The Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh are full of natural beauty. Every hill, river, and waterfall here feels like a living poem of nature. Among them, Nafakhum Waterfall stands out as a stunning wonder. 

It’s like a hidden paradise, and reaching it means crossing hills, rivers, and deep forests. The area around the waterfall is filled with stories and thrilling adventures. Based on water flow, Nafakhum is the largest waterfall in Bangladesh.

Nafakhum Waterfall Location and Route

Nafakhum Waterfall is located in Remakri Union of Thanchi Upazila in Bandarban District. It lies about 48 kilometers south of Thanchi town. To reach Remakri from Thanchi, you must take a boat ride along the Sangu River.

From Remakri, the journey continues with a two-hour trek through hilly trails. Along the way, you’ll pass small waterfalls, bamboo bridges, rocky paths, and crystal-clear mountain streams.

The Nafakhum trail is challenging and demands patience, but the breathtaking natural views make the effort truly rewarding. On this route, you’ll pass through Tindu and Boro Pathor.

There’s a BGB (Border Guard) camp at Tindu. Tindu is simply stunning. Many travelers prefer to stay overnight in Tindu instead of Thanchi while heading to Nafakhum.

Origin of the Name ‘Nafakhum’

The word “Nafa” comes from the Marma or Bawm language, meaning “fish that cannot swim.” The word “Khum” means “waterfall.” At this waterfall, there’s a unique type of fish that cannot swim past the main falls. They gather in groups and get stuck at the base of the waterfall. Because of this special feature, the locals named the place “Nafakhum.”

Natural Beauty of Nafakhum Waterfall

Nafakhum Waterfall looks like a deep rocky basin. Water falls from a height of about 25 to 30 feet, creating a breathtaking scene. As it hits the rocks below, the water forms a large natural pool, known locally as the “Khum Pond.” When the water crashes and spreads around, it looks like something out of a fairy tale.

The water is crystal clear, with a bluish-green tint. The surrounding dense forest, wild trees, and rocky hills make the beauty even more enjoyable. If you’re lucky, you might see local birds and butterflies dancing around, adding a magical touch to the whole atmosphere.

The Fish That Can’t Swim Upstream

One of Nafakhum’s biggest attractions is the rare fish that can’t swim upstream—known to locals as “Prantik Fish.” These fish try to swim against the current but get stuck just below the waterfall. As a result, they appear frozen in place in the clear flowing water.

This natural wonder draws many travelers who come just to see these fascinating fish up close.

Remakri and the Valley of Stones

A major part of the Nafakhum journey includes passing through the beautiful Remakri Para. This area is surrounded by hilly rivers that flow through stone-filled valleys. One of those rivers is Remakri Chhora—a branch of the Sangu River.

Beneath the clear river water, you can see countless stones of various shapes and sizes. When sunlight hits the water, these stones reflect colorful lights, creating a magical scene. The place is so captivating that many travelers consider Remakri itself a main attraction, not just a stop on the way to Nafakhum.

Exciting Trekking

The trek to Nafakhum is a huge adventure. You will walk through dense forests, cross bamboo bridges, and sometimes even wade through water up to your knees. In many places, the path is narrow and slippery, making it easy to lose your footing.

This trek offers a thrilling experience that stays in every traveler’s memory.

Local People and Culture

In this remote hilly area, various indigenous groups live, including the Marma, Bawm, Chakma, and Murong communities. They take pride in their unique culture, language, and way of life. The people here are very hospitable. Meeting them on the way to Nafakhum adds an extra layer of experience to your trip. They often offer shelter and guidance to travelers.

Overnight Stay: A Starry Night in the Hills

Because the path is quite rugged, you need to spend at least one night in Remakri or Thaikhyang village during the Nafakhum trip. This can become one of the most thrilling nights of your life.

Surrounded by lonely hills, you’ll hear calls from unknown wild animals, see shadows of trees, watch fireflies glowing far away beneath the misty sky, and feel the deep silence of the forest.

These moments will become some of your most memorable experiences.

When to Visit at Nafakhum Waterfall?

Those who love adventure often pack their bags and visit Nafakhum Waterfall in any season of the year. During the rainy season, the waterfall grows larger and more powerful. In winter, the flow becomes smaller. However, the true beauty of Nafakhum can be best seen in September and October.

How to Get There Nafakhum Waterfall – Complete guide

First, you need to travel from Dhaka to Bandarban. You can take an AC or non-AC bus from Hanif, Dolphin, or Saint Martin Transport. The fare ranges from 500 to 2000 Taka. Most buses leave at 11 PM, and you will arrive in Bandarban early in the morning.

