Amiakum Waterfall Bandarban

Amiakum Waterfall is an extraordinary waterfall located in Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban district. It is one of the remote places in Bangladesh. The cold water stream is coming down with great speed spreading milky white foam across the green hills and stone barriers. Far away from the locality, the melodious sound of falling water and flowing sound waves in the pristine nature enthralls the tourists. Amiyakhum Waterfall near Bangladesh-Myanmar border has got the fame of Bengal's paradise. Fascinated by the form of the fountain, some have called it the most beautiful waterfall in Bangladesh.

Tourists flock from different parts of the country almost throughout the year to see the beauty of Amiyakhum, the natural wealth of Bandarban. The beauty of Amiyakhum regains its fullness in monsoons. Accepting many hardships and facing Amiakhum in the inaccessibility of the mountains is a true sacrifice! However, safety should be taken into account as the Sangu river has high water during the full monsoon season and there is a risk of flash flood. Besides, this fountain can be visited at any time of the year. Going in winter is a bit convenient as you have to do trekking.

If you want to go to Amiyakhum, first come to Bandarban district from anywhere in the country. Then you have to go to Amiyakhum through Thanchi upazila. Amiakhum can be reached by two routes from Thanchi.

Route 1: Thanchi > Padmajiri > Thuisapara > Devtapahar > Amiyakhum. Route 2: Thanchi > Remakri > Nafakhum > Jinapara > Thuisapara > Devtapahar > Amiyakhum.

The first route requires about 6-7 hours of trekking only to Padma Jhiri and sometimes night trekking may also be required. Although many go by the first route, the second route is relatively convenient. Besides, you can go through Padmajiri and come via Remakri.

It takes about 4-5 hours to reach Thanchi upazila by bus or jeep from Bandarban city. On reaching Thanchi Upazila you must arrange a guide. No permission to go to Amiyakhum without a guide. Permission should be taken from the administration there with the guide. Then take a boat reserve from Thanchi to Romakri Bazar. If you can reach Romakri by noon, you can start walking towards Nafakhum Jharna without wasting time. About two to two and a half hours of trekking from Romakri, you will see Nafakhum Jharna. After spending some time there, head out to Thuisa. If you think it will be a long night to reach Thuisa Para, you can spend the night in Jina Para, the previous one.

Thuisa Para is located at a 3-4 hour trucking distance from Nafakhum Jharna. Spend the night there and leave early morning for Amiyakhum Yatra with Thanchi guide and another local guide. About 3 to 3 and a half hours will take you to see the pristine beauty of Bandarban's nature and reach Amiyakhum Jharna via Devta Hill. Velakhum and Satvaikhum are located near Amiyakhum Jharna. So plan accordingly. Make arrangements for lunch in advance. On the way back from Amiyakhum spend the night at Thuisa Para and return to Thanchi as before or by a different route. Arrive at Bandarban from Thanchi and proceed to your destination.

Wherever you want to stay after Thanchi you have to stay in a local tribal house. You have several tribal neighborhoods along this route. Usually stay overnight in Remakri, Nafakhum Para, Jinapara and Thuisa Para. Your guide will make all arrangements for your stay.

You will have to eat at the home of local tribals to eat on your trekking route. For the convenience of tourists, there are various meal packages. Consult the guide beforehand for where and what to eat. Jum rice rice, vegetables, pulses, mountain chicken, potato bharata can be eaten according to this food package. And along with it, take all the dry food like biscuits, chocolate, chira, muri, dates according to the quantity and plan. The entire journey requires strenuous trekking.

When traveling to Amiyakhum, a few people should go together. It will reduce the cost as well as give courage to travel to these remote places. The main expenses for traveling to Amiyakhum are-

Coming to Bandarban – Cost to come to Bandarban city from wherever you live. Bandarban to Thanchi – From Bandarban to Thanchi you have to go by Jeep, Chander Car or Bus. Reserve Jeep/Chander Car Rs 5500-6000 and bus Rs 200 per person. Thanchi to Remakri – Thanchi to Remakri engine boat to and fro Rs 4000-4500. 5-6 people can sit in one boat. Guide cost – Guide cost for all trips to Amiyakhum, Velakhum, Satvaikhum is Tk 4500-5000. Cost of food – It will take 120-150 taka per meal to eat at home of tribals. Accommodation Cost – Tk 150 per person per night to stay in tribal house.

Feature Image: Siam Anwar