Nafakhum Waterfall

Nafakhum is a fall on the Sangu river in the far south-east of the hill tracts, not high but wide, with the whole river dropping over a rock step into a pool below, and it is generally called the largest waterfall in Bangladesh by volume. Getting there is the substance of it: from Thanchi a boat goes up the Sangu as far as the water allows, then the route continues on foot along and in the riverbed for several hours to Remakri and on to the fall, usually done with an overnight in a Marma village. A guide is required and permits are needed, and the whole thing is arranged in Bandarban or Thanchi. Water level governs everything: too low and the boats cannot pass, too high and the river route is dangerous.

What you actually see

• The whole river dropping at once - a wide fall rather than a high one.
• The Sangu boat journey - upriver from Thanchi as far as water allows.
• Walking in the riverbed - the route on from where boats stop.
• Marma villages on the way - the settlements the trek passes through.

When to go

September to November, after the monsoon when water is high enough for boats but the river is falling. Two to three days. Guides, permits and boats must be arranged in Bandarban or Thanchi in advance.

Honest expectations

This is a genuine trek with river crossings, and people have drowned on it. Permits for foreigners are restrictive and sometimes refused outright. Accommodation is village floors. Water level can cancel the trip at short notice.

Nearby

Thanchi is downstream; Remakri lies on the route.