Sajek Valley : A beautiful tourist place in Bangladesh

Sajek Valley is one of the most stunning and peaceful tourist spots in Bangladesh. 

It is located in Rangamati district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. 

Sajek Valley is famous for its breathtaking scenery, scenic views and peaceful environment. 

This place offers a unique experience of escape from busy city life, fresh air, greenery and nature. 

Let's explore why travellers love to visit Sajek Valley.

1. Location and how to reach Sajek Valley

The Sajek Valley is located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, bordering India. 

It is located at an altitude of about 1,800 feet above sea level, due to which the climate here is cooler than other parts of Bangladesh. 

The valley is about 80 km from Khagrachari town and about 110 km from Rangamati town.

Visiting Sajek Valley can be an adventure in itself. Tourists usually start from Khagrachari town.

From there, visitors can take a four-wheeler, commonly called Chander Gari (Moon Cart). 

It is a powerful jeep that can handle hilly and rough roads with ease. 

The road to Sajek is bumpy but Sajek can be your favorite place if you want to see beautiful scenery of mountains, forest and river.

2. Beauty of Sajek Valley

The Sajek Valley is often called the "Queen of the Mountains" because of its amazing scenery. The valley is surrounded by rolling green hills, forests and small streams. The clouds often touch the mountains and create a magical feeling as if you are walking in the clouds. During the monsoons, the green color of the hills becomes more vibrant and the air is fresh and cool.

One of the special things about Sajek Valley is that you can experience different types of weather in one day. In the morning, you may wake up to fog and clouds covering the valley. By noon, the sun may come out. Then you can have a clear view of mountains and sky. In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset as the sun sinks behind the mountains.

3. Main attractions of Sajek Valley

Kanglak Hill: One of the most popular spots in Sajek Valley is Kanglak Hill. Visitors prefer to climb the top of this hill to view the valley from above. The view of Kanglak Hills is breathtaking and you can see miles of green hills stretching into the distance. The climb is not too difficult. A bit of trouble can be done to see the stunning scenery.

Helipad : Another favorite tourist spot is the Helipad located in the middle of the Sajek Valley. This open space is perfect for taking pictures, watching the sunrise or sunset and enjoying the beauty of the valley. Many visitors flock here to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

Home of Primitives: Sajek Valley is also home to primitives. Mainly Chakma, Marma and Tripura tribes. The local villages in the valley are simple but colorful, with houses made of bamboo and wood. Tourists can visit these villages, meet the local people and learn about their culture, traditions and lifestyle. The warm hospitality of the tribals will impress you.

4. Things to do in Sajek Valley

There are plenty of activities to enjoy while in the Sajek Valley. Some of the most popular activities are:

Hiking and Trekking: The hills around Sajek Valley are great for hiking and trekking. The trails go through forests and small villages and you can explore nature at your own pace.

Photography : Sajek Valley is a paradise for photographers. Beautiful landscapes, colorful skies and unique villages are a great place to take stunning photos.

Enjoy local food : There are several small restaurants and food stalls in Saje where you can taste delicious local food. The food here consists of chicken cooked with rice, vegetables and traditional spices. Many tourists prefer to eat the local bamboo chicken which is a specialty of the area.

Relaxation: Sajek Valley is a perfect place to relax and unwind. The calm environment and natural beauty make it easy to forget the stress of everyday life. If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air, you can go to Sajek.

5. Best time to visit Sajek Valley

Sajek Valley can be visited throughout the year. But the best time to go is during the winter months (October to February). 

During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant and the skies are usually clear, making it perfect for sightseeing and hiking.

The monsoon season (June to September) also has its attractions, as the greenery is at its best during this time. 

However, be prepared for rain and the road can be a bit slippery.

6. Accommodation in Sajek Valley

There are several places to stay in Sajek Valley, ranging from simple guesthouses to more comfortable resorts. 

Most of the dwellings are made of wood and bamboo. Some resorts offer stunning views of the valley and you may wake up to the sight of clouds rolling over the mountains.

7. Why Sajek Valley is special

Sajek Valley is special because it offers a unique combination of natural beauty, adventure and cultural experiences. The valley is still relatively uncrowded by mass tourism. 

