Debotakhum, Bandarban
Photo: অভিজিৎ দাস · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bandarban District · Chattogram Division · দেবতাখুম

Debotakhum travel guide

A deep, cold pool between sheer rock walls; you float in on a bamboo raft.

🗓️ Best time to visitOctober–March (calm, clear water); dangerous and often closed in the monsoon because of flash floods
⏱ How long it takesFull day (return trip from Bandarban town)
💰 Estimated cost৳1,500–3,000 per person (shared CNG/jeep, guide ৳1,000–1,500 per group, raft and life jacket ৳200–400 per person)

At a glance

Depth
About 50–70 ft
Length
About 600 ft
Location
Rowangchhari upazila
Entry point
Kachchhapatali army camp

History and details

Debotakhum is a deep rocky gorge in the Shilbandha area of Rowangchhari. The local Marma people consider it sacred, hence the name 'khum of the gods'. Nearly parallel sheer rock walls rise on both sides with deep greenish water between — it stays dim inside even by day.

The place became known around 2018–19 through travellers' photos. You cross Pong Su Aung Khum and enter the main khum on a bamboo raft; pushing the raft deeper inside is the main attraction.

Visitor access to the Rowangchhari area is sometimes closed because of the security situation, so check the latest before you set off.

Things to do

  • Take a raft to the far end of the khum
  • Take photos at Pong Su Aung Khum
  • Enjoy the Shilbandha stream path on the way back

How to get to Debotakhum

From Bandarban town via Rowangchhari to Kachchhapatali (about 20 km, CNG/jeep); register at the army camp there and take a guide for a 1–1.5 hour walk, then a raft.

Bandarban is about 330 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 7–8 hours.

  • 🚌 By bus: Direct Shyamoli, Hanif, S. Alam and Saint Martin Paribahan buses from Sayedabad/Kalabagan; non-AC ৳850–1,000, AC ৳1,500–2,000.
  • 🚗 By road: About 2.5 hours by bus from Chattogram to Bandarban.

Where to stay

  • Easiest as a day trip from a base in Bandarban town
  • Very basic cottages/homestays around Kachchhapatali (limited)

What to eat

Bamboo shoots, bamboo chicken, hill vegetables and fruit

Good to know

  • Registering at Kachchhapatali army camp and a registered guide are compulsory — bring a photocopy of your national ID
  • Visitor access to the Rowangchhari area is sometimes closed for security reasons — check with the Bandarban district administration or your guide before going
  • The water is deep and very cold — wear a life jacket even if you can swim
  • The stream-bed rocks are slippery — wear grippy sandals and keep your phone in a waterproof bag
  • Set off in the morning; it gets dark on the way back after the afternoon

More to see nearby

  • Shilbandha Waterfall (on the way)
  • Pong Su Aung Khum (before Debotakhum)
  • Bandarban town (25 km)

More places to visit in Bandarban district

  • Nilgiri — About 2,200 ft up; at dawn you can see clouds below your feet.
  • Nilachal — A hilltop near town; sunsets and views of ranges of hills.
  • Golden Temple (Buddha Dhatu Jadi) — A golden Theravada Buddhist temple on a hilltop.
  • Boga Lake — A natural lake about 1,200 ft up; you can stay here on the way to Keokradong.
  • Keokradong — One of the country's highest peaks; a favourite with trekkers.
  • Nafakhum Waterfall — One of the country's biggest waterfalls, on the Sangu.
  • Meghla Tourist Complex — A family outing with a lake, hanging bridges and a cable car.
  • Chimbuk Hill — A high hill on the way to Nilgiri; Mro villages and views of clouds.
  • Shoilopropat — A small waterfall right by the road; Bawm handwoven goods for sale.

Location on the map