Sajek valley; where hills touches the sky

 Read in বাংলা

If we call Sajek Valley the queen of the hill for its natural beauty then it will not be overstated. If a poll is arranged to vote beautiful places in Bangladesh then this undulating area will surely take the top position. Because of its green surroundings, pleasant weather and peaceful condition, it is known as the paradise of Bangladesh. It is the roof of Rangamati.

It is also called the land of clouds. A team of clouds plays in Sajek Valley in the embrace of scenic forest and mountains. Walking through the clouds and touching it with hands will make someone excited. Going to Sajek through the kingdom of cloud by zigzag and ups and downs hilly roads which resemble big snake spirals is really something great.

It comes with the present of experiencing some ‘me’ time where the green, wilderness and serenity will be the sole company. Recently Sajek Valley has emerged as one of the most popular tourist spots in Bangladesh, mostly known as a “small piece of paradise” in the chest of Bangladesh. It is also known as the Queen of Hills & Roof of Rangamati as it is fully surrounded by mountains, dense forest and grasslands hilly tracks.

The valley is situated among the hills of Kasalong range of mountains in Sajek union, Baghaichhari Upazila in Rangamati District; precisely it is 67 km north-east of Khagrachhari town and 95 km North-West of Rangamati city. The valley is 2000 feet above sea level.

Sajek valley is famous for its natural beauty. Sajek valley is known as the Queen of Hills & Roof of Rangamati. The valley is surrounded by mountains, dense forest, grasslands hilly tracks. Many small rivers flow through the mountains among which Kachalong and Machalong are notable. The road to Sajek has high picks and falls.

The native people of Sajek valley are ethnic minorities. Among them Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Lushai are mentionable. People in general are gentle, welcoming and friendly. Picking fruits and vegetables early in the morning is a major trade here. They are not fluent in Bengali but the young population speaks English confidently.

Where is the location?

Sajek is a union at Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. Sajek, the biggest union of Bangladesh, is large in size. It is even larger than many upazilas of Bangladesh. It is located towards North-East from Khagrachari district. It is 1800 feet above sea level. Original Sajek valley consists of two neighborhoods- Ruilui and Kanlak. In the local language, these two places are called para. Indigenous people of Lushai, Pankua, and Tripura mainly live in Sajek. It is 10 km distance from Sajek to Mizoram of India. Sajek is famous for orange orchard.

Sajek is such a place where, if you are lucky, you can see three forms of nature in 24 hours. Sometimes, the weather is very hot. A little later rain starts falling suddenly and sometimes later the surroundings may be covered with the blanket of fog. At night when, thanks to solar, light illuminates on the apex of this remote mountain, it creates a tremendous circumstance. Many children sit under road light and read books or they get engaged into playing.

There are three helipads in Sajek. The beauty of each helipad is different from others. In addition, you can go to Komolong Para from Ruilui by walking. This area is beautiful and situated much higher than sea level. Do not forget to eat orange during the season of orange. Orange found in Sajek is best in Bangladesh. A small loom industry has been built for the residents of Ruilui Para by Bangladesh army. Beautiful towels and lungi are available here.

All the pitching away from the road, one night, we started a journey to Sajek valley. At the 11.00pm at night, we leave Kamalapur. At 8:20 am, we reached the Khagrachari's Dighinala forest monastery. Sunil Da a local labor leader was ready with primeval car Chander Gari. Chander Gari started and we reached at Guest House within 10 minutes and have a little breakfast. Then took all the cooking items for the upcoming launch. A car is running to Sazek valley behind everything. We have to poll break at Baghaicari Army camp for entry permission.

Crossing Nandaram para our care running by the narrow streets of the hills. The more we go forward to the mountains the more hills move away. We are going to stop and sometimes, I become caught by the dazzling nature of the darkness. After Kachalong river we reached at Machalong Bazar and stay for a while. we have to go 5km more to Sazek valley, so couldn't break the car but the natural beauty of the street makes us fascinated as well. We reached the Sazek valley, at last.

Accommodation is perhaps the main problem here. There are very few resorts or rest houses. So, if you go to Sajek Valley during government holidays, you will not find any place to stay. We have to pass the night at Sazek clubhouse.

There are two beautifully decorated resorts- Runmoy and Sajek, which are managed by Bangladesh army.