Hence visitors can enjoy a peaceful and authentic experience. Whether you want to explore the mountains, learn about indigenous culture or relax in nature, Sajek Valley has something for everyone.

8. Dhaka to Sajek Valley Travel Details in 2024:

To get to Sajek Valley from Dhaka you usually follow this route:

Step 1: Travel from Dhaka to Khagrachari

Step 2 : Travel from Khagrachari to Dighinala

Step 3 : Travel to Sajek Valley from Dighinala

Step 1: Travel from Dhaka to Khagrachari

There are two main options to reach Khagrachari from Dhaka: Bus or Private Car.

By Bus: Several bus companies operate daily services between Dhaka and Khagrachari. The journey takes around 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic.

Bus Type: Both AC and Non-AC buses are available.

Cost:

Non-AC buses cost 600 to 800 BDT per person.

AC buses cost between 1,000 to 1,500 BDT per person.

Popular bus services include:

Shyamali Transport

S Alam Service

Ena transport

By Private Car : If you prefer more comfort and flexibility, you can hire a private car or a microbus.

Cost : A private car costs between 10,000 to 15,000 BDT for a round trip. Prices may vary based on the quality of the car and your negotiating skills.

Step 2 : Khagrachari to Dighinala

After reaching Khagrachari, the next step is Dighinala tour. This can be done by local bus or CNG autorickshaw.

By Local Bus: There are frequent buses from Khagrachari to Dighinala. The journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

Cost: About 50 to 100 rupees per person.

By CNG Auto-Rickshaw : CNG is available as an alternative. It's a bit more expensive but faster.

Price: Between 200 to 400 BDT for a ride, depending on negotiation and number of passengers.

Step 3 : Dighinala to Sajek Valley

The final leg of the journey from Dighinala to Sajek Valley is usually done by Chander Gari (local four wheeler jeep). The road is hilly and bumpy, so this vehicle is necessary for the terrain.

Chandar Gari : This part of the journey takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on the road conditions. Jeeps are shared among tourists, and the ride is quite an adventure with beautiful scenic views of the mountains.

Cost: Generally 8,000 to 10,000 BDT for a round trip. The cost is shared between the passengers, so if the jeep carries 10 to 12 people, it could be Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 per person.

Approximate Travel Cost per Person (Transportation):

Bus (AC) Dhaka to Khagrachari : Tk 1,200

Khagrachari to Dighinala Local Bus : 100 Tk

Chander Gari (Bhaga) Dighinala to Sajek : 900 BDT

Total cost of transportation only per person: 2,200 BDT (Approx.)

Additional costs :

Food: You need to budget for food en route. Basic meals at roadside restaurants are quite affordable, costing around 200 to 300 BDT per meal.

Accommodation: Sajek Valley has several guesthouses and resorts. Overnight stay in Saje can range from 1,000 to 5,000 BDT per night depending on the type of accommodation.

Transportation and Other Total Costs : A round trip can cost a minimum of BDT 4,500 to 5,000 per person including transportation and other minor expenses.

9. Tips for Visiting Sajek Valley:

Prepare for changing weather : As the weather in the Sajek Valley can change quickly, it is a good idea to bring clothing for both warm and cold weather. Bring a raincoat if you are visiting during monsoons.

Carry Cash : There are no ATMs in Sajek Valley, so be sure to carry enough cash with you for food, accommodation and other expenses.

Respect local culture: Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Sajek's village. The natives are very welcoming. But it is important to respect their culture.

10. Some more tips for travelers:

Group Travel : If you travel in a group, the cost per person will be lower, especially for the Chander Gari ride.

Advance booking : During the peak tourist season, it is better to book your bus tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid last minute hassles.

Be prepared for adventure: The road to Sajek can be bumpy and rough, so be prepared for a bit of adventure.

Sajek Valley is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. 

Its stunning landscape, peaceful environment and warm hospitality of the tribals will leave you spellbound. 

Whether you want to hike the mountains, meet indigenous communities or enjoy the beauty of nature, Sajek Valley offers an unforgettable experience that will refresh and inspire you.