Nafakhum Waterfall is located in the Remakri Union of Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban District. It is termed as one of the largest waterfalls in Bangladesh in terms of water flow. Others call it the Niagara of Bengal. To see Nafakhum, you have to go to Remakri by boat on the Sangu River route from Thanchi Bazar. Remakri has a Marma settlement, Khum means waterfall in the Marma language. This indelible mystery of nature can be seen only after walking for about three hours from Remakri. The water of the Remakri canal came to Nafakhum and went down about 25-30 feet and nature gave birth to this waterfall. Rainbows constantly play here in the light of the sun on the water vapor of the rapidly descending water. If you are an adventure lover and want to trek in Bandarban, or want to see the green play of Bandarban’s ghee, the life scenes of the tribals, the terrifying form of Sangu, or the play of rocky water in cold winter, then you should visit the Indiana beautiful Jharna at least once in your life.
Adventure lovers flock to Nafakhum Falls throughout the year. However, in monsoons, if the water flow of the Sangu river is above the danger level, permission is not given by the administration to go to Nafakhum. In winter, water is very low in Nafakhum. So the most ideal time is after the monsoon and before winter (September – November). But whatever time you go, you will love the nature here. Nafakhum’s trip will be memorable in your life forever.
How to go
To go to Nafakhum you have to come to Bandarban district headquarters first. Then from Bandarban to Thanchi, from Thanchi by boat across the Sangu River to Remakri Bazar, and from there on foot to Nafakhum.
S. from different parts of Dhaka. Alam, Unique, St. Martin Hyundai Robi Express, Hanif, Shyamli, Saudia, St. Martin, Dolphin, etc. buses leave for Bandarban. The fare of these buses is Tk 800-900 for Non AC and Tk 1200-1800 for AC respectively. From Dhaka you can go to Chittagong by train and from there you can go to Bandarban. Tourist Express, Cox’s Bazar Express, Sonar Bangla, Subarna, Mahanagar, etc. trains go to Chittagong from Dhaka. The fare is Tk 405-1398 depending on the category.
You can go to Bandarban from Bahaddarhat bus station in Chittagong. Two Badas named Pubali and Purbani set out for Bandarban. These two buses cost Tk 220 per person. Besides, you can go to Bandarban from Dhampara bus stop. If you want, you can go to Bandarban from Chittagong by renting a car, microbus fare is Tk 2,500-3,500
Bandarban to Thanchi
The distance from Bandarban to Thanchi Upazila is about 79 km. There are two ways to get to Thanchi from Vaparban; By bus or reserved jeep. A local bus leaves for Thanchi after an hour from the Thanchi bus stand of Vaparban. Bus fare is Tk 200 per person, time will take 4-5 hours. Reserve jeep/chump will cost 5,500-6,000 taka, time will take 3-3.5 hours. One car can carry 12-14 people easily. On the way to Thanchi pass Milanchari, Chimbuk, and Nilgiris. This long hilly trek will refresh your eyes and mind to see the pristine landscape around you.
Thanchi to Remakri
On reaching Thanchi you must fix a guide. Can’t go on a Nafakhum tour without a guide. Anyone who has permission from the Upazila Prosecution can be taken as a guide. The guide fee is 1500 rupees till Thanchi returns the next day. You can go to Thanchi to fix the guide or you can fix it by talking to a guide you already know. After fixing the guide you need to get permission from Thanchi BGB Camp/ Police Station. The name, address, phone number, where to go, and how long will stay for all the traveling members should be written and submitted on paper. And your guide will help in these tasks. And remember that you are not allowed to go from Thanchi to Remakri after 3 pm. So if you want to go to Remakri on the same day, you must be in Thanchi by 2 o’clock. Otherwise, you have to go to Remakri the next morning from Thanchi on that day. This will take you a day longer.
After obtaining permission, small-engine boats should be hired from Thanchi Ghat. 4-5 people can go in one boat. The fare is Tk 4,000-5,000 including boat reservation till Remakri and next day return. It will take two to two and a half hours to go. If the water is low in Sangu, it may take a little longer to get off the boat and walk in some places. On the way, the form of the Sangu River will enchant you. Besides, Padmukh, Tindu, Rajapathar Barapathar area, and Remakri Falls will pass on the way. And you have to bear the travel, accommodation and other expenses of the guide.
Remakri to Nafakhum
Usually, if you leave Bandarban early in the morning, it will be late in the afternoon to reach Remakri. It was not possible to go to Nafakhum that day. That night Remakri Bazar left for Nafakhum the next morning. From Remakri you need to hire another local guide for 500 taka. The guide from Thanchi will decide. It takes 2-3 hours to reach Nafakhum from Remakri by walking along the Remakri canal. However, the time taken will depend on the walking speed of the traveling companions and the time of departure. Remakri Canal has a lot of water during monsoon. Somewhere waist water or somewhere more. At some places, the Remakri Canal has to be crossed. If the water is high, this crossing will take more time. Don’t worry, your guide will help you in these places. As you gaze at the beauty of the Remakri Canal and its surroundings, you will once again hear the roar of the Nafakhum Falls.