Runmoy resort- This beautiful and well-furnished resort is located at the end of Ruilui Para. When you will see this two-storied rest house for the first time, it will be hard for you to believe that you are traveling somewhere in Bangladesh. We are used to watching this type of house in English movies. So, it may seem to you that you have come to travel abroad. It has five rooms. Maximum four people can live in each room.

Sajek resort- This round-shaped magnificent resort is placed at the center of Ruilui Para. You will be astonished seeing its external look, but its interior design will make you more fascinating. If you want to make your journey comfortable then you should book the room here. It is a little bit expensive. It has four rooms only, including one VIP room.

Apart from these, you will also find some quality resorts managed by private owners and local tribal people. One such resort is Alo Resort, which is said to be the biggest resort. It is run by NGO Alo. This neat and well-organized resort is located in Riului Para and very close to Sajek resort. It has six rooms, including four double rooms and two single rooms.

Ruilui Para club house- This semi-concrete house was built by the army as the club for people living in this area. If there are more tourists and you cannot find any place to live then you can stay here. Almost 15 people can stay in this clubhouse. Bedding will be provided by caretaker. If you want then you can cook food by yourself or tell the caretaker to do this for you. It will not cost more than BDT 200. Students or those who are in need of a place to live at a cheap rent can stay here.

When do you go Sajek Valley?

If you want to go the Sajek Valley only for travelling then winter is the most suitable time. But if you like adventure and want to see the real beauty of the mountains then visit there during the rainy season.

How do you go Sajek Valley?

There are many direct buses from Dhaka to Khagrachari. You can take bus from Gabtoli and Saidabad bus terminals. You will get both AC and non-AC buses. The price range of ticket is between Tk 520 and 700.

From Khagrachari, there are three ways to reach Sajek – Chander Gari, CNG, and Motorcycle.

The most popular way is to reserve a jeep (local name of it is Chander Gari) from Khagrachari city. It will take BDT 4500-5500 as rent. Fifteen people can sit on one car. If there are many people then you should go there by Chander Gari with fun. The thing is that it will take BDT 4000-5000 if you go there and return before the sunset, but if you stay there at night, in that case, I can show you two ways. One, after reaching Sajek, you will leave the car, but take the driver’s number and tell him to come if you call. The second way is to stay at Sajek at night and then when you will return next day, you will find many Chander Gari going back empty after offloading passengers. You can return to the city with one of them at a cheap rate.

If there are few people then you can take CNG from Khagrachari to go there. It will cost around BDT 3000.

In addition, you can visit Sajek by motorcycle. In that case, you will have to first go to Dighinala from Khagrachari city. Afterward, you can visit Sajek from there by motorcycle. Three people, including driver, can sit on a motorcycle. You can reserve motorcycle two-way around by Tk 1000-1200. If you can bargain, the fare will be decreased a little bit. You can go to Dighinala from Khagrachari by bus which will cost each person Tk 45 as rent.

Where do you eat?

If travelers stay in Sajek resort, Runmoy resort, tents and Alo resort then their foods will be arranged from their respective resorts. If you stay in clubhouse then you can manage food by a caretaker. Those who will do camping or stay outside on tent can eat food at Maruti Hotel or System restaurant or some other nearby hotels run by tribal people. You will have to give order of your food at least two hours ago. Per meal will cost Tk 150-200. If you order at army-run canteen, they will cook food for you, but here price is comparatively a bit high.

You can contact earlier for the arrangement of food. If there are a few people, they can go to the restaurant directly and order food. If you order only rice and vegetable, the person who is in charge of this resort can arrange it. It will be better if you buy fish/ meat from Machalong hat. It will be better if you stay one night in Sajek

What are the nearby tourist spots?

Hajachara and Taiduchara waterfalls, Ruilui Para Church, The Horizon Garden, Chengi Golf House are some beautiful places where you can visit if you have enough time in your hand.

Some important tips:

While going Sajek Valley, do not forget to take power bank. It will help you to keep your mobile switch on. As there is no electricity, you cannot charge your mobile in a resort. Mobile network is a big issue. Network of very few telecommunication companies, such as Robi and Grameen is available here. So, you can buy a SIM for any of these companies. It will keep you connected with your nearer and dearer people. There is scarcity of drinking water. It will be better if you carry bottles of mineral water from the nearby bazaar. Buy chocolates for tribal children. They greet tourists with a hope of getting candy from them. If they do not get it, they will feel disheartened. Mosquito-borne diseases are very common in hilly areas. Take precautionary steps to stay away from these deadly diseases.

Daily Bangladesh/Prince/Sohug