Journey Through Sajek Valley | Bangladesh

Photo by Ebadur Rehman Kaium on Unsplash

As mystical as it seems, Sajek Valley is not a figment of your imagination but an authentic, natural landscape existing amongst the hills of the Kasalong range of mountains in Sajek Union, Bangladesh. Also known as the Queen of Hills and Roof of Rangamati, the valley is nestled 450m above sea level and the origins of its name can be traced back to the Sajek River, which maps the border between Bangladesh and India.

If you've ever wanted to find yourself lost in billowy, white cotton clouds, this is the place to venture to. The serene, dreamlike beauty of Sajek Valley is further encapsulated in the lush mountains, dense forests, grassland hill tracks and the intricate map of rivers that flow through the natural landscape. It is also here that popular, local fruits such as bananas and oranges thrive. It is no wonder then, that fruit picking is a common morning activity in the area. 

Photo by Ebadur Rehman Kaium on Unsplash

Many ethnic minorities have chosen to reside in the tranquil landscape of Sajek Valley, amongst them the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Pankua, Kaibarta, Lushai and other indigenous Assamese communities. A stroll through the streets, and you'll discover food stalls, tea joints and roadside marketplaces run primarily by the women in the region. Although majority of the residents are fluent in Bengali, English is spoken by some of the younger population. 

Photo by Ebadur Rehman Kaium on Unsplash

There is no perfect time to visit Sajek Valley. With each season, a new facet of the valley's beauty emerges to greet visitors and locals alike. The valley itself can be likened to a painting — its allure does not fade with time. In fact, the height of its attractiveness can be witnessed at every dawn and dusk. Bask in serenity as soft, golden streams of sunlight trickle through the white clouds in the morning, and as the evening approaches, feast your eyes on a sky full of glistening stars.

 Photo by Ebadur Rehman Kaium on Unsplash

Photo by Ebadur Rehman Kaium on Unsplash