. It takes 4 hours to travel from Ruma Bazaar to Boga Lake by chander gari.
  • According to regulations, you must hire a guide to visit any mountain areas from Ruma Bazaar. There is a guide association in the market where you can hire a guide. With the guide, you need to go to the army camp and register your name, address, phone number, and other details as per the rules. If traveling with a large group, you can prepare a list in advance with everyone’s name, address, occupation, phone number, and emergency contact number.
  • The cost to travel from Bandarban to Ruma Upazila headquarters is 110 taka per person, or 3000-4000 taka if you hire a whole jeep. From Ruma to Boga Lake, it costs 80-100 taka per person, or 2200-2500 taka for a whole jeep (according to 2024 records).
  • During winter, you can reach Keokradong by vehicle, but in the rainy season, you will have to go on foot.

Distance of Keokradong Hill from various divisional cities of the country
Dhaka 384 km
Rajshahi 629 km (By Sirajganj Root)


671 km (kustia → Faridpur Root)

Rangpur 672 km (By Sirajganj Root)
Sylhet 484 km.
Mymensingh 493 km (By Dhaka Root)


484 km (By Bhairava Root)


467 km (By Narshindi Root)

Khulna 455 km (Gopanganj → Bhanga → Srinagar → Dhaka Root)


446 km (Barisal → Bhola → Laxmipur Root)

Barisal 341 km
Chittagong 138 km (Putia → Satbania Root)


141 km (By Bandarban Root)


To go to Keokradong Hill, first you need to go to Bandarban

How to reach Bandarban from Dhaka

Bus Dhaka Bus Stands:-

  • Fakirapool
  • Saidabad
  • Kolabagan
  • Abdullahpur
  • Gabtali
  • Kalyanpur
  • Jatrabari
  • Arambagh

(Bus available from 09.00 PM to 11.30 PM)

Buses:-

  • Shyamoli
  • Hanif
  • S Alam
  • the dolphin
  • Unique
  • Saudia
  • Eagle
  • Saint Martin
Train

(There is no direct train facility from Dhaka to Bandarban so you have to take train till Chittagong.)

Trains from Dhaka to Chittagong-
Trains from Dhaka Kamalapur or Airport Railway Station to Chittagong Railway Station-

  • Mahanagar Prabhati (704)
    Departure time is 07:45
    Arrival Time 14:00 (Daily)
  • Suvarna Express (702)
    Departure Time – 04:47 P.M
    Arrival Time – 09:50 PM (Mondays Only)
  • Mahanagar Express (722)
    Departure time is 21:20
    Arrival Time 04:50 (Closed on Sundays)
  • Turna Express (742)
    Departure time is 23:30
    Arrival Time 06:20 (Daily)
  • Sonar Bangla Express (788)
    Check out time is 07:00
    Arrival Time 12:15 (Closed on Wednesdays)
  • Chittagong Mail (02)
    Check out time is 22:30
    Arrival Time 07:25 (Daily)
  • Karnaphuli Express (4)
    Check out time is 08:30
    Arrival Time 18:00 (Daily)
  • Chattla Express (64)
    Check out time is 13:00
    Arrival time 20:50 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Biman

(As there is no direct flight facility from Dhaka to Bandarban, you have to fly to Chittagong.)

Flights to Chittagong:-
Flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bengali
  • NovoAir
  • Air Astra

How to get from Rajshahi

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Rajshahi to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Rajshahi Bus Stand
  • Baneshwar
  • Binodpur
  • kajla
  • Katakhali
  • Phutia
  • Rajabari
  • Shirul

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Evergreen Transport
  • Hanif Transport

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train

(As there is no direct train facility from Rajshahi to Chittagong, you have to go to Dhaka first and then take the train.)

Trains to Dhaka:-

  • Madhumati Express
  • Silk City Express
  • Padma Express
  • Dhumketu Express

(As you have to catch the Dhaka mail train. So it is better to go to Dhaka by fast express from Natore first)

Biman Flights to Chittagong:
Flights from Rajshahi Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • US Bangla Airlines
  • NovoAir

Ways to go from Rangpur

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Rangpur to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands:-

  • Dhaka (Kamar Para) Bus Stand

Buses:-

  • Hanif Transport
  • Shyamoli
  • Shanto travel
  • Shah Fateh Ali

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train

(As there is no direct train facility from Rangpur to Chittagong, you have to go to Dhaka first and then take the train.)

Trains to Dhaka:-

  • Kurigram Express
  • Rangpur Express
Biman

(If you want to go directly to Chittagong by plane, you have to go to Syedpur Airport, 40 km from Rangpur city.)

Flights to Chittagong:
Flights from Syedpur Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bangla Airlines
  • NovoAir

Way to go from Sylhet

Bus

(Since there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Sylhet to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Sylhet Bus Stand
  • Kadamtali
  • Humayun Rashid Chatwar
  • Sovani Ghat

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Ena transport
  • Saudia Transport

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train Trains to Chittagong:-

  • Jalalabad Express (Runs Daily)
  • Paharika Express (Runs on Saturday only)
  • Udayan Express (Runs on Sundays only)
Biman Flights to Chittagong:
Flights from Sylhet Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bangla Airlines

How to get from Mymensingh

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Mymensingh to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Buses from Mymensingh district city to Chittagong:-

  • Ena transport
  • Soukhin transport
  • Alam Asia
  • Dream transport
  • Hanif Transport

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train Trains to Chittagong:-

  • Mymensingh Express (Runs Daily)
  • Vijay Express (Closed on Wednesdays)
Biman

(As there is no direct flight facility from Mymensingh to Bandarban, you have to fly to Dhaka from there)

Flights to Chittagong:-
Flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Chittagong Airport-

