Keokradong, Bandarban

Keokradong Hill is located in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban. At about 3,172 feet, the mountain was once considered the highest mountain peak in Bangladesh, but it is currently the fifth highest peak in modern measurements. The name Keokradong comes from the local indigenous Marmads. Keokradong means the highest rock mountain in the Marma language. From a distance, the peak of Keokradang appears to be nothing. And when you reach the top, the mithali of mountain clouds will move you with magical attraction.

Whichever part of the country you live in, you must first come to Bandarban to go to Keokradong. S. from different parts of Dhaka. Alam, Saudia, St Martin Transport, Unique, Hanif, Shyamli, Dolphin etc. buses leave for Bandarban. The fare of these buses is Tk 800-900 for Non AC and Tk 1200-1800 for AC respectively. It takes 8-10 hours to go to Bandarban from Dhaka by bus.

If you want to go by train, you can go to Chittagong by train from Dhaka, Tourist Express, Cox's Bazar Express , Sonar Bangla, Subarna Express, Turna Nishita, Mahanagar Godhuli. Class wise rent is 405 to 1398 taka. Besides, you can directly come to Chittagong from Dhaka by air.

From Baddarhat in Chittagong, two boats named Pubali and Purbani set out for Bandarban. These two buses cost Tk 220 per person. You can come to Bandarban by bus from Dhampara bus stand in Chittagong for Tk 200-300.

If you want to go to Keokradong from Bandarban city, you have to go to Ruma Bazaar first. Then from Ruma Bazar via Bagalek to Keokradong. Reaching Keokradong from Bandarban in one day will be a bit difficult. Usually tourists spend a night in Bagale on the first day and travel to Keokradong the next morning. Visiting and staying at Bagalek will make your Keokradong trip more enjoyable.

The distance from Bandarban to Ruma Bazar is 48 km. Ruma Bazaar can be reached by local bus or Chander Car/Jeep. To go by bus you have to go to Ruma bus stand in Bandarban. After 1 hour from there the bus leaves for Ruma. The fare is 120 taka per person, it will take about 3 hours. If you go in a group, you can go to Ruma Bazar by Jeep/Chander. One car can go 10-15. 3000-4000 taka to rent a car from jeep station in Bandarban city. It will take about 2 hours if done by jeep.

After reaching Ruma Bazaar, you need to arrange a guide to go to Keokradong. Taking a guide is mandatory. There is a registered guide of guide society, so someone should be fixed. You will have to bear the cost of the guide's meals. Permission to go to Keokradong must be obtained from Ruma Bazar Army Camp before departure. The identity of all traveling members must be submitted in writing for permission. The guide will help you to do these tasks. And definitely remember that it is not allowed to go from Rumabazar to Bagalek after 4 pm. Buy your useful things from Rumabazar. There are some tribal shops on the way to Bagalek and Keokradong, but you may not get what you need there.

The distance from Rumabazar to Bagalek is 17 km. After taking permission, Land Cruiser Jeep or Chander Car should be hired from Rumabazar. 8-15 people can go in one car. You can take the help of a guide for these tasks. Telling the guide what you need will usually take care of it. Reserve rent of landcruiser from Ruma to Bagalek is 1800 taka, Chand car rent is 2000 taka. If you have few members, you can talk to other groups and arrange a car together. Or you can buy a ticket and go to the local bus. Local Chand cars come and go every hour from 8 am to 4 pm. Local fare till Bagalek is Tk 100 per person.

On reaching Bagalek, report to the army camp there. If you leave Bagaleke that night early the next morning, you can reach the peak of Keokradong by walking (trekking) for 3-4 hours. The entire road from Bagalek to Keokradong has to be walked. There are quite a few steep hills to cross. If you want, you can reach Keokradong the next day via Bagalek, Ruma Bazar and then Bandarban. Or on that day, you should come down from Keokradong and come to Bagale and then reach Bandarban via Ruma during the day. But it is best to stay one night at the top of Keokradong mountain. The opportunity to watch sunset and sunrise from the fifth highest mountain in Bangladesh should not be missed.

Note: At present, if the road is good, you can go to Keokradong by car. But whether it will be possible to go will depend on whether the road is good or not.

If you want to spend the night at Keokradong, there are tribal cottages near the peak of Keokradong. You can talk in advance with the guide or you can go there and talk. A one-room cottage should accommodate a few. Rent 100-150 taka per person. Food should be arranged in tribal house. Food packages are usually available for Rs 100-200. Meals are arranged with rice, eggs, potatoes, mountain chicken. For this, you have to tell in advance what to eat and how many people will eat. If you want to eat on arrival, you can ask the guide when you go.

Adivasis have some small cottages. You have to stay in one of those cottages. It will cost 100-200 taka per person to stay in these cottages of tribals in the natural environment. One room cottage can accommodate 5-6 people. Besides, separate cottages can be arranged for couples or women. If you have any preference in advance, tell the guide at the time of going and the cottage will fix it. Or you can go and fix it. Food arrangement is similar to that of Keokradong.