A walk through the forest

 

Photograph by Limana Solaiman

The Lawachara National Park is located in Srimongol, Sylhet of Bangladesh. It is one of the natural forest left in Bangladesh. Whenever we think of taking a vacation we usually go to the seaside or mountain side, but visitng a forest area can be a new and refreshing experience. Now a days the forest area is under the Nishorgo Programme financed by the USAID and is declared as ‘Protected Area’, they provide tour of the forest. 

Photograph by Young Explorers

I, along with 13 of my club members of Young Explorers’ Society was lucky enough to make this tour. I got to visit the forest once more on my University (Independent University,Bangladesh) field trip of the Environmental Communication course, where I had to prepare a report on the Khasi people of that region and I also visited the Khasi Punji located inside the Lawachara forest.

The Khasi are a matrilineal society and their lifeblood is the betel leaf cultivation. They are environment friendly individuals who take care of the forest and its plants, because Betel Leaf needs the support of other plant to grow since it falls under the category of climbers or creepers.

Photograph by Young Explorers' Society

There are three hiking trails inside the Lawachara forest, one of 1/2 hour, 1 hour and 3 hours respectively. If you are lucky you will get to see the Hullok Gibon, a rare species of ape found inside the forest, different species of monkey, birds and deers such as the barking deer. The forest is rich with different types of plants, trees and various species of orchids. It is said that a scene of the movie “Aroung the World in Eighty Days was shot inside the rail track that passes through the forest. Since pictures says more than words I am including several of them for your convinience and siging out for now, Hasta la vista! 

 

Travel Week – Saint Martin’s Island

Photo by Young Explorers' Society

Beloved Backpackers,

If you want to experience heaven on earth, then please get yourself a ticket to Teknaf(bus ticket ofcourse). It will cost you approxmately 550 TK on a non-ac bus to get to Teknaf. I was lucky enough to make the trip on 2006 with my fellow club members of Young Explorers’ Society.

Once you get there go straight to the harbour where you can board the Qutubdia or Keari Sindbad (Ships) that will take you to Saint Martins and back only for Tk600. If you have an adventurous spirit then you can hire a fishing boat or trawler that will take 3 hours time to get to your destination, but believe me it is worth it. If you are lucky you can see a particular species of dolphin in that region.

Photo by Young Explorers' Society

Photo by Young Explorers' Society

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first view of Saint Martin’s Island will take your breath away, the sheer beauty of the water will awestruck any visitor on an island for the first time. The next step would be to have a refreshing drink of coconut water and then look for a place to stay. Now I am not a biased person but I just loved staying at SHIMANA PERIYE a resort right on the beach or Abakash, a room in these resorts will cost you approxmately 1000-2500 Tk.

Photo by Young ExplorersPhoto by Young ExplorersPhoto by Young Explorers

Photo by Young Explorers

Things to do:

1) Scuba Diving to experience the beauty underwater (Tk 4500-5000).

2) Take a walk to Chera Deep during low tide or take a boat during high tide.

3) Take a tour of the Island by yourself in the moonlight.

4) Wake up early to watch the sun rise.

5) Make a campfire and stay up all night and you can invent some more of your own…

That is all from this travel guide…until next it’s me Limana signing out, Hasta la vista!!!

Tip of the week.

Hey there fellow backpackers, today I’m going to talk about the kind of food you should have with you on a mountaineering expedition or a trekking trip of 4 to 5 days, it is very essential that you have the right food with you on your pack or you just might go hungry. 

 

 

 

The first tip is you should always carry dry food with you such as, nuts, protein bars, cereal bars, cup cakes, chocolates, candies, buscuits etc. If you are going to a tropical place it is very essential that you carry drinks with you that will provide hydration within minutes. Glucose and salaine are two of the most important drinks you should carry with you at all times on a trip.

 

 

 

In a nut-shell you should carry food that provides instant energy and re-hydrates you with in minutes. That’s all from me for now…see ya later, Hasta la vista!!!

Choose Ur Backpack

Hello backpackers!

Today I want to write about the most necessary article needed while travelling, if you are confused about the article I am talking about then rest assure that I am talking about your backpack. It does’nt matter whether you are on a camping trip, hiking trip, backpacking around the country or on an all-inclusive holiday, it is vital that you carry the pack that is right for you and all your essentials.