  • Biman Bangladesh
  • US Bengali
  • NovoAir
  • Air Astra

How to reach Bandarban from Khulna

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Khulna to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Sonandanga
  • Royal Chattar
  • Royal Mor
  • Daulatpur
  • Fakirhat
  • Phulbari Gate
  • Phultala Bus Stand
  • Katakhali Bus Stand
  • Khulna zero point
  • Khulna Bus Stand

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Saint Martin Hyundai (Robi Express)
  • Saudia coach
  • Time travels
  • Royal Travels

(Before travelling, check carefully where you are going, whether the transports will reach your destination. Because the information changes with the change of time)

Train

(As there is no direct train facility from Khulna to Bandarban, you have to go to Dhaka and from there take a train to Chittagong)

Trains to Dhaka:-

  • Suvarna Express (Closed on Mondays)
  • Chitrangda Express/Chitra Express (Operates Daily)
Biman Flights to Chittagong:-

  • US Bangla Airlines
  • Biman Bangladesh Airlines

How to reach Bandarban from Barisal

Bus

(As there is no direct bus, train or flight facility from Barisal to Bandarban, you have to go to Bandarban via Chittagong.)

Bus Stands to Chittagong:-

  • Natullabad

Buses to Chittagong:-

  • Hanif
  • Ena
  • Sohag
  • Labiba Classic
  • Seven Star Deluxe
  • Saudia coach

How to get from Chittagong to Bandarban

Bus Bus Stands:-

  • Baddar Hat
Buses:-

  • Pubali
  • Purvani

Bandarban to Keokradong Hill

Routes and Description:
Route: Bandarban -> Ruma Bazar -> Bagalek -> Keokradong Hills

  • From Bandarban City Bus/Chander Car Stand take local bus or Chander Car/Jeep to Ruma Bazar.
  • On reaching Ruma Bazar first you have to fix the mandatory registered guide. Permission to go to Bagalek should be obtained from Ruma Bazar Army Camp before departure. The identity of all traveling members must be submitted in writing for permission.
  • After taking permission, you have to hire a bus or landcruiser jeep or Chander car from Rumabazar. (A moon car can carry 8-15 people.)
  • Local bus or landcruiser must be reserved from Ruma to Bagalek. (A moon car can carry 8-15 people.)
  • Overnight at Bagale and depart for Keokradong Mountain the next morning. Keokradong Hill is about 15 km away by car or on foot.

On The Way Back-
After visiting Keokradong Hill you can return to Bandarban according to the route.

(Don’t hesitate to negotiate and bargain with the guide very well to get a good view of the convenient route and surrounding areas.)


Accommodation and Food

(There are all sorts of arrangements in tribal neighborhoods for accommodation and food.)

Residential Hotels For overnight stay in Bagalek-

  • Some small cottages of tribals
  • Siam Didi Hotel
  • A state-of-the-art Rest House of Hill Development Board (under construction)

Overnight at Keokradong Hill-

If you want to spend the night in Keokradong mountain, you will find a restaurant before climbing to the top, they will arrange it if you talk to them. Definitely bargain.

(As there is no residential hotel on the route, the tribals have to stay in the neighborhoods. Therefore, you can arrange accommodation by directly talking to the house owner of the said residential neighborhoods or with the help of a guide.)

Restaurants

You will get the facility of eating anywhere in the neighborhood or in a residential house.

Note: Tell the guide what you need and they will usually arrange it.

Basic distance and fare from Bandarban to Keokradong-

Bandarban to Rumabazar – (Approximately 48 km)

  • Local Bus- Fare minimum 120 taka per person
  • Chander’s Car- Minimum 3000-4000 Tk

Arrival time – about 3 hours

Rumabazar to Bagalek – (About 17 km)

  • Local Bus- Fare minimum 100 taka per person
  • Chander’s car – minimum Tk 2000-2500

Arrival time – about 2 hours

Bagalek to Keokradong – (About 15 km)

Chander’s car – minimum Tk 2000-2500

Arrival time – about 2 hours

Please note that these lists are only indicative of minimum fares. Which is changing in current situation. So negotiate according to the correct information.


Advantages of traveling to Keokradong Hill are-

  • Advanced communication system.
  • Facilitate spending quality time with family/couple or friends.
  • Beautiful and pleasant environment.
Advice- First Of All, Always Be Careful In Bargaining Before Booking A Car Or Boat Trip, Hotel Booking, Food Or Anything Else. Also-
  • If Necessary, Take Water Bottle, Umbrella Or Raincoat And Water Proof Bag.
  • Get Full Charge On Mobile, Torch, Power Bank.
  • With The Help Of A Local Guide You Can Tour The Whole Region Beautifully.
  • Don’t Forget To Take Necessary Materials For Trekking.
  • Travel In Groups Of At Least 6 People.
Sightseeing: Any Tourism Destination Is Our Heritage, Our Country’s Heritage. Let Us Refrain From Any Harmful Actions Towards The Natural Or Scenic Beauty Of These Places, And Encourage Others To Do The Same. It Is Our Responsibility To Be Careful About Everything In Our Country.
 
Caution: The Costs Of Hotels, Resorts, Transportation Rentals, And Other Expenses May Change Over Time, So The Information Provided May Not Be Current. Therefore, Please Make Sure To Gather Information About Current Rentals And Expenses Before Planning Any Trip.

Note- Beware of all kinds of brokers/scammers. Be very careful on the way so as not to get into any kind of danger. In case of any problem, take the help of local administration or call the National Emergency Service of Bangladesh – 999.


For Any Information Or Travel Help Please Contact Or Comment-
Email- admin@biratbazar.com
 
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Other Notable Places to Visit in Ruma Upazila

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