Take a car to the peak: Keokradong reopens with new road, welcomes back tourists after 3 years
Previously, adventure-seekers would trek for three to four hours from Boga Lake to reach the summit. Now, with motorable access all the way to the top, the trekking experience is no longer the same.
After remaining closed for three years due to security concerns, Keokradong hill, one of the main attractions of Ruma Upazila in Bandarban, has finally reopened to tourists.
After reviewing law and order, authorities lifted the ban from 1 October, having banned travel to the peak in October 2022, though visitors were allowed up to Boga Lake.
Ahead of the Durga Puja and Buddhist Probarona Purnima holidays, tourism operators and visitors had been strongly demanding its reopening.
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On the very first day, the peak saw a rush of visitors, with tourist guides in Ruma reporting that more than 800 people climbed Keokradong on reopening day alone.
Among the tourists, bikers made up the majority – some groups had 10, others 20, and there were even biker groups of 50 to 60 people. Tourists visiting with their families were heading toward the peak in chander gari or Land Cruisers.
Keokradong
Keokradong lies in Ruma's Remakri Pransa union, about 76km from Bandarban town. Standing 4,330 feet above sea level, it is now officially considered the second-highest peak in Bangladesh, after Tajingdong in Thanchi Upazila.
Previously, adventure-seekers would trek for three to four hours from Boga Lake to reach the summit. Now, with motorable access all the way to the top, the trekking experience is no longer the same. Still, visitors can enjoy day trips from Bandarban or stay overnight in the village by Boga Lake.
Travel rules
According to the Ruma Tourist Guide Welfare Association, all visitors must register at the army checkpoint in the garrison before reaching the Ruma Upazila headquarters, providing personal details on a form and paying Tk50 per person. Copies of the form must then be submitted to Ruma Police Station, the guide association and the army camps at Boga Lake and Keokradong.
Hiring a registered guide for six bikers or 14 general tourists is mandatory. The fee is Tk700 per day up to Boga Lake and Tk1,000 up to Keokradong, excluding their food and lodging.
Transport costs
The local chander gari (a kind of open-roof vehicle) owners' cooperative has fixed fares for tourists. From Ruma to Boga Lake, a one-way chander gari ride costs Tk2,700 and Tk3,700 including the return trip. For Keokradong, the rates are Tk5,000 one way and Tk7,000 round trip. Motorcycle fares are Tk1,000 for Boga Lake and Tk2,000 for Keokradong, round trip.