There are a couple of things you should remember while choosing your backpack:

a) If you are out on a trekking trip or mountaineering always choose a pack that is light-weight and waterproof.

b) Carry a pack that is durable and can carry heavy loads.

c) Choose a medium to small pack for your own convinience.

d) Keep it in mind that it has reflectors and if you can find one with emergency beep light consider yourself to be lucky.

Below are a few backpacks I have selected for you, the features of each product are copied from the sites for your convinience, please feel free to click here for reviews on more backpacks.

The North Face

The North Face Jemma

 

Comfortable stitched foam back panel, Ultra-padded shoulder straps. Main compartment with universal sleeve

Secondary compartment with women’s specific organizer

Backsaver bottom panel. Large front mesh pocket with padded compression panel

Mesh water-bottle pockets, X-bungee, Removable waistbelt, Reflective hits

 

 

 

The North Face - Women

 
Basic organizer in front pocket. Carry handle. Designed and sized specifically for women to fit torso and hips comfortably. Mesh side water bottle pockets. Main compartment with multiple internal pockets to organize small essentials. Reflective hits for nighttime visibility. Removable hip-belt comes off easily keeping it out of the way when not in use. Torso length is shorter to accommodate a woman’s build.
Hip-belt is designed and patterned specifically for the shape of women’s hips. Shoulder straps avoid the chest for comfortable load carrying. Simplified bungee system on pack face lets you easily secure essentials like an extra layer. Small stash pocket on pack front for little items.
 

 

 

The North Face Circle

 
Women-specific shoulder harness. Comfortable, stitched foam back panel. Main compartment with internal divider. Secondary compartment with organizer. Small mesh side pockets. Reflective hits
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REI

REI Stroke 9 Pack

Zippered hydration pocket holds your 2 liter reservoir (sold separately) for hands-free drinking on the trail. Innovative feature directs hydration sip tube out through either shoulder strap—your choice!Backpanel is lined with highly breathable, moisture-wicking ventilating mesh to move sweat away from your back. Egg-crate-like foam backpanel follows the contours or your body, keeping contents close and stable. Perforated foam shoulder straps wrapped with breathable mesh increase air circulation. Hipbelt webbing system lets you use a natural forward pulling motion for quick, easy cinching and precise adjustment. Panel-loading main compartment carries the essentials you might need for a workout on the trail

 

 

Osprey

Panel loader. Two torso adjustable sizes. Top zippered mesh pocket. Side compression straps. Front and side stretch woven pockets. Mesh covered perforated hipbelt with zippered stretch mesh pockets. Mesh covered perforated harness straps with stretch goo pockets. Bungee tie off for trekking poles. Easy access exterior hydration compartment.
 

 

 

 

 

Marmot

Marmot Whirlwind Pack

 
Air Flow backpanel moves away excess moisture and body heat for day-long comfort. Tensioned, trampoline mesh backpanel provides a form-fitting and stable carry while allowing full air circulation. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps make for comfortable carrying and a stable load. Hipbelt helps stabilize the load during rides and aids in transferring weight to the hips as you walk. Zippered mesh pockets on hipbelt are large enough for your compact digital camera in one and snacks in the other. Main compartment is large enough to hold trail essentials and an extra layer of clothes. Built-in rain cover can be pulled out in a flash, protecting pack contents from sudden downpours. 

 

 

Marmot Garmsal

 

Airflow™ Frame System Airflow Frame System
Hydration Pocket and Port Designed to Hold Hydration Pouch Systems
Lightweight Side Cinch
Split-Wrap Waist Belt
Waist Belt Pockets For Convenient, Quick Access
 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s all for now, see you soon with more reviews about interesting equipments, Hasta la vista.

Travel Week – Roopganj

Fellow Backpackers,

On this week’s travel guide I am going to tell you about a place situated near Narayanganj  called Roopganj. Roopganj is still undergoing urbanization. You can get into a bus from about anywhere and get dropped off at a place called Bholta bus stand, in front of Gousia Market. Once in front of the market you can hire a rickshaw on hourly basis that will cost you approximately 40 taka per hour. Ask anyone about the Jamdani Tati settlement and they will show you the direction.

After you have watched the legendary Jamdani makers at work you can take a rickshaw ride to Russel park. It is a beautiful natural site with a manmade pond where you can go boating, a small zoo inside and monuments of different animals, along with swings and see-saw for children to enjoy. The environment is very calm as it is far away from the city crowd.

