Sajek Valley: The Land of Clouds

Sajek Valley is perhaps one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for travel lovers. Its stunning natural beauty has earned it the name the queen of the hills. This is not an exaggeration. If we conduct a survey to determine the most beautiful locations in Bangladesh, this undulating area will undoubtedly secure the top position. Because of its lush greenery, pleasant weather, and tranquil atmosphere, it is often referred to as the paradise of Bangladesh. It is also known as the roof of Rangamati. 

Image Source 

Explorers call Sajek Valley the land of clouds. A team of clouds plays here, surrounded by picturesque mountains and dense forests. Walking through the clouds and feeling them with your hands will make anyone excited. Traveling to Sajek through the kingdom of clouds along the zigzag, up-and-down hilly roads, which resemble giant snake spirals, is truly something great.

The panoramic view of the countryside from the top of the mountain and the waves of clouds will fascinate visitors. It is an all-weather tourist spot where tourists can experience different types of weather in a single day. In the morning, the surrounding area is covered with thick clouds, which prevent one from seeing the bottom while standing on top of the mountain. 

Image Source 

Sajek derives its name from a river that flows into the Karnafuli River in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The things that attract tourists here are the sunset, rain, morning, evening, and night, as well as the indigenous people. Additionally, visitors can purchase products made by the indigenous community from the haat (market) for their friends and family members.

Where is it located?

Sajek is a union in Baghaichari Upazila of Rangamati District and is the largest union in Bangladesh. It covers a vast area—even surpassing the size of many upazilas in the country. Situated to the northeast of Khagrachari District at an elevation of 1,800 feet above sea level, Sajek stands out for its impressive landscape. The original Sajek Valley consists of two neighborhoods- Ruilui and Kanlak. These are called para in the local language. Indigenous people from the Lushai, Pankua, and Tripura communities mainly reside here. Located only 10 km from Mizoram in India, Sajek is also renowned for its orange orchards.

Sajek is such a place where, if you are lucky, you can witness three different aspects of nature within 24 hours. At times, the weather can be extremely hot. After a little while, rain begins to fall suddenly, and soon after, a layer of fog may cover the area. At night, when the solar lights illuminate the apex of this remote mountain, they create a remarkable atmosphere. Many children gather under the streetlights to read books or engage in play.

In Sajek, there are three helipads, each with its own unique beauty. You can also walk from Ruilui to Komolong Para, a scenic area situated well above sea level. Do not forget to taste the oranges during the harvest season, as the oranges of Sajek are considered the best in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Army has also established a small loom industry for the residents of Ruilui Para, where visitors can purchase beautifully crafted towels and lungis.

When is the best time to visit Sajek Valley?

If you want to visit Sajek Valley for tourism, winter is the best time. However, if you enjoy adventure and wish to experience the true beauty of the mountains, the rainy season is the best time to visit.

How will you go to Sajek Valley?

There are many direct buses from Dhaka to Khagrachari. You can take a bus from the Gabtoli and Saidabad bus terminals. You will find both AC and non-AC buses. The price range of tickets is between Tk 520 and 700. Prices may increase over time.

From Khagrachari, there are three ways to reach Sajek: Chander Gari, CNG, and motorcycle. The most popular way is to reserve a jeep (locally known as Chander Gari) from Khagrachari city. The rent is BDT 4,500–5,500, and one jeep can carry up to fifteen people. If you are traveling in a group, it is best to go by Chander Gari for more fun. If you plan to return before sunset, your costs will be BDT 4,000–5,000. If you decide to stay overnight, you have two options for your return trip:

1.   After reaching Sajek, release the car but keep the driver’s number and tell him to come when you call.

2.   Stay in Sajek at night, and when you return the next day, you will find many Chandar Gari going back empty after dropping off passengers. You can return to the city with one of them at a cheaper rate.

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

In addition, you can reach Sajek by motorcycle. In that case, you will first need to go to Dighinala from Khagrachari city. From there, you can continue to Sajek by motorcycle. A motorcycle can accommodate three people, including the driver. You can reserve a round-trip motorcycle ride for approximately Tk 1,000–1,200. If you can bargain, the fare may be slightly reduced. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Khagrachari to Dighinala, which will cost each passenger Tk 45.

Where will you stay?

Accommodation is perhaps the main problem here, as there are very few resorts or rest houses. So, if you visit Sajek Valley during government holidays, you may not find any place to stay. There are two beautifully decorated resorts—Runmoy and Sajek—which are managed by the Bangladesh Army. 

