Sajek Valley, known as Queen of hills, is one of the aesthetic and tranquil hilly zones in Rangamati district. If you are a trekking lover, start now before the monsoon. You can relax, revitalize, and meditate every shade in-between while passing the valley.
Just imagine that you are waiting for sunrise, sitting on a mountain slope and there is a vast valley in front of you hidden under the grey clouds. Cool morning breeze is blowing to sooth you. Suddenly the sun sneaks out and voila! The whole sea of clouds turns into a magical golden shade and you just slowly take in the ethereal beauty!
In the backdrop, there are mountains big and high in stature. As the clouds clear out and the sun gets high up in the sky, the whole lush green valley, the picturesque army camp and the locality of Sajek will appear before you like a little piece of heaven.
Sajek Valley is surrounded by green mountains, dense forest and hilly tracks. Many small rivers flow through the mountains among which Kachalong and Machalong are notable. On the way to Sajek Valley, you have to cross Mayni range and Mayni River.
Though the valley is in Rangamati, it is more easily accessible from Dighinala, Khagrachari. From Dhaka or Chittagong, you need to reach Khagrachari by bus. Then from Khagrachari town, you need to get a local "Chander Gari" (local four wheeler) to take you to Sajek Valley. Usually Chander Gari carries 12 passengers on the treacherous hilly road.
Although the road to Sajek has high picks and falls, the ride of two and half an hour gives you the chance to enjoy the hilly serenity.
There are quite a few good resorts and an army rest house to stay in. Definitely you need to reserve the accommodation beforehand. It is a good suggestion to take Police or Army or BGB protection, while travelling from Khagrachari to Sajek Valley and make the journey in the mentioned time of a day.
Every day in a fixed time Police/Army/BGB will give you support, so you have to start your journey and need to come back from Sajek with same way by the mentioned time.
You may come across few Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Pankua, Lushai and Sangma people who are mentionable community of Sajek. There are tea stalls, food courts in the junctions and roadside marketplaces which are dominated by womenfolk of the mentioned indigenous people. People, in general, are gentle, welcoming and friendly. Picking fruits and vegetables early in the morning is a major trade for visitors as well. People over there are not fluent in Bangla that much but the younger population speaks English confidently.
Sajek Valley is famous for its mind blowing beauty of hills and clouds. You will be thrilled every moment during your stay. If you are visiting for the first time, try to add Alutila Cave, Richhang falls and Hazachara falls in your tour itinerary; it will supplement the tour and all the above can be covered in a single tour.
The writer is a Professor of Tourism and English and currently works as the Principal of Regency Hospitality Training Institute, Dhaka.