After a refreshing break, take a ride to the Mura Para College that use to be a Zamidar House(an old palace). It is one of the extinct Architectural site of our country, so if you are interested in archaelogy and old archiutecture you will surely enjoy your visit.

If you are not satisfied with the serene beauty of Russel Park, you can take a bus ride and then a taxi ride to Oikkodan Natural park. That is all form me on this week’s travel guide but if you are into climbing trees then don’t forget to take a swing on the ancient banyan tree outside Mura Para College, unitl next time its me Limana signing out…Hasta la vista!

Trekking from Teknaf to Cox’s Bazar – 3

 

Ok, so we reached Baharchora and crossed the mud filled ditch. It was the first stop on our way to Cox’s Bazar after a long day’s trek and stayed the night at the chairman’s place. They were very hospitable to us and treated us well. Let me describe Baharchora for a little bit. It was a very conservative area and women were not suppose to dress and talk like the way I and Raka did. So, half the village was gathered outside the chairman’s place to meet and greet us.
Later that night the chairman informed us that he had already sent a letter to the chairman of Monkhali about our upcoming visit and he will make further arrangements for our stay at the village. So, the next morning we woke up and it was raining yet again and we started to walk towards Monkhali, by now we were all dark brown in complexion and severely dehydrated, but that did not stop or tire us down. We reached Monkhali after 17km and approxmately 8 hours of trek. The chairman of Monkhali was unable to lodge us for the night so he opened up the beautiful Forest Rest-house for us to stay. It was a wonderful round building surrounded by windows and same as Baharchora there was no electricity there. We had a great time at the village of Monkhali.
Our next stop was Emordel where we stayed with the local head of the village called member. We discovered that the people of the area was very nice to any visitors and we were treated with great respect. Specially the women of the village were very interested with eveyrthing we told them. Then again the next morning we started towards Inani. We did not stay the night there but we did discover a Jhoubon(small forest) and explored the area. That night we stayed at the Jaliayapalong Union Complex at Shonarpara. Usually only the government employee and members were allowed to stay at the complex but eveyone made an exception for us because by the time we reached there we were quite renowned in the area. We were treated with great respect and everyone was freindly to us. They talked to us about their way of life and everyday activities, village politics etc.
At last the day after we reached our destination Cox’s Bazar. It was my first time there and I was awestruck and fell in love with the sea immediately. It was the greatest adventure and experience of my life and to this day I talk about it to everyone with undying enthusiasm. I suggest you all to try out the longest beach challenge, it will definitely broaden your horizon and also put a great impact on your personality and I must say I loved retelling my tale of travel for the 1000th time and I also know for a fact that I will never get tired of it.

Safety First

Hello friends,

Today I thought I would let you all in on a secret. Whenever I go on an adventure trip, I dare to take some minor risks because I always go well prepared. Let me be a little more specific, it is mandatory that you carry a first-aid kit with you at all time, whether you are on an all-day outing, family picnic, a hiking, backpacking or camping tour. This is another must have item that you should carry with you.

I took some time out to pick a few products that is sure to help you out, please feel free to click here to read reviews about more first-aid kit products.

Here is a kit that you should carry with you if you plan on visiting areas that are situated in earthquake zones.

 

Description:

The Stansport™ Earthquake/Survival Family Kit is specifically designed to support up to 4 people during catastrophic events, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanse, and other life-threatening disasters. It includes a 3-day supply of food, water, and medical supplies in a sturdy carrying case.

 

If you plan to go on an expedition or an impulsive adventure trip, this adventure comprehensive medical kit will make you feel safe and prepared for accidents.

 

Description:

Designed for a group of one to 14 people and for backcountry trips from one to 28 days, the Adventure Comprehensive Medical Kit is a must to ensure a safe trip. Organized logically into specific compartments, the contents are easy to see and easy to access. These kits have a CPR Lifesaver Pack with CPR Microshield. They also treat and prevent fractures/dislocations/sprains with Sam Splint and elastic bandage; hypoglycemia/insulin Shock with one glutose paste; dehydration with oral rehydration salts; dental problems with Dentemp Temporary Filling Mixture and snake bites and bee stings with a Sawyer Extractor. They also treat wounds with a 20cc. irrigation syringe and surgical scrub brush; blisters with two Spenco 2nd Skin and one Molefoam; burns with one Aloe Vera Gel; trauma with trauma dressings and triangular bandage; allergic symptoms with antihistamines and virus transmission with infectious control pack. The Comprehensive kit also includes a variety of medical equipment, along with two important guidebooks: “Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, and “Illustrated Guide to Life-Threatening Emergencies.

