Overview
Keokradong is a mountain peak in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, situated in Bandarban District of Bangladesh. Traditional sources and local signage commonly list its altitude as 986 metres (about 3,235 ft). For decades Keokradong has been promoted as the country's highest point and remains a well known landmark for visitors to the region.
The hill rises above steep valleys and mixed hill forest, producing cooler temperatures and frequent mist compared with the nearby lowlands. From the summit are panoramic views of ragged ridgelines, seasonal cloud layers and scattered settlements of indigenous communities that inhabit the surrounding slopes.
Measurements and debate
Keokradong's status as Bangladesh's highest summit has been questioned by later surveys and GPS-based studies. Remote sensing and field measurements have identified other peaks in the Bandarban area—commonly named Saka Haphong or Tajingdong—as potentially higher. Because measurement methods, reference datums and local markers have varied, the exact ranking of peaks remains a topic of cautious discussion rather than an absolute settled fact.
Visiting and practical information
Keokradong is a popular destination for trekkers and domestic tourists. Access typically involves travel into Bandarban District followed by jeep tracks and a hike to the summit. Conditions change with the monsoon; the dry season is the most suitable time for visits. Local services are basic, and guides or porters from nearby villages can improve safety and cultural understanding.
- Best time: dry season (less slippery trails).
- Wear sturdy footwear and bring rain protection.
- Respect local communities and obtain any local permissions when required.
Beyond its recreational appeal, Keokradong highlights broader themes in Himalayan fringe geography and conservation: the challenge of accurate mapping in rugged terrain, the cultural importance of upland landscapes to indigenous peoples, and the growth of low-impact ecotourism in Bangladesh's hill districts.