A Journey to Shada Pathor, Sylhet

It was early morning when we set out for Shada Pathor, nestled in the Bholaganj area of Sylhet, Bangladesh. The mist still clung to the hills like a sleepy blanket as the dawn light softened the sky. We had heard that this was a place where the river flows over stones that are so pale they almost look white, where mountains touch the clouds, and where nature sings quietly and forever. From Sylhet city, the drive to Shada Pathor took about 2 hours, though time passed quickly as lush green fields, palm trees, and tea gardens rolled by our windows. The last stretch of the journey was more adventurous—a bumpy ride on local transport, known as Chander Gari (open jeeps), winding through narrow village roads and rocky terrain. It felt like we were slowly being transported from the busy world into a forgotten paradise.

As we got closer, the air changed. It grew cooler, cleaner, and filled with the earthy scent of water and stone. The sound of rushing water reached our ears before we saw it. And then, just beyond a curve in the road, Shada Pathor revealed itself.

We were standing in front of a shimmering, wide, shallow river. Its water was so clear, it looked like liquid crystal. Beneath it lay smooth, pale stones that gave the place its name—Shada Pathor, or White Stones. These stones, shaped and softened by the river’s slow dance over time, gave the water a magical, silvery glow.

As they splashed around in the shallow water, the children were laughing. Locals guided visitors in small wooden boats, pushing them gently across the river’s surface. We jumped into one, exuberant like schoolchildren on a field trip. It felt like floating on a mirror as the boat gently rocked across the stones. Rafiq, the buoyant boatman, explained to us how the stones are transported from the Indian Meghalaya hills just across the border. During the rainy season, the river swells, and the current brings in stones of all sizes—some tiny and round like marbles, others large enough to sit on like natural chairs.

We stopped in the middle of the river, where the water was ankle-deep, and stepped off the boat. Our feet were surrounded by cool water. We took photos, of course—who could resist?—but more than that, we stood still, letting the calm wash over us.

When we looked up, we saw hills with deep green forest rising around the river like ancient guardians. Low-hanging clouds partially obscