Location and surroundings
Keokradong sits in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, within the wider chain of Southeast Asia > Mainland Southeast Asia > Arakan Mountains > Chittagong Hill Tracts. Administratively it is in Ruma Upazila in Chattogram Division, Bangladesh. At 985 m, it is the highest point of Bangladesh and the 2nd highest of the 43 named peaks in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The mountain rises from a hill landscape of narrow ridges and steep-sided valleys typical of this part of the southeast hills. Around the summit, the terrain is open enough for a helipad viewpoint just south of the top, while the broader area remains a mix of forested slopes, village land and trekking paths.
Neighbouring peaks
Nearby summits and passes help show how Keokradong sits among the hills of Ruma Upazila. The closest named features are:
- Keokradong (peak), 883 m, 4.6 km NW
- Capital (peak), 919 m, 5.5 km S
- Lakhudaung (peak), 907 m, 8.4 km S
- Reng Tlāng (peak), 957 m, 9.8 km E
- Teen Matha (peak), elevation unknown, 9.9 km E
- Rang Tlang (peak), elevation unknown, 13.1 km NE
- Tajing Daung (peak), 839 m, 14.4 km S
- Lairampi (peak), 110 m, 14.8 km NW
Compared with these hills, Keokradong is one of the higher points in the immediate area, but it is still lower than the main summit cluster farther southeast.
The view from the summit
From the summit area, the highest peaks within 25 km lie mostly to the south and southeast. The main high point in sightline terms is Mowdok Mual, the highest peak of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, at 1,052 m and about 20.7 km SE. Other nearby high peaks include Khankha Taung at 945 m about 20.2 km SE and Thaingkhiang Taung at 880 m about 20.0 km SW.
Also within that radius are Lungphe Taung (834 m, 14.9 km S), Thega Thūm (814 m, 22.5 km N) and Lurain Taung (670 m, 21.0 km SW). The summit therefore looks across a compact hill system rather than an isolated peak.
The range
Keokradong belongs to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a hill region that spans Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. Within that range, the highest peak is Mowdok Mual at 1,052 m, about 21 km southeast of Keokradong. The range contains 43 named peaks, and Keokradong ranks 2nd highest among them.
This ranking makes Keokradong one of the key summits of the hill tract system, even though it is not the highest point of the range. Its position near the top of the local elevation list is one reason it is often associated with trekking in the Bandarban hills.
Climbing routes
Common approaches to Keokradong are non-technical hill treks from Ruma or Thanchi in Bandarban District, following local trails through hill villages to the summit area. A typical itinerary uses the Boga Lake / Keokradong trail from Ruma, often with an overnight camp or village stay.
No climbing equipment or technical grade is involved on the usual routes. The walk is generally done over 1-2 days depending on the chosen trail and overnight stop, with the exact pace shaped by weather, trail condition and load.
Access and starting points
The usual starting points for Keokradong are Ruma and Thanchi, both in the hill districts of southeastern Bangladesh. From there, trekkers continue on local paths through villages and ridge country toward the summit area. The route network is based on foot travel rather than roads close to the top.
Because the mountain lies in a remote hill setting, access is best planned around daylight walking and an overnight stop if needed. The summit area itself is reached on foot, and the nearby Kelardong helipad viewpoint sits just south of the top.
Climate and weather
Climate around Keokradong is warm and very wet by mountain standards in the tropics. Using NASA POWER climate data for 2001-2020, adjusted to summit elevation, the warmest month at the summit is April at about 23 °C, and the coldest is January at about 14 °C. All months remain above freezing at the summit.
Rainfall in the surrounding area is about 2,900 mm a year, with the wettest month in July at about 775 mm and the driest in January at about 5 mm. Expect slippery trails, leeches in wet periods, poor visibility in cloud and sudden downpours during the monsoon season.
Best time to visit
For Keokradong, the most comfortable walking conditions are usually in the drier part of the year, when trails are less saturated and river crossings are easier. Since every month stays above freezing at the summit, the main issue is not cold but rain, mud and cloud.
The months with the least rainfall are the best bet for clearer views and easier footing, while the monsoon months bring the heaviest precipitation and the most difficult trail conditions. Even in the drier season, carry rain protection because weather in the hill tracts can change quickly.
Nature and wildlife
The hills around Keokradong are part of a tropical hill landscape with forested slopes, village clearings and ridge-top paths. At this elevation, vegetation is typically hill forest and secondary growth rather than alpine terrain. The area is shaped by warm temperatures, heavy seasonal rain and steep drainage lines.
Wildlife in the wider Chittagong Hill Tracts can include forest birds, small mammals and reptiles, with activity often highest in quieter wooded sections. On the trail, the main practical concerns are wet ground, insects and the need to respect village land and local paths.
Guides and organised ascents
For Keokradong, a certified mountain guide is not usually required for the standard trek, but local guidance can be useful because the route crosses remote hill country and village paths. In Bangladesh, visitors commonly turn to the national tourism network and local operators in the hill districts for logistics, transport and route support.
When arranging a guided trek, the usual package elements are route planning, local transport, food, accommodation or camping support, and a porter or guide if needed. Cost depends on the number of days, group size, hut or camp nights and whether equipment is provided. For mountain emergencies in Bangladesh, the national emergency service is 999.
Safety and preparation
Keokradong is not a technical climb, but the terrain still demands good hill-walking fitness, rain protection and careful pacing on steep, muddy trails. The combination of heat, humidity and long walking days can be tiring, especially when carrying a pack. Good footwear, a map downloaded in advance and enough water are important.
Weather can change quickly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with cloud, rain and slippery ground common in the wet season. For emergencies, use 999, the national emergency service for mountain rescue and other urgent help.
History and name
Keokradong is widely cited as one of the highest points in Bangladesh and is closely associated with trekking in the Bandarban hills. Its exact elevation has been reported differently over time, but the summit is now given as 985 m. The mountain is also known by the Bengali name কেওক্রাডং.
Unlike many famous peaks, it is not tied here to a documented first ascent. Its importance comes more from its place in the hill landscape and its long-standing role in trekking routes than from a climbing history.
Interesting facts
Keokradong is the highest point of Bangladesh and the 2nd highest of the 43 named peaks in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The highest peak in the range, Mowdok Mual, lies about 21 km to the southeast. That makes Keokradong a major summit in the local hill system, even though it is not the range high point.
The summit area also has a nearby viewpoint feature, the Kelardong helipad, just south of the top. Its position in a cross-border hill region that spans Bangladesh, India and Myanmar adds to its geographic interest.
FAQ
How high is Keokradong? It rises to 985 m.
Where is Keokradong? It is in Ruma Upazila in Chattogram Division, Bangladesh, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
What range is Keokradong part of? It belongs to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, within the wider Arakan Mountains system.
What is the highest peak near Keokradong? The highest peak within 25 km is Mowdok Mual, at 1,052 m, about 20.7 km southeast.
Is there water on the way to Keokradong? The route runs through a wet hill region, but you should still carry enough water for the day, about 1.5-3 litres depending on heat and walking time.
How long does it take to walk up Keokradong? A typical trek from Ruma or Thanchi takes about 1-2 days, depending on the trail and overnight stop.
Will my phone work on Keokradong? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. Download maps before you go, and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.