Panchagarh is the top of the map, the final frontier of Bangladesh. It is known as the daughter of the Himalayas. This is the only district in the country from where you can see the majestic Kanchenjunga peak with the naked eye. In late autumn and winter, travelers flock to Tetulia, the northernmost point, to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountain. Waking up at dawn, standing by the Mahananda River, and waiting for the fog to lift to reveal the white mountain floating in the sky is a spiritual experience. It reminds you that Bangladesh is not just a land of rivers but also sits in the shadow of the world's highest peaks. The air here is noticeably different; it is crisp, clean, and in winter, it is the coldest place in the country.
Panchagarh is distinct because of its soil. It is rocky, unlike the clay of the delta. This geology has given birth to a massive stone industry. You will see thousands of workers collecting stones from the riverbeds, a hard and gritty livelihood that supplies the construction material for the rest of the country. But the green revolution here is Tea. Panchagarh has developed a flat-land tea industry that rivals Sylhet. The tea gardens here are not on hills but on the plains, creating vast, manicured carpets of green that stretch to the horizon. Driving through these flat tea estates is a unique visual experience.
The district houses the Banglabandha Land Port, a zero point where the borders of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal (virtually) meet. It is a major trade route and a place where you can stand and look at three countries at once. The Bodeshwari Temple is another significant site, an ancient archaeological gem that speaks to the Hindu heritage of the region. Within the Atwari upazila, there is the Mirzapur Shahi Mosque, a 17th-century structure that is beautifully preserved. Panchagarh is quiet, cold, and scenic. It feels remote, far removed from the humidity and noise of Dhaka. It is a place of stones, tea, and the distant, silent watch of the Himalayas.