For an all-day outing you can carry a light-weight medical emergency kit like the Adventure Medical UltraLight & Watertight .7 Medical Kit.

Description:

The Adventure Medical Ultra Light & Watertight .7 medical kit brings you essential emergency medical items packaged in a compact and lightweight bag of 1.3-oz, silicone-coated ripstop nylon.

That is all from me for now, please keep an eye for more interesting product reviews for your adventure.

Comfortable Footwear

Hello backpackers!

The first thing you need to focus on is your footwear. Most of the time it is evident that you will be crossing muddy terrain and streams, especially if you are in the Chittagong hill tracks or you just decided to explore the forests of Bangladesh. Here is a small list of footwear that is sure to make your trip easy and fun. The one thing to keep in mind is no matter what you choose it should be waterproof and lightweight and in addition you legs and feet will feel better at the end of a hectic trail. I have listed down my personal favorites and copied down the descriptions from different websites, please copy and paste the links I will be providing with each product for more information.

Timberland  (Waterproof Cadion Mid Hiker w/ Gore-Tex XCR® Membrane) Men’s

 

Features:

Lightweight Schoeller® textile fabric for comfort, durability and abrasion resistance (a material that is reinforced with aramide fibers to make it super strong)

Gore-Tex XCR® membrane provides breathable waterproof protection for extended periods of time

Removable, dual-density, three-zoned EVA footbed, covered with Dri-Lex® lining material and perforated to keep your feet dry and odor freeExternal molded heel counter supports the heel and provides rear foot stability during active outdoor pursuits 

Salomon (Ladies 3D Fastpacker Mid GTX Trekking Boots)

Features:

OrthoLite® footbeds provide extra cushioning and moisture management; treated with an anti-microbial agent to help control odours.

Full Bootie Construction is exclusive to Salomon and is the only way to kepp your boots waterproof to the top.3D Advanced Chassis™ midsole supports help control twisting Gore-Tex keeps your feet dry from the outside as well as from the inside.

Merrell (Chameleon Wrap Stretch Gore-Tex® XCR®) Men’s

Features:

GORE-TEX® Gasket Construction, GORE-TEX® XCR® Fabric Lining.

Waterproof Nubuck Leather/Breathable Mesh Upper

Protective Molded Rubber Toe Bumper

Nylon 6.6 Injection Molded Arch Shank

Adjustable Elastic Cord Lacing System, Friction Cordlock

 

Nike (Air Max Assail 5 Men’s Trail Running Shoe)

 

 Features:

FIT: Dual system of webbing straps and synthetic overlays plus an external heel counter for added support and stability

CUSHIONING: Full-length Phylon midsole for lightweight flexibility. Visible maximum Air-Sole unit for superior cushioning.

TRACTION: BRS 1000 heel crash zone. Sticky rubber in a Wafle Fill configuration for great multi-surface traction.

 

La Sportiva

(Trango Trek Micro EVO Gore – Tex) Women’s

 

Description:New updated 2008 version with new Vibram® sole. Added to the technical contents of the 2007 version, the advantages which come from the Impact Brake System is the reduction of impact on terrain and maximum grip on any type of surface both in traction and in braking. It adopts the ankle 3D Flex System multidirectional joint which ensures ankle support and mobility in all directions. Thanks to its characteristics and to the new sole, this model is ideal for walking off trails on rough terrain, difficult trekking and walking with heavy loads.

 

(Sandstone GTX/XCR) Men’s

Description:
New multi-purpose low cut shoe with modern design. Suede leather upper with antiabrasion inserts. Collar and tongue in breathable mesh. Structured shock absorbing EVA midsole, with increased stabilising base in the rear. Vibram® Impact Brake System rocker sole, featuring remarkable grip in any condition with excellent shock absorbancy.

 

 

 

 

(Exum Ridge) Men/Women

Description:

Multi-purpose and performing, Exum Ridge is ideal for technical use from approaching crags to dirt roads and trail running. The FriXion® sole and the special shape of the suction lugs guarantee great adherence and precision. The extremely breathable upper and the snug fit make it extremely comfortable.

