Mohamaya Lake Travel Guide: Kayaking, Camping and Khoiyachora in Mirsharai
Calm blue water among the hills and a kayak ride to the waterfall at the far end of the lake. How to reach Mohamaya Lake from Dhaka and Chattogram, kayak prices, camping overnight, a one-day plan with Khoiyachora waterfall, and costs.
- From Dhaka
- About 200 km, 4.5–5.5 hours by bus
- From Chattogram city
- About 55 km, 1.5 hours by bus
- Where to get off
- Thakurdighi Bazar on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway
- Kayak
- About ৳300–600 an hour
- Best time
- June–November (waterfalls), winter for camping
Trip ticket
Just a kilometre off the Dhaka–Chattogram highway, there's a quiet stretch of water in the lap of the hills. Paddle a kayak along Mohamaya Lake's winding course and the green hills slide past on both sides, until at the far end a small waterfall runs down the rock. You can do it as a day trip from Dhaka, or pitch a tent and stay the night. Khoiyachora waterfall is right next door, so one trip covers both. This guide has everything from the route to the costs.
Where Mohamaya Lake is and what it's like
Mohamaya Lake is in the Durgapur area of Mirsharai upazila, Chattogram district, beside Thakurdighi Bazar. Made by damming a hill stream for irrigation, it is often called one of the largest man-made lakes in the country. The whole area is part of Mohamaya Eco Park, run by the Forest Department.
The lake is long and winding and reaches deep into folds in the hills, so you can't see it all from one spot; as you paddle or motor along, one bend opens after another. Kayaks and engine boats are both available from the ghat near the dam.
How to get there from Dhaka
Take any Chattogram-bound bus from Dhaka and get off at Thakurdighi Bazar in Mirsharai. Buses leave from Sayedabad, Jatrabari and Arambagh. AC or non-AC, tell the supervisor up front that you're getting off at Thakurdighi; many express buses don't like stopping on the way, so non-AC buses or Feni–Chattogram services are often easier.
| Route | Approximate fare and time |
|---|---|
| Non-AC bus from Dhaka | ৳500–700, 4.5–5.5 hours |
| AC bus from Dhaka | ৳900–1,400 (if it stops at Thakurdighi) |
| Bus from Alankar/A. K. Khan, Chattogram | ৳80–150, 1.5 hours |
By train, take a Dhaka–Chattogram service that stops at Mirsharai or Feni station and a CNG on to Thakurdighi.
The lake ghat is about a kilometre from Thakurdighi Bazar. You can walk, or take a CNG or auto-rickshaw.
Entry fee and kayak hire
There is a small per-person entry fee for the eco park, plus a parking fee if you bring a car. Several groups rent kayaks at the ghat.
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Two-person kayak, per hour | ৳300–600 |
| Engine boat around the lake (whole boat) | ৳800–1,500 |
| Tent, one night | ৳800–2,000 (depending on the organiser) |
Check the life jackets and paddles before you set off. Going to the waterfall at the end of the lake and back usually takes an hour and a half to two hours, so hire for at least two hours.
Things to do on the lake
Kayaking
The real joy of Mohamaya is the kayak. Out from the ghat, round bend after bend, the lake narrows and the hills close in. Don't worry if you've never paddled: the water is calm and the ghat staff will show you how in two minutes.
The waterfall and cave at the end
At the very end of the lake a small waterfall runs down the rock, with the most water in the monsoon and autumn. Nearby, a narrow cave-like passage cuts through the rock, and many people leave their kayaks to walk in and look. Step carefully on the slippery stone.
Camping by the lake
Pitching a tent at Mohamaya in winter is very popular. Several organisers provide tents, dinner and a campfire. The starry night and the morning mist on the lake are worth it. Camp only in approved spots and follow the eco park's rules.
A one-day plan: Mohamaya + Khoiyachora
The start of the Khoiyachora waterfall trail (Baratakia Bazar) is only a few kilometres from Mohamaya, so on an overnight bus from Dhaka you can see both in a day.
- 5–6 am: get off the overnight bus at Thakurdighi or Baratakia Bazar, breakfast
- 7 am: walk the Khoiyachora trail from Baratakia (about an hour; a guide helps)
- 10 am: time at the lower tiers of the falls, then back
- 1 pm: lunch at Thakurdighi Bazar
- 2 pm: kayak on Mohamaya Lake to the waterfall at the end
- 5 pm: bus to Dhaka or Chattogram from the highway
The Khoiyachora trail is muddy with slippery rocks. Wear sandals or shoes with good grip, and it's safest not to climb the upper tiers. With another day, visit Chandranath Hill and Guliakhali beach in Sitakunda; details are in our Chattogram district guide.
Food and where to stay
Thakurdighi and Baratakia bazars have simple rice, fish and chicken eateries; don't expect much more. Bring some food and water. To stay the night, besides camping by the lake there are basic hotels in Mirsharai and Sitakunda; for better hotels, Chattogram city is the best option.
Costs
Day trip from Dhaka, per person (group of 4):
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Dhaka–Thakurdighi bus (return) | ৳1,000–1,800 |
| Kayak (2 hours, shared) | ৳300–600 |
| Khoiyachora guide (shared) | ৳100–200 |
| Food | ৳400–700 |
| Entry fees and local transport | ৳100–300 |
| Total | ৳1,900–3,600 |
When to go
- June–November: green hills, a full lake and plenty of water at the lake-end fall and Khoiyachora. On days of heavy rain, though, the trails are dangerous.
- December–February: the best time for camping, with pleasant weather; little water in the falls.
- March–May: hot; kayak early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Safety and rules
- Always wear a life jacket in the kayak
- Don't go into the water if you can't swim; the lake is deep in places
- Skip the waterfall trail if heavy rain or flash floods are forecast
- Don't litter inside the eco park or play loud music
- Be off the lake before dark
There's more on Chattogram in the blog. And to keep track of your travels, mark Mirsharai on your own map.
Questions and answers
Where is Mohamaya Lake?
In Mirsharai upazila of Chattogram district, about a kilometre in from Thakurdighi Bazar on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway.
How long does it take to get to Mohamaya Lake from Dhaka?
Usually four and a half to five and a half hours by bus, depending on traffic.
How much is a kayak on Mohamaya Lake?
A two-person kayak usually costs ৳300–600 an hour. Prices vary with the operator and the season, so ask at the ghat.
Can you stay overnight at Mohamaya Lake?
Yes, you can camp by the lake through approved organisers, especially in winter. Book before you go.
Can I see Mohamaya and Khoiyachora in one day?
Yes. Arrive at dawn, trek to Khoiyachora first, then kayak on Mohamaya after lunch.
See it on the map, plan your trip
Look up the places, routes and costs, then put your own trip together.