Image Source 

Runmoy Resort – This beautiful and well-furnished resort is located at the end of Ruilui Para. When you first see this two-storied rest house, it will be hard to believe that you are traveling somewhere in Bangladesh. We are used to seeing this type of house in English movies, so it may seem as though you have come to travel abroad. The resort has five rooms, and each room can accommodate a maximum of four people. Room rent on the ground floor is BDT 4,450, while on the first floor it is BDT 4,950 for civilians. Foreigners will have to spend US$100 and US$150, respectively. There are also five tents, named sequentially as Rock Tents 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each tent can accommodate four people, and the rent is BDT 2,850.

Sajek Resort – This round-shaped, magnificent resort is located at the center of Ruilui Para. You will be astonished by its external appearance, but its interior design will fascinate you even more. If you want to make your journey comfortable, you should book a room here. It is a little bit expensive. The resort has only four rooms, including one VIP suite. The rent of the VIP suite is BDT 15,000. The rent of another room is BDT 12,000. The other two rooms cost BDT 10,000 each per day. Foreigners will have to spend US$200–250. Booking must be done through the Giri Thebar of Khagrachari Cantonment. Here are the numbers: 01859025694, 01847070395.

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 the NGO Alo. This neat and well-organized resort is located in Ruilui Para, very close to Sajek Resort. It has six rooms, including four double rooms and two single rooms. The rent for a double room is BDT 1,000, and for a single room, it is BDT 700.

Megh Machang – If you want to enjoy the beauty of the lush green hills and clouds to the fullest, you should reserve one of the cottages at Megh Machang. The resort has three separate bamboo cottages. These eco-resort-style cottages are located in Ruilui Para of Sajek Valley, Rangamati. The cost for each cottage is BDT 3,000 per day. Each cottage can accommodate 5–6 people and has an attached bathroom. Guests can enjoy the natural landscape through the windows and balconies. For reservations and more information, you can contact this number: 01822-168877.

Emmanuel resort- This standard resort is suitable for individuals who wish to stay with friends or for those who do not mind sharing accommodations. However, it is not the best choice for families. It has eight rooms and a shared bathroom. The room with a rent of BDT 1,500 has two double beds, and the room with a rent of BDT 700 has two single beds. For further information and reservations, contact: 01865349130, 01869490868 (bKash).

Sara Resort- It is another resort located in Ruilui Para. It has four rooms, three with attached bathrooms and one with a common bathroom. The rent for each room is BDT 1,000. If you book all four rooms, it will cost BDT 3,600. Each room has one bed, which can accommodate two people. The rooms are a bit small in size. This rest house is made of tin and has a solar system. Contact number: 01554534507.

Ruilui Para club house- This semi-concrete house was built by the army as a club for people living in this vicinity. If there are many tourists and alternative accommodations are not available, this location can serve as your lodging. It has the capacity to host around 15 people. Each person will have to spend BDT 150–200. Bedding will be provided by the caretaker. Guests have the option to prepare their own meals or ask the caretaker to do so, which will not cost more than BDT 200. This accommodation is ideal for students or those seeking economical lodging. There are two toilets: one can be used for free, and for the other, you will have to pay BDT 200. Contact numbers: 01838497612, 01860103402.

You can even stay in tribal houses located in Kanlak Para, which may cost around BDT 600–1,000, including food. To make your journey more memorable, you may consider camping near Sajek. Several camping sites are available in Ruilui Para. It is advisable to inform the security forces before camping. Prior to traveling, ensure there is an available room in the resorts, and it is recommended to reserve the room by phone before your departure.

Where will you eat?

If travelers stay at Sajek Resort, Runmoy Resort, tents, or Alo Resort, their meals will be arranged by the respective resorts. If you stay in the club house, food can be managed by the caretaker. Those who go camping or stay in tents outside can eat at Maruti Hotel, System Restaurant, or other nearby hotels run by tribal people. You should place your food order at least two hours in advance. Each meal will cost approximately Tk 150–200. If you order from the army-run canteen, they will cook your food, but the price is comparatively higher.

You can contact the resort in advance to arrange food. If there are only a few people, they can go directly to the restaurant and order food. If you order just rice and vegetables, the person in charge of the resort can arrange it. It is better to buy fish or meat from Machalong Haat. Staying at least one night in Sajek is recommended.

What are the nearby tourist spots?

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

Some important tips:

While going to Sajek Valley, do not forget to take a power bank. It will help you keep your mobile switched on. As there is limited electricity, you cannot charge your mobile in most resorts. Mobile network is also a big issue. Only a few telecommunication companies, such as Robi and Grameen, have coverage here. So, you can buy a SIM from any of these companies to stay connected with your friends and family. There is a scarcity of drinking water, so it is better to carry bottles of mineral water from the nearby bazaar. Bring chocolates for tribal children, as they greet tourists with the hope of receiving candy. If they do not get any, they may feel disheartened. Mosquito-borne diseases are very common in hilly areas, so take precautionary measures to protect yourself from these illnesses.