While some tourists love immersing themselves in nature in comfort, without the rush or strain of trekking, others fear that such convenience could harm its natural charm. For nature lovers, there is some great news. Keokradong, the second-highest mountain in Bangladesh, is open once again.
For nearly three years, the hills of Keokradong slept in silence. The clouds that once drifted past hikers floated alone over the forgotten trail. Now the silence has been broken. After being closed off amid security concerns, Keokradong officially reopened to visitors in October 2025.
The news spread rapidly through trekking groups and social media communities. On October 1, it got the highest number of visitors in a single day since the shutdown. Rising about 986 meters above sea level wasn’t just a destination; it was a chance to explore this green giant and to make your “touching the sky” dream come true.
Today, a snake-shaped trail exists all the way to the top, allowing four-wheel jeeps and motorbikes to reach the summit that once demanded hours of steep, breathless trekking. For many, this has made the mountain more accessible than ever. But for others, it has diluted the adventure that defined Keokradong’s soul.
Authorities have introduced a strict registration process for all tourists, requiring them to sign in at army or police checkpoints before entering the area. The goal is to ensure safety and protect the fragile ecosystem. Unauthorised entry is not permitted.
Rony, a tourist, stated, “We were waiting for this moment for a year. So, just after the declaration, we booked tickets and completed some paperwork. And trust me, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was so comforting that I felt like staying there forever. The trip was mind-blowing.”
For Fariha, the new road was a relief. “I’m not a trekking person, so it was perfect for me. The journey was comfortable. Authorities have imposed new rules to preserve nature. However, people are throwing plastic bottles and all. I don’t know when people will learn to treat nature properly,” she remarked.
The reopening has also revived the local economy. Guides, drivers, and resort owners are welcoming the return of tourists. A resort manager, Hakim, said, “Since this reopening, people are gathering more than before. We are trying our best to treat them well.”
Yet not everyone shares the optimism. Some fear Keokradong is losing the raw wilderness that once made it special. Marien Jain Das, a traveller, mentioned, “When I heard that there’s a long road to the top and people are going there by jeeps and all, I was a little worried that the condition of Keokradong would resemble an artificial park like Sajek. That is truly quite alarming.”
Another tourist, MD Kaiser Hossain, echoed this sentiment. “They will never understand the feeling of hiking to the summit of Keokradong. After a day-long trek, Keokradong used to hit differently. It’s an emotion. I really don’t appreciate the distortion of nature. It makes me sad to see how all the jeeps are parked on the hill. That’s not the nature we used to enjoy. Boga Lake will also be like this over time”, he said.
Another issue is that the trail is somewhat dangerous for biking. Bikers are having trouble in the hazardous curve of the path and since the reopening, this kind of problem occurs daily.
Still, Keokradong remains as majestic as ever. While one is soaking in its breathtaking view, another is not complying with the rules to preserve it and treat the place with kindness. However, it still invites you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy its beauty.
