Thanchi beckons tourists with hills, clouds and Sangu River

Thanchi, the largest and most scenic upazila in Bandarban, stands out as one of the country's top destinations for adventurous travel. The fast-flowing Sangu River cutting through mountain forests, cloud-draped Dim Pahar and massive rock formations give this remote region a unique appeal. Travel enthusiasts regularly visit the remote area to enjoy its natural scenery and take on river and mountain trekking challenges.

The blend of the Sangu's blue waters and cloud-covered hills serves as the primary attraction of Thanchi. Reaching Thanchi from Dhaka requires travelling first to Bandarban district headquarters. The distance from the Sayedabad Bus Terminal to Bandarban is approximately 362 kilometres.

Fares on this route range from Tk 900 per person for non-AC buses to Tk 2,000 for AC buses, with the journey taking eight to 10 hours. Taking an overnight bus allows travellers to arrive early in the morning. Budget lodging options are available around the Dhanush Chattar area in the district town, where a double room can be rented for as little as Tk 400 per night at places such as 'Hilbard Hotel'.

The Sangu River in Thanchi. Photo: Collected

Hiring a 'Chander Gari' (local open jeep) from the Dhanush Chattar passenger service centre is the most convenient way to visit various mountain attractions in a single day. Renting a Chander Gari for a full-day tour covering Nilgiri, Thanchi, Dim Pahar, Tajingdong and Tomatongi costs Tk 10,500. These vehicles typically accommodate 11 to 12 tourists at a time.

At a restaurant near the Army Camp on Chimbuk Hill, a breakfast of khichuri served with egg and meat costs Tk 90. Along the route, cloud-covered spots such as Titanic View Point and Double Hand View Point capture the attention of visitors.

However, as it is a border zone, security checks at army checkpoints along the road are mandatory. Tourists must submit a photocopy of their National ID card and purchase a designated form for five taka. After filling in details such as passengers' names, mobile numbers, travel routes and return times, travellers must submit the form and retain a mobile photo of it to display at the camp during the return trip.

Located over 2,000 feet high at the junction of the Alikadam Road, Dim Pahar offers a unique ambience with its lush greenery. There, sweet fruits resembling watermelons can be bought from local indigenous children for Tk 10 to 20.

For lunch, local restaurants at Thanchi Bazar offer set package meals, with chicken and rice priced at 300 taka and beef with rice at Tk 280. To experience the beauty of the Sangu River, visitors must hire engine boats from the BGB-controlled ghat in Thanchi. 

An eye-soothing view of Tindu area in Thanchi. Photo: Collected

The official package rate for two boats to visit Raja Pathar and Rani Pathar via Tindu Para is Tk 7,500. This includes Tk 6,000 for the two boats at 3,000 taka each, a mandatory guide fee of Tk 1,000 and Tk 500 for life jacket rentals. Beyond this stretch of river flowing through giant granite rock formations lies the path to Nafakhum.

On the return trip, tourists take a dip in the clear, cold waters of the riverside Kumari Waterfall and local mountain springs. In the afternoon, travellers can enjoy the sunset view from Tomatongi View Point overlooking surrounding mountain peaks and distant valleys. The day-long adventurous tour concludes with a return to the district headquarters by evening.