Shipbreaking yards and Kaptai Lake trip

Trip to Shipbreaking Yards and Kaptai Lake combines adventure and relaxation while providing a glimpse of the Hill Tracts. This three-day trip will take you to Chittagong City’s surroundings and the Rangamati Hill District. Chittagong City is unparalleled for the world’s largest ship-breaking industry. The contemporary, ancient, and colonial architectures are marvelous. Sea-port, beaches, and sea fish abound, as does an exciting way of life. After city sightseeing and spending a night in Chittagong, the journey continues to Rangamati for overnight relaxation by Kaptai Lake.

Experience a thrilling adventure like no other as you explore the captivating Chittagong Shipbreaking Yards and indulge in a serene Kaptai Lake cruise. Witness the incredible spectacle of massive ships being dismantled at the shipbreaking yards, immersing yourself in the unique industry and gaining insights into its processes. Marvel at the sheer scale of the operation and capture unforgettable photographs of this extraordinary sight. Afterward, embark on a peaceful Kaptai Lake cruise, where you’ll be surrounded by picturesque landscapes and floating islands. Take in the breathtaking views, spot local wildlife, and visit tribal villages to learn about their fascinating cultures. This trip promises a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

The Chittagong shipbreaking yards or ship recycling industry in Bangladesh decomposes end-of-life ships into metal and other engineered products for the local market, recycling every part of the hull and machinery. In the 1960s, shipbreaking activity began in Chittagong when a ship was abandoned on the beach after a heavy cyclone. The ship was stuck on the sandy beach, and it would have been too expensive to pull it out. It stayed there for years until locals found it and scavenged it. During the liberation war in 1971, locals also scavenged a few stranded ships here.

An organized ship recycling industry finally started in the 1980s. By 2008, most of the 704 commercial ships scrapped worldwide were in Bangladesh and India. In 2009, out of 1014 ships, about 200 (21%) were dismantled in Chittagong. As of 2010, there were about 119 ship-breaking yards in Chittagong. This is an increase from 2008 when only 57 yards were working because the Bangladesh Supreme Court temporarily banned ship-breaking because there were too many fires and explosions in the yards.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts is the only mountainous region of the country, unique for its attractive panoramic geography and fascinating tribal culture. The Mongoloid races are the original inhabitants of CHT in 13 different ethnic groups. They differ in their social organization, marriage, birth and death rites, food, and other social customs from the rest of the country. The sceneries are very picturesque throughout the districts. The mixture of hill and valley densely covered with forest and luxurious vegetation yields the most beautiful and varied light and shade effects. The Buddhist, Christian, and animist tribal communities with steep and jungled hills; make the Hill Tracts an idyllic adventure to explore.

All foreign nationals must obtain a particular hill tract visit permission from the respective authorities of each hill tract district. As an enlisted tour operator, we will look after and obtain all necessary local permits on your behalf.