Hill Tracts & Eco-Adventure Destinations in Bangladesh

Where Nature Whispers and Adventure Calls

Bangladesh is often celebrated for its rivers and rice fields, but the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) reveal a completely different side — one of rolling green mountains, tribal villages, waterfalls, and mist-covered sunrises.

Traveling here is less about sightseeing and more about feeling — the air is cooler, the pace is slower, and the people you meet will change how you see Bangladesh.

🏞️ 1. Sajek Valley – The Land Above the Clouds

If you’ve scrolled through Bangladeshi travel pages, you’ve likely seen photos of Sajek — cottages peeking out of a thick sea of clouds. And yes, it really looks like that.

• 🌫️ Wake up to clouds right outside your balcony

• 🏡 Stay in bamboo cottages on hilltops

• 🛻 Ride colorful “Chander Gari” (local jeeps) up the winding hill roads

• 🍛 Enjoy tribal meals served in banana leaves

Pro tip: Book in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. It’s become quite popular!

💦 2. Nafakhum & Amiakhum Waterfalls – Hidden Treasures in the Wild

Tucked away in Thanchi, Bandarban, these waterfalls aren’t easy to reach — but that’s part of the charm.

• 🥾 You’ll trek through hills, cross rivers by bamboo rafts, and sleep in tribal homes

• 🌊 Nafakhum is grand and wide; Amiakhum is narrower, tucked into the forest

• 🧗 For adventurers, the trek is just as rewarding as the destination

⚠️ Physical fitness helps! These aren’t lazy-day waterfalls — they make you earn the view.

🌅 3. Boga Lake – The Mysterious Mountain Lake

Sitting 1,246 feet above sea level, Boga Lake (Baga Lake) is a serene, mystical crater lake surrounded by hills.

• 🏕 Camp beside the water under a star-filled sky

• 🐟 Eat local fish caught fresh and cooked over open fire

• 🚶 The hike from Ruma Bazar is scenic and immersive

Most travelers come here to disconnect — no mobile signal, no crowds, just peace.

🏔️ 4. Keokradong – One of Bangladesh’s Highest Peaks

If you’re the kind of traveler who counts summits, Keokradong should be on your list.

• ⛰️ 986 meters above sea level

• 🥾 Reachable by hiking from Boga Lake

• 🛖 Stay in tribal homes or hilltop shelters

You’ll pass through Mru villages, endless stairs, misty trails, and occasionally hear only the wind.

🌄 5. Nilgiri & Nilachal – Scenic Lookouts with Panoramic Views

Not up for hardcore hiking? No problem. Nilgiri (Bandarban) and Nilachal (near Meghla) offer stunning hill views accessible by road.

• 📷 Excellent for photography and romantic evenings

• 🌁 On clear days, you can see distant rivers, clouds, and rolling hills

• ☕ Tea stalls and small cafes at the top offer local snacks with a view

These are perfect for couples, families, or anyone needing a peaceful afternoon.

🎎 6. Tribal Life and Local Culture – The Heart of the Hills

Visiting the hill tracts isn’t complete without experiencing indigenous communities:

• 🧵 Watch women weaving bamboo or handmade textiles

• 🍚 Try rice wine, bamboo chicken, or banana stem curry

• 🎶 Hear stories, songs, and traditions that aren’t found in mainstream Bangladeshi life

Tribes you might meet include Chakma, Marma, Mru, Bawm, and Tripura — all unique in language and lifestyle.

✋ Respect is essential. Always ask before taking photos or entering homes.

🌱 Responsible Travel Tip

The CHT region is politically and environmentally sensitive. Travelers are advised to:

• Travel with local guides or approved agencies

• Don’t litter or disturb wildlife

• Be mindful of cultural differences and dress modestly

• Some areas require a travel permit — especially for foreign tourists

🛌 Where to Stay in the Hill Tracts

Accommodations are simple but heartfelt — the views and local hospitality more than make up for the lack of luxury.

🧳 How to Get There

• 🚌 Buses from Dhaka to Khagrachari or Bandarban (Hanif, Saint Martin, etc.)

• 🛻 Local jeeps (“Chander Gari”) are used in hills — fun but bumpy

• 🚶 Many areas require walking or trekking — travel light

• 🛂 Foreign tourists may need permits for restricted areas

🕰 Best Time to Visit

💬 Final Thoughts

The Hill Tracts are not for checklist travelers. They’re for people who want to feel the air change, who find joy in a cup of tea served by someone who speaks a different language, and who believe the journey matters as much as the destination.

If that sounds like you, the hills are calling.