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.

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.

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.