Nafa-khum is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Bangladesh. There’s no doubt about the extra-ordinary feeling one will get when they see it for the first time. The path to this waterfall is also not for ordinary travelers, it requires determination, time, and energy.
This was my first tour after the covid-19 lockdown. I along with my friends started from Arambagh, Dhaka at 11 pm on 9th December 2020. We reached Bandarban town at 6 in the morning. Then we rent a Jeep, locally known as ‘Chander Gari’, which would take us to Thanchi where our guide, Prosen Tripura, was waiting for us. On our way to Thanchi, there were several spots where we stopped our jeep to take photos. Here’s one we loved:
There’s a BGB check post on the way in Bolipara where every tourist must sign in and out themselves. This is a great place to take a break and freshen up and have breakfast and lunch. Their restaurant is named 'Parijat Garden Cafe’. They have delicious and good quality foods at reasonable prices. There’s also a juice corner from where you can try Olive, Lemon, and Papaya juices. We had our breakfast on the way and also ate our lunch on the return path. Their Paratha, beef, chicken, vegetable everything was worth trying.
When we reached Thanchi, we met our guide who helped us to get all the
permissions required from the local Police station and BGB to get to Nafa-khum. We planned to do a BBQ at night where we were going to stay, so we had to buy chicken and other ingredients from Thanchi Bazar. We also bought trekking shoes which we later found out not needed or helpful at all. Typical Sports sandal are best for trekking in my opinion.We contacted our guide while we were in Dhaka and asked him to rent boats and rooms ahead because this is peak season in our country for traveling and so we didn’t want to take any risks.
So, we started for Remakri from the Thanchi Nouka ghat by boat. This is a special kind of boat which only exists in this route. Small engines power these boats. There must be two drivers in these boats because the path is very dangerous and the Sangu river is full of small to huge rocks. There are lots of directions provided by the BGB before riding the boat. We reached Thanchi at 10 a.m. and finished all the permissions and shopping and it was past 11 a.m. when we rode the boat.
To me, this boat ride from Thanchi to Remakri Bazar is the best part of the tour. The breathtaking views of the surroundings, the green water, the adventurous ride made by the waves and rocks are really worth it. This 2+ hours boat ride really amazed us. We saw the famous ‘Raja Pathor’ (King Rock) on the way. There’s a point which is too risky to carry passengers on the boat, so we got off the boat and walked that part and again started our journey. We reached Remakri Bazar at around 2 pm where we freshened up and had our lunch at a traditional restaurant run by local women.
We started our main trekking sometime after 2 pm. It was a bit difficult trek for us because we were already tired after almost 15 hours of journey by bus, jeep, and boat. But the picturesque trail through which walked and trekked towards Nafa-khum was out of this world. So magnificent and adventurous it was that can’t be described in words. Our long tiring trek ended at nearly 5 pm with the view of the mighty Nafa-khum just before dusk. We already had a room in the adjacent Nafakung Tripura Para, Prosen Dada had managed it beforehand. Luckily, we got a room with a view of the waterfall.
We took a quick bath in the freezing water of the fall, then just waited for the BBQ to start. There was nothing much to do there at night, so doing BBQ, singing or listening to songs, playing cards are some good ideas. Good thing there’s no electricity and mobile network. The temperature was going lower and lower as the night grew. It was teeth-clenching cold at night.
The next morning, we woke up at 6 in the morning to get a crowd-free and foggy look at the waterfall. The scene was astounding. No words to describe. Though it was too cold and foggy, we really loved what we saw.
We started our return trek after breakfast. It was almost the same except this time it was more refreshing and enchanting. After the trekking, boating, and jeep riding, we reached Bandarban town at around 7 pm. We used the lobby of the ‘Hotel Hill View’ to freshen up and charge our mobile phones and then the Hill View Restaurant for dinner. They are very helpful and humble. Also, the bus counter is on the ground floor of the hotel. Our bus started for Dhaka at 9.15 pm, 15 minutes before the usual time.
Here are the probable costs (all in BDT) for this tour:
Dhaka to Bandaraban AC Bus: 1400/- + 1400/-
Guide Cost: 2000/-
Jeep Fare: 7500/- (Up-Down)
Boat Fare: 4500/- (Up-Down)
Room Rent: 150/- per person
Meals: 150-200/- per person per meal
This is almost my first post in this local guides connect. Feel free to comment for any kind of questions you might have and give your feedback.
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