Moulvibazar’s tourist attraction Kalapahar is the highest mountain point or peak in the northern part of Bangladesh. It is also the highest mountain peak in Sylhet. Its height is about 1100 feet. On one side of it is the Kulaura-Juri border of Bangladesh and on the other side is the Tripura border of India. The hill is located in Begunchhara Punji near Robirbazar in Karmadha Union of Kulaura Upazila of Moulvibazar district. The distance from Kalapahar to Kulaura town is approximately 35 kilometers and its distance from Azgarabad Tea Garden is only four kilometers.
Location on Google Maps of the Kalapahar: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeHfaZkwnTBBLNjg6
About 60 percent of Kalapahar belongs to Bangladesh and the rest belongs to North Tripura, India. In Tripura state, the mountain is known as Raghunandan. In Bangladesh, the highest peak of the mountain is locally called ‘Kalapahar’ and the mountain range is locally called Langla Pahar. However, the mountain is also known as ‘Hararganj Pahar’, according to the Bangladesh Geographical Society.
Trekking route of Kalapahar
Our journey began through the Azgarabad tea garden ((Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S4sUAiWVievCLn568). The tea garden is quite big but not very beautiful, but still the unobstructed greenery was eye-catching. There was a huge banyan tree in the tea garden, seeing it, the others got busy taking pictures and it was my responsibility to take them. As soon as the tea garden ended, the uphill and downhill path began.
On the way from Azgarabad Tea Garden to Begunchhara Punji (Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/J184PdopfXVbBjBM7), you will find eight other large mountain canals including the Fanai River. Also, on the way from Begunchhara to Kalapahar, you will find a jhiri path somewhere, and somewhere you will find a steep mountain path with dense forests and small mountain streams. On top of that, you will have to descend very steeply somewhere and climb very steeply on a mountain path.
If you continue along these paths, you will see elephant droppings. According to the locals, a lot of elephants used to be found here. Later, due to the barbed wire fence on the Indian border, wild elephants no longer come here. However, domesticated elephants roam here. If you are lucky, you can see these elephants.
You will reach the top of Kalapahar to experience various exciting expeditions. The entire road, which takes about three to three and a half hours, is full of challenges. At some places you have to descend steeply and at other places you have to climb steep mountain paths. There are many winding paths and mountain paths, and the narrow, steep road inside the orchard is covered with 1/2 foot of dry bamboo leaves. On the steep road, you will sometimes roll 4/5 feet on the bamboo leaves. That is, every moment a new adventure will double your enjoyment.
There is one road to climb Kalapahar, a mountain road. But there are two roads to descend from the mountain. Mountain paths and mountain paths.
Almost all the people of the Khasia ethnic group here are Christians. About 500 families live in the border villages of Begunchhara, Puntichara, and Luanchhara. There are several other Khasia villages nearby. The main source of income for the people here is betel cultivation.
The environment at the top of the mountain will disappoint you a little because there are bamboo bushes all around the edge of the peak. Because of these bamboo bushes, you will not be able to see the surrounding environment clearly. But don’t be disappointed, while descending, you will find a quite large open space a little below the peak from where you will be able to see the surrounding environment beautifully.
While climbing the mountain, there is a forest on both sides. While passing through this forest, you will feel like you are in the Amazon jungle. It feels like seeing the light rays of the sun through the trees inside the dense forest. There are many small and large waterfalls inside the forest.
This forest is home to deer, bears, monkeys, fish tigers and many other animals. There are various types of fruit trees. Among the trees in the forest, you will see the creeping betel tree planted by the Khasias.
To reach Kalapahar
To reach Kalapahar from Dhaka, you can take a train or bus to Kulaura. Apart from this, you can also reach Kulaura via Moulvibazar. From there, you have to take an auto via Rabirbazar to Azgarabad Tea Garden. If you go on local CNG, it will cost around 50-60 taka per person. You have to find an experienced guide from Azgarabad or Begunchhara Punji. Since the Indian border is next to Kalapahar, taking the wrong route can be a major danger.
Precautions:
- Be sure to wear shoes. Be mindful of your clothing.
- Do not leave any non-biodegradable waste.
- Carry enough water with you. Water is not always available.
- Arrange a guide who must know the area well.
Trekking tips:
For a comfortable and professional trekking, you need to carry a camping backpack, odomos cream, sunblock, dry food, (chanachur, muri, chocolate, almonds, cup noodles, dates), water bottle, lighter, knife, sunglasses, cap, compass, torch, match or other fire source, tent, active GPS system, nylon rope, plastic bag, identity card, toilet tissue, etc. Also important-
• A fleece suit, for sleeping at night and spending time comfortably in the evening.
• At least 2 pairs of T-shirts, socks
• Light trousers - usually made of microfiber, important for heat movement during the day.
• Light jacket-windbreaker. Required in the cool morning air.
• Raincoat or poncho
• It is better to have a head-lamp. Because it keeps your hands completely free, it is much more convenient to move in the dark during trekking.
• Sleeping bag
• Down jacket essential for cold weather
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