Debotakhum (দেবতাখুম)

Debotakhum is a deep, narrow pool about 600 feet long between rock walls in the forested hills of Rowangchhari Upazila, Bandarban District, south-eastern Bangladesh. Visitors hike in and paddle the gorge on bamboo rafts, so it suits fit travellers who enjoy cold water and short adventure trips with a local guide.

A shaded pool 600 feet long and up to 70 deep

The water-filled hollow runs for roughly 600 feet and is 50 to 70 feet deep. High rock walls keep much of the pool in shade, and the water is clear and cold. Thick forest covers the hills on both sides.

The turtle legend behind the name

In the Marma language of the area, khum means a deep pool or waterfall basin. Local belief says an elderly Marma man once saw a huge turtle in the pool and took it for a deity, a debota, living there in disguise. There is no shrine or statue at the site. Local people also call it Sonakhum or Thongchikhum.

Stream walk and bamboo rafts into the gorge

From the nearest road point, the approach follows streams and hill paths on foot. At the pool, visitors push along the channel on traditional bamboo rafts into the gorge. Wear a life jacket on the raft and shoes that grip wet rock.

Crowd numbers in peak and off season

Debotakhum is one of the most visited adventure spots in Bandarban. Peak season brings 400 to 500 visitors a day and 600 to 700 on holidays, while the off-season sees 150 to 200. Arrive early to avoid queues for rafts.

Rain closures and route permits

Access depends on the weather. Rowangchhari authorities closed the route in June 2025 because of heavy rain, high water and landslide risk, reopening around 26 June, and the site closed again for several days in July 2026 after flooding damaged facilities. Travel with a local guide, register as required, and visit in the dry season from November to March.