From Bandarban, you travel to Thanchi by public bus or jeep.” Taking a jeep is a great choice because it offers beautiful views along the way. Thanchi town is located by the Sangu River.

After reaching Thanchi, you need to go to Remakri Market by boat along the Sangu River. From Remakri, you must trek on foot to reach Nafakhum Waterfall.

To rent a boat from Remakri to Nafakhum Waterfall, tourists need to contact the boatmen’s association at the Thanchi jetty. There is no other transport available from Remakri to Nafakhum, so the rest of the journey must be done by walking.

From Bandarban to Thanchi

You can travel from Bandarban to Thanchi in two ways: by local bus or by reserved jeep.

Local buses leave the Bandarban Thanchi bus stand every hour. The bus fare is about 200 Taka per person, and the journey takes 4 to 5 hours.

If you take a reserved jeep or “Chander Gari,” it costs between 5,500 and 6,000 Taka. One jeep can comfortably carry 12 to 14 passengers.

On the way to Thanchi, you will pass:

1. Milanchhari
   
   
2. Chimbuk Hill
   
   
3. Nilgiri
   
   

Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes along this long hilly road. The beautiful views will refresh both your eyes and your mind.

From Thanchi to Remakri

After arriving in Thanchi, you must hire a local guide. You can only choose a guide who has permission from the Upazila administration. The guide fee is 2000 Taka for the whole trip, including the return to Thanchi the next day.

Once you hire a guide, you need to get permission from the Thanchi BGB camp or police station.

All travelers must provide their names, addresses, phone numbers, travel plans, and the length of stay in writing. Your guide will help you with this process.

Remember, permission to travel from Thanchi to Remakri is not granted after 3 PM. So, if you want to go to Remakri the same day, you must be in Thanchi before 2 PM. Otherwise, you have to wait and travel to Remakri the next morning, which will add an extra day to your trip.

From Remakri to Nafakhum

Usually, if you leave Bandarban very early, you will reach Remakri by the afternoon. It is not possible to visit Nafakhum Waterfall on the same day. So, you must spend the night at Remakri Market and leave for Nafakhum the next morning.

At Remakri, you need to hire a local guide for 500 Taka. The guide will be arranged by your guide from Thanchi. From Remakri, you walk along the Remakri Canal to reach Nafakhum. The trek takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your walking speed and the time of year.

During the rainy season, the water level in the Remakri Canal rises significantly. In some places, the water reaches waist height or more, and you may need to cross the canal several times.

This can slow down your journey, but don’t worry—your guide will assist you. While enjoying the beautiful scenery along Remakri Canal, you will eventually hear the roar of Nafakhum Waterfall.

Where to Stay?

If you want a good place to stay in Thanchi, you can book a room at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) controlled border rest center. Room rates range from 1500 to 3000 Taka per night. Besides that, there are some cottages and rest-house style hotels around Thanchi market. Their prices vary between 200 and 1000 Taka per night depending on the quality.

In Remakri Market, you can stay in tribal homes. Several travelers can share rooms at the tribal rest house by the Sangu River, with a cost of about 150 Taka per person.

Safety and Precautions at Nafakhum Waterfall

The journey to Nafakhum  Waterfall is very challenging. Traveling without proper preparation can be dangerous. The weather in the hilly area changes quickly. Sudden rain and slippery paths can cause accidents. So, to stay safe:

1. Always travel with an experienced guide.
   
   
2. Carry enough water and dry food.
   
   
3. Mobile network coverage is almost nonexistent, so have a plan for emergency communication.
   
   
4. Be careful to avoid insects and snakes.
   
   
5. Travel in groups of 3 to 10 people.
   
   
6. Always wear a life jacket when traveling by boat. Don’t jump into the clear water suddenly—you might hit rocks.
   
   
7. Since there is no electricity at Nafakhum, bring enough power backup for your devices.

Protecting Natural Balance

It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the delicate natural environment of places like Nafakhum. It is completely wrong to litter, break stones, or cut trees in the name of tourism. We must preserve the local biodiversity and always show respect for nature.

Tourism Potential

Nafakhum Waterfall holds great potential for tourism. If the government takes the right initiatives, this place can become an international-standard tourist destination. However, these efforts must be environmentally friendly to protect the natural balance.

Conclusion

Nafakhum is not just a waterfall; it is a fairy tale kingdom where nature reveals all its beauty. This waterfall feels like a magical island that offers peace to thousands of tired travelers and connects them deeply with nature.

If you love nature and want to dive into its depths, then visiting Nafakhum at least once is a must.