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 |
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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.
Certain guidelines set by the Bangladesh Army must be followed:
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| 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:
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 |
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| 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) |
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To go to Keokradong Hill, first you need to go to Bandarban |
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How to reach Bandarban from Dhaka |
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| Bus |
Dhaka Bus Stands:-
(Bus available from 09.00 PM to 11.30 PM) |
Buses:-
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| Train |
(There is no direct train facility from Dhaka to Bandarban so you have to take train till Chittagong.) Trains from Dhaka to Chittagong-
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| Biman |
(As there is no direct flight facility from Dhaka to Bandarban, you have to fly to Chittagong.) Flights to Chittagong:-
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How to get from Rajshahi |
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| 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:-
Buses to Chittagong:-
(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:-
(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-
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Ways to go from Rangpur |
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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:-
Buses:-
(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:-
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| 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:
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Way to go from Sylhet |
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| 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:-
Buses to Chittagong:-
(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:-
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| Biman |
Flights to Chittagong: Flights from Sylhet Airport to Chittagong Airport-
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How to get from Mymensingh |
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| 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:-
(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:-
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| Biman |
(As there is no direct flight facility from Mymensingh to Bandarban, you have to fly to Dhaka from there) Flights to Chittagong:-
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How to reach Bandarban from Khulna |
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| 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:-
Buses to Chittagong:-
(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:-
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| Biman |
Flights to Chittagong:-
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How to reach Bandarban from Barisal |
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| 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:-
Buses to Chittagong:-
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How to get from Chittagong to Bandarban |
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| Bus |
Bus Stands:-
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Buses:-
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Bandarban to Keokradong Hill Routes and Description:
On The Way Back- (Don’t hesitate to negotiate and bargain with the guide very well to get a good view of the convenient route and surrounding areas.) |
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Accommodation and Food |
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(There are all sorts of arrangements in tribal neighborhoods for accommodation and food.) |
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| Residential Hotels |
For overnight stay in Bagalek-
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.
- 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.
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.
→ Email- admin@biratbazar.com
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Other Notable Places to Visit in Ruma Upazila
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1. Bogalek
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