Keokradong - The third-highest mountain in Bangladesh

Keokradong is situated in the highland city of Bandarban, Bangladesh. With an elevation of 986m, it is the third-highest mountain in the nation. Keokradong is a sight to behold. Natural beauty abounds in Keokradong. The breathtaking splendor of the green hills, cool fountains, zigzag paths, mountainous roadside, and hide-and-seek game of clouds on the top of the mountain in Keokradong is simply mindblowing.

How to go to Keokradong

To get to Keokradong from anywhere in Bangladesh, you must first travel to Bandarban. From Dhaka, direct bus services are available to Bandarban. The bus fare is about BDT 550 for non-AC travel and BDT 950–1500 for AC travel. From Dhaka to Bandarban, the journey takes around 8 to 10 hours. You must first travel to Chittagong if you wish to take the train. If you appreciate seeing the countryside, I highly recommend taking the train. From the Kamlapur station in Dhaka, there are several train services available. The train fares will range from 350 to 1200 BDT. Additionally, you can travel directly by flight from Dhaka to Chittagong. You must take a bus to Bandarban from Chittagong, which may cost about BDT 250.

From Bandarban to Keokradong

You must first travel to Ruma Bazar from Bandarban to Keokradong. The next stop after leaving Ruma Bazar is Boga Lake, then Keokradong. Getting to Keokradong from Bandarban in a single day will be a little challenging. It is better to spend the night at Boga Lake before heading to Keokradong the next day. Ruma Bazar is 48 kilometers away from Bandarban. You can take a local bus or a Chander Gari (Jeep) to go to Ruma Bazar. In Bandarban, the road has a zigzag pattern because the Bangladeshi army carved off the hillside to build it. Traveling on this hilly route in a local bus or Chander Gari is a wonderful pleasure.

From Ruma Bazar to Boga Lake

When you reach Ruma Bazar, you will have to take the registered guide from the guide association and permission from the Ruma Bazar army camp to go to Keokradong. Remember that after 4 PM, you will not get permission to go to Boga Lake from Ruma Bazar. Another important tip is always to try to buy the necessities from Ruma Bazar. Though there are some indigenous shops on the way to Boga Lake and Keokradong, you might not always be able to find what you need there.

From Boga Lake to Keokradong

After reaching Boga Lake, you must report to the army camp. It is preferable to spend the night there and travel to Keokradong the next morning rather than continue on the same day. From Boga Lake to Keokradong, the road is fairly good. You can either go by vehicle or on foot. But, you must keep in mind that it will depend on the conditions of the road.

Boga Lake

Boga Lake is such a lovely location that you will immediately fall in love with its enigmatic beauty. This naturally formed lake passes through Keokradong at a height of 1246 feet above sea level. It is Bangladesh’s highest freshwater lake and is completely shrouded in mystery. Boga Lake’s water is blue, and the main source of water is rain in summer. The people of Boga Lake perform native songs for tourists using their musical instruments. In Boga Lake, people use a piece of bamboo for cooking the food inside. They also serve their cuisine in slices of bamboo that look smoked and juicy. Boga Lake is unsurpassed if you are looking for adventures in life.

The trail up to the peak of Keokradong

The next day, you should start your journey earlier to climb up to the peak of Keokradong. You should start your journey at seven in the morning. It is roughly half a day’s walk from Boga Lake. If you want the hiking experience, you must hike 14 km on foot.

Chingri Fountain

After walking for 3 km, you will reach Chingri Fountain. It is roaring with a colossal sound because the water is falling about 15 meters high from a hill. You should bathe in the fountain if you want to. After that, you have to start again.

The water from the fountain makes the hillside very muddy and slippery. I would advise anyone to remain cautious when driving through this area. I was on the verge of falling into a 30-meter-deep cave during my visit when I decided to leave. My friend lent me a helping hand, and I am grateful to the Almighty for saving me on that particular day.

Darjeeling Para

After walking for two more hours, you will reach Darjeeling Para. It is a little village in Keokradong where very few people live. If you visit, you will learn about the lifestyle of the native people of Darjeeling Para.

The peak of Keokradong

You will ultimately reach Keokradong after an hour. The vista of Keokradong is, in my opinion, quite endearing and timeless. Clouds that are white and fluffy cover the sky. Your skin will be brushed by a flow of white clouds, which will feel divine. In addition, the weather is excellent. Sometimes it rains, and other times it is sunny. It is a fantastic experience to have a cup of coffee in the evening at Keokradong. It even has its own private helipad on it. From there, you can see the Myanmar border and the other hills in the vicinity of Keokradong.

Nilachol

Eventually, you have to return to Roma Bazar. After reaching Roma Bazar, you can request your hired Chander Gari driver to take you to Nilachol. You might need to pay for it. The park known as Nilachol is located at the peak of Nilachol Hill. The Kingdom of Clouds is another name for it. Beautiful photos can be taken there at Nilachol.

Gear and clothing required for a trip to Keokradong

Take only what you really need. When packing, keep in mind that you must walk for three hours in an uphill direction with little time for rest. You will tire and move more slowly if your bag is heavy.

• Trekking shoes

• A backpack

• Two t-shirts

• One or two shirts for the cold nights

• One or two pairs of trousers

• One towel

• Necessary electronics: a phone, a camera, a power bank, a charger

• First aid kit

• Medicines for pain, fever, food poisoning, acidity, and vomiting

• Oral saline

• Mosquito repellents

• Muscle relaxers

Is a trip to Keokradong worthwhile?

For the sake of adventure, I will not give you a detailed description of the peak of Keokradong, but I will guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Do not let the opportunity to spend the night at the summit pass you by. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the sunrise and sunset from here. I was lucky to get that experience. Keokradong is a place that everyone should visit once in their lives. If not, it will truly be the biggest regret of all.