Amiakhum Waterfall
A sacred cascade hidden in the Bandarban hills
Overview
Amiakhum is one of the major waterfalls of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, cascading some 30 to 50 metres down a forested hillside stream in a series of plunging tiers before gathering in a deep pool at the base. Set deep within the hills of the Thanchi upazila in Bandarban district, the falls lie in the remote southern reaches of the region, far from any road and surrounded by dense tropical forest that remains largely untouched.
The waterfall is named in the Marma language of the indigenous communities who consider the site sacred. Its name is sometimes translated as 'the place of the Mra people', a reflection of the long-standing cultural ties between the falls and the local hill peoples who have lived in these forests for generations. Reaching the site requires a multi-day trek from Thanchi town through remote villages of the Mro, Tripura, Bawm and Marma communities, with a registered local guide mandatory for the journey.
The approach is an adventure in itself. Most visitors first reach Thanchi by Chander Gari from Bandarban and then continue on foot for one to two days, often combining the walk to Amiakhum with the neighbouring trail to Nafakhum. Accommodation along the route is limited to basic bamboo huts in the indigenous villages, and trekkers commonly camp in the small clearing at the base of the falls, where mobile signal is patchy and there is no ATM beyond Bandarban town.
The experience rewards those who make the effort. Cool spray, towering columns of falling water, and the quiet of old-growth forest combine to make Amiakhum one of the most memorable natural destinations in Bangladesh, particularly for travellers seeking something well beyond the usual tourist trail. The falls are at their most powerful during the June to September monsoon, though the cooler, drier months of October to March offer safer wading and easier walking.
History & Culture
Amiakhum takes its name from the Marma language and is considered sacred by the indigenous communities of the surrounding hills, with the name often rendered as 'the place of the Mra people'. The falls have long held a place in the cultural landscape of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, long before the area appeared on any tourist map.
For generations the surrounding hills were home to the Mro, Tripura, Bawm and Marma peoples, whose villages still line the approach trail to the waterfall. The site has only recently become accessible to outside trekkers, and visitor numbers remain limited by the difficulty of the route and the requirement to travel with a registered local guide.
Top things to do in Amiakhum Waterfall
Trek the multi-day approach from Thanchi
Walk for one to two days through remote indigenous villages to reach Amiakhum, with a registered local guide leading the way. The trail passes through dense forest and across hill streams, and forms part of the longer circuit that includes Nafakhum and Boga Lake.
Swim in the plunge pool
Take a bracing dip in the deep pool at the base of the falls, where cool mountain water collects after the cascade. Conditions vary with the season, and visitors should always check water levels with their guide before entering.
Camp overnight at the clearing
Spend a night in the small clearing beneath the falls, where trekkers can pitch a tent and fall asleep to the sound of rushing water. There is no formal accommodation, so visitors bring their own sleeping bag and supplies.
Visit the surrounding indigenous villages
Stop in the Mro, Tripura, Bawm and Marma villages along the trail to learn about traditional hill-tract life. Travellers should travel with respect, follow their guide's advice on etiquette, and consider small purchases of local crafts.
Combine with Nafakhum and Boga Lake
Link the visit to Amiakhum with the nearby trek to Nafakhum, and where time allows extend the journey on to Boga Lake. Together the three form a 4 to 6 day remote circuit through the heart of the southern Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Amiakhum Waterfall in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓A 30-50 metre forest waterfall cascading in tiers
- ✓A deep plunge pool at the base of the falls
- ✓Sacred site in the Marma language and indigenous tradition
- ✓Multi-day trek through Mro, Tripura, Bawm and Marma villages
- ✓Often combined with the trek to Nafakhum waterfall
- ✓Remote camping clearing beneath the cascade
How to get to Amiakhum Waterfall
From Bandarban town, hire a Chander Gari (4x4) for the 4 to 5 hour journey to Thanchi. The road is rough and remote, and onward transport beyond Thanchi is on foot.
From Thanchi town, trek for one to two days through indigenous villages and hill forest to reach the waterfall. A registered local guide is mandatory, and most travellers arrange the full trek through an experienced local operator.
Amiakhum is commonly combined with Nafakhum and Boga Lake into a 4 to 6 day remote circuit departing from Bandarban. This is the most rewarding way to experience the southern Chittagong Hill Tracts in a single expedition.
Best time to visit Amiakhum Waterfall
The dry winter months from October to March are widely regarded as the best time to trek to Amiakhum, with cooler temperatures, clearer skies and lower water levels that make river crossings safer. Trails are in their best condition and camping at the falls is most comfortable during this period.
The monsoon season from June to September brings the falls to full flood, when the cascade is at its most thunderous and photogenic. However, the trail becomes considerably harder, streams run dangerously high, and landslips can affect the route, so monsoon visits are best left to experienced trekkers.
The shoulder months on either side of the monsoon can be a useful compromise, with some of the greenery and flow of the wet season paired with more manageable trail conditions. Travellers should always check current conditions with their operator before setting out.
Where to stay
Accommodation is limited to basic bamboo huts in indigenous villages along the trail, with overnight camping in the clearing at the base of the falls. There is no formal accommodation at Amiakhum itself, so visitors should bring their own sleeping bag, food and cash.
What to eat
- 🍽️Rice and dal served in village bamboo huts
- 🍽️Locally foraged forest vegetables and bamboo shoot
- 🍽️Smoked river fish from hill streams
- 🍽️Plain tea brewed over open fires in the villages
Travel tips
- 💡Travel with an experienced local operator who will arrange the permit, guide and porters.
- 💡Carry rain protection, sturdy boots and a basic first-aid kit.
- 💡Bring your own sleeping bag, food and sufficient cash, as there are no ATMs beyond Bandarban town.
- 💡Expect patchy or absent mobile signal once on the trail, and inform someone of your route in advance.
- 💡Treat the falls as a sacred indigenous site, and follow your guide's advice on local etiquette at every stop.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the trek to Amiakhum Waterfall?+
The trek from Thanchi to Amiakhum takes one to two days on foot through remote hill forest and indigenous villages, and is considered moderately demanding. A registered local guide is mandatory, and trekkers should be prepared for steep sections, river crossings and basic camping along the way.
Do I need a permit or guide to visit Amiakhum?+
Yes, a registered local guide is mandatory for the trek, and the visit is normally arranged through an experienced local operator based in Bandarban or Thanchi. The operator will handle permits, guide arrangements and porter support as part of the package.
When is the best time to see Amiakhum at full flow?+
The falls are most powerful during the monsoon season from June to September, when the hill stream is in full flood and the cascade is at its most dramatic. The trade-off is that the trail is harder and the water more dangerous, so monsoon visits are best suited to experienced trekkers.
Can Amiakhum be combined with Nafakhum and Boga Lake?+
Yes, the trek to Amiakhum is frequently combined with the trail to Nafakhum, and the two are often extended on to Boga Lake. Together they form a 4 to 6 day remote circuit through the southern Chittagong Hill Tracts, departing from Bandarban town.
Where do you sleep when visiting Amiakhum?+
There is no formal accommodation at the falls. Trekkers camp in the small clearing at the base of the waterfall, and may also stay in basic bamboo huts in the indigenous villages along the trail. Visitors should bring their own sleeping bag, food and cash, as supplies are not available on route.