 

The North Face (M VINDICATOR GTX)

 Description:

For multi-day hiking trips, or quick overnight excursions into the backcountry, the Vindicator GTX is a trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed with a Gore-Tex® membrane, this waterproof, breathable hiking shoe is built to withstand relentless use and offers optimal support, stability, and traction over varied terrain.

 

 

 

 

There you go, now you know what kind of shoes you need if you want to go out for an adventure. Watch out for what kind of backpacks to carry when you are out, until then…

 

An Impulsive Holiday

So it’s the third day of Eid-ul-Azha, the prime Muslim Festival and I was bored to my bones. My friend called me up and we decided to go for a movie. After watching the movie I decided I had to do something spontaneous to make my holiday exciting. In a jiffy I called Raka (you know my trekking mate) and asked her whether she can tag along with me to, she agreed right away and after just 45 minutes we were all ready with our backpacks and on our way to Chittagong hill tracks.

Our bus started half-hour late so we reached our destination late at night. The next day Raka, I and her cousin (who is a dentist) started for Rangamati, again a spontaneous decision on our part. We took the local bus in Rangamati and Chittagong route, it was quite an experience. The tickets were Tk-80 per head, so you can understand the condition of the bus, it was more of a “Murir Tin” than a bus, but boy did we enjoy our ride!

At Rangamati, we straight away went to the Parjatan tourist site, where there is a great hanging bridge. It’s more of a replica of the bridge at Bandarban Parjatan site.

 We went for a small cruise on a row boat that was driven by a ten year old girl. There are lots of shops where you can buy traditional handlooms of Rangamati and also traditional jewellery. We didn’t have much time so had to return to the bus station. The funny part was the bus that we took was called “Birotihin”, that means it a direct bus, but it kept on stopping every 5 minutes and soon the bus was overloaded with people and their luggage one of which contained a large barrel of raw fish!!!

Well, what can I say? It was one of the many little adventures that I like to do when I am bored!! For now…Hasta la vista!!!

P.S: keep and eye on my blog for details on Rangamati.

Travel Week – Bandarban

Hello backpackers!!! On this weeks travel guide I would like to suggest for you all to take a swing at Bandarban, a picturesque hill-track on the Chittagong region of Bangladesh.Among many of its natural wonder, Bandarban is the proud owner of the highest peak in Bangladesh known as Keokradong, although, a debate exist that Tanjindong is higher than Keokradong.

Where to stay?

A cottage at the Milon-Chori Resort

According to my experience the best place to stay in Bandarban is Milonchori, the Guide Tour’s resort, situated on a small mountain. This settlement is unique as it offers a wide range of accommodation for travelers, starting from 200tk (a bed at the dormitory) to approximately 3000tk for a luxury cottage.
The cottages are designed like the housing of the indigenous people of the hill-tracks, like the Baum is a unique house that can hold 4 people. It is a replica of a Baum tribe’s housing. Along with that, there are cottages of Marma, and some named after birds of Bangladesh such as the Munia, Moina etc.Staying at the Milonchori resort will give you a feeling that you are in the hill-track locality.
Contact: 01199275691.

Places to visit:
The renowned Golden Temple of the Buddhist’s.

Nilgiri
Meghla, the Parjatan tourist spot, there is a hiking trail and also a small zoo.
Watch the sunrise or sunset from Tiger Hill.
Visit Chimbuk Mount.
Go on a trek to the highest peak of Bangladesh Keokradong.
Visit the Thanchi Locality.
Shoilopropath, a small waterfall not much far from Milonchori, a half-hour trot will get you there.
Ali Kadam Cave.
Rijhuk Waterfall in Ruma.
Cruise on a local boat of the famous Shangu River.
Meditation Centre in Lama ( Quantum Method).
Prantik Lake.

Prantik Lake

The minature zoo at the Parjatan

Golden Temple

Shoilopropath

If you are staying at the Guide Tours’ resort, you can request Khokon Uncle (one of the owners) to provide you with a guide, it will cost you approximately 500tk everyday. You can also ask them to rent a local Jeep called Chander Gari that will cost you 2000tk to 2500tk per day. For more information please call Explore and Tourism :+8801717055868. This company will design a tour for you according to your wish, along with that they offer different package tours of Bandarban.

That is all from this weeks travel guide, until next week Hasta la vista!!!