This January, my friends and I embarked on a budget-friendly adventure to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Bandarban. Our itinerary included iconic spots such as Dim Pahar, Thanchi, Padmamukh, Amiakhum, Velakhum, Satbhai Khum, Devta Pahar, Nafakhum, Tindu, Rajapathar, Remakri, Chimbuk, and Nilgiri. For travel enthusiasts, the urge to discover new landscapes never ceases, and this trip was no exception.
Planning the Bandarban Trip
After returning from Sylhet, the desire to explore Bandarban grew stronger. Using social media, vlogs, and Google, I quickly devised a plan. Our group consisted of childhood friends, initially numbering 15/16. However, due to various excuses, our group shrank to just 3/4 members. With a friend’s intervention, we magically formed a group of 10.
Preparing for the Journey
We planned a three-day trip, choosing the Dhaka to Alikadam route. On Wednesday morning, a friend and I visited the Abdullahpur bus counter, but unfortunately, no bus had ten seats available. With the help of a friend’s uncle, we managed to secure ten seats on a bus from Sayedabad. Our bus was scheduled to depart at 11 PM on Thursday.
Despite instructing everyone to leave by 6 PM, we reached Tongi Rail Junction by 8 PM due to delays and traffic jams. We walked to the station and caught a train to Kamalapur, getting off at Khilgaon when the train slowed down. We quickly went to the Shyamoli counter and boarded the bus within half an hour. Once on the Chittagong Highway, the driver, Maruf Bhai, showcased his driving skills.
Day 1: Reaching Alikadam and Thanchi
Morning: Arrival and Breakfast
After two rest stops and showing our ID cards at checkpoints, we reached Alikadam bus counter by 7:30 AM. We freshened up and had breakfast at Pan Bazar. After breakfast, we rented a jeep to go to Dim Pahar and then to Thanchi. The jeep ride through the winding mountain roads, surrounded by greenery, was exhilarating.
Afternoon: Exploring Dim Pahar and Thanchi
After a few army checkpoint entries, we reached Thanchi. We paid the jeep fare and went straight to our pre-arranged guide, who took us to the local police station to fill out a form and submit our ID cards for 100 BDT. We then bought trekking shoes, anklets, necessary medicines, and food. After boarding two boats arranged by our guide, we set off for Padmamukh, arriving in about 40 minutes. We started our trek from there at 12:20 PM. Walking through the zigzag paths and small hills was incredibly beautiful yet eerie.
Evening: Reaching Thuisa Para
After an hour, we took a 10-minute break for a light meal and continued. The first hill climb was tough, followed by two more hills before reaching a village where we rested and had some papaya, which tasted heavenly. We resumed trekking, taking a break at another village store before walking through the dark, eerie paths. By 5 PM, we reached Thuisa Para, where we stayed for the night. After freshening up, we rested in a traditional machang house. For dinner, we had rice, chicken, and lentils. We ate quickly and went to bed, exhausted from the day’s trek.
Day 2: The Adventure Continues
Morning: Trekking to Devta Pahar
Our guide woke us at 5:30 AM. After a breakfast of egg khichuri, we set off for Devta Pahar, home to the main attractions of Amiakhum, Satbhai Khum, and Velakhum. We packed our lunch to eat by Amiakhum. After an hour of walking, we reached the top of Devta Pahar. The real adventure began as we descended the 90-degree steep hill. It was a terrifying experience, but we made it to our destination within an hour and a half.
Afternoon: Enjoying Amiakhum and Velakhum
We then went straight to Velakhum, where a raft took us to Velakhum. After taking some photos and enjoying the waterfall, we headed to Amiakhum. The sight was indescribably beautiful, with clear, light green water. We ate lunch on banana leaves by the waterfall and took some rest, clicking photos. We were the first group to arrive, with no other tourists around. By noon, other groups began arriving, and we left by 11:30 AM. Climbing back up Devta Pahar took about 40 minutes, and we quickly made our way back to Thuisa Para.
Evening: Trekking to Nafakhum
Having already eaten lunch, we packed our bags, paid the village expenses, and set off for Nafakhum around 2 PM. After about a three-and-a-half-hour walk, we reached Nafakhum Para. The path to Nafakhum was relatively easier than Padma Jhiri since there were no big hills, only streams. We took two breaks at local stores for some food. Our guide arranged our stay at a large verandah in a machang house. After some rest, we wandered around the village. Dinner consisted of rice, eggs, and lentils. We ate and quickly fell asleep.
Day 3: Returning to Thanchi and Bandarban
Morning: Journey to Remakri and Thanchi
We woke up, freshened up, and had breakfast of egg khichuri. After packing our bags and paying the village expenses, we headed towards Remakri. An hour of walking later, we stopped at a store for some light snacks. By 10:30 AM, we reached Remakri. After taking some photos, we boarded the boat and headed to Thanchi, entering the network area within an hour. We paid the boat fare and went to a restaurant in Thanchi market where tourists can freshen up. After settling our guide’s payment, we rented a pickup truck, heading towards Bandarban town, a five-hour journey with a few stops for ID checks and visits to Chimbuk and Nilgiri.
Afternoon: Exploring Bandarban Town
By 4 PM, we reached Bandarban town and booked ten tickets from Saudia Transport for a direct bus to Gazipur Tongi, departing at 8:30 PM. We had lunch at a nearby restaurant and spent the remaining time resting or wandering around. When the bus arrived, we boarded and headed straight to Tongi, reaching at dawn. We then went to our respective homes.
Travel Tips
When traveling, always remember:
- Do not litter
- Ensure maximum safety and caution for yourself and your travel companions
This trip to Bandarban was a thrilling and extreme adventure, with a packed schedule and numerous beautiful spots to explore. Despite the challenges, it was an unforgettable experience, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of Bangladesh.