Tahjingdong
Type: Hill / Mountain
Contributed By: Nayeem
Brief
Tahjingdong is believed to be the tallest mountain of Bangladesh. According to the local tribal language Tahjing means Great & Dong means Hill and thus the name Tahjingdong or Great Hill. The highest peak of this mountain is around 4,300 ft. above sea level. Thousands of tourist gather each year in Ruma Upazila to recompense a stopover of Tahjingdong. There are several different Tribal communities living on the areas surrounding the mountains whose unique cultures and living styles revolve around nature and the simple way of life.
Once upon a time, the journey to Tahjingdong was thought to be a tough and a difficult one to make, but today a lot of tourists take part in this journey for the sake of adventure and its amazing beauty. The scenic beauty of this place is not just restricted to the mountain and is spread far and wide all along the way to Tahjingdong. However, for the duration of the rainy season it’s a real hardship to climb it. Also, particularly in the winter season, lots of tourists endeavor to conquer it on foot as an adventure. At present one, can reach close to the Keokradong by Chander Gari (Jeep) which when translated to English means ‘The Moon Car’. The remaining path has to be accomplished on foot. For those having experience in trekking, will find it quite an easy journey to make and for those who do not, it might be a little difficult at first but the surrounding heavenly scenery along with the fresh clean air of the mountain side will certainly make it a truly enjoyable experience that one would not forget easily. And finally, let us not forget the view from the top, standing among the clouds and looking over at the world stretching below you, paradise on earth.
How to go
Ruma is 50 kilometers away from Bandarban. Due to the lack of established communication and transportation, it is indeed a distant Upazila in Bangladesh. For visiting Tahjingdong you have to go to Ruma at first. On the way heading to Ruma you have to sign up your name & address in the adjacent military check post. It must also be noted that after 4 p.m. no one is allowed to leave Ruma for Boga Lake, Keokaradong, Tahjingdong.
In rainy season you can go up to Koikhhong Jhiri by jeep. From there it is around a one hour boat journey to Ruma. In winter season you may go up to the Ruma Bridge Ghat and from there it requires around 15 to 20 minutes by boat to reach Ruma. From Ruma Sadar you can rent a pickup truck or a jeep to go to Boga Lake and from there it’s a beautiful walk among the scenic hills all the way up to Tahjingdong.
How To Reach: Bandarban District
Dhaka and Bandarban are linked by road. There are direct bus services available from Dhaka to reach Bandarban.
Some of the bus services are listed below for your assistance:
1. S Alam services Ltd
Contact: 0341-62902
2. Shyamoli Paribahan
Contact: 0443-449934
3. Saudia Paribahan
Arambag, Contact: +88-02-7102465
Gabtoli, Contact: +88-02-8018445
There are no direct flight services available from Dhaka to Bandarban. However, you can travel to Chittagong by air and then take a bus or private car to reach Bandarban. Bangladesh Biman, United Airways, Regent Airways and Novo Air, all provide flight services to Chittagong.
Where to Stay
1. Hillside Resort
Address: Chimbuk road, Bandarban
Contact: 01730 045083, 02-988 6983
2. Hotel Greenhill
Address: Main Road, Bandarban-4600
Contact: +88 01856699910, +88 01856699911
3. Hotel Purabi
Address: V.I.P. Road, Bandarban Sadar, Bandarban
Contact: 01823-346383, 0361-62531
4. Hotel Paharika
Address: Main Road, Bandarban
Contact: 62155
5. (Resident)
Address: It is located in the South-West of Thanchi Bazar in Thanchi Sadar Upazila
Contact: 01819537753, 01818100435
6. Upazila Rest House
Owner/Manager: Mr. Kalhacing Marma, Chairman, Upazila Parisad
Address: Thanchi Bazar (close to the mosque), Thanchi Sadar Upazila
Eating Facilities
Tourists have to take along dry food, water cleansing tablet warm clothes, torch light, orsalaine, anti-mosquito lotion and other essential medicines. Since this journey is considered quite arduous, so it is advised to not take along children for this trek. There are some residential hotels in Ruma Bazar, which you have to book or arrange for before starting for Ruma. If you are privileged enough and have permission from the locals you may also live at the tribal house along with the indigenous people where you can soak in their culture and way of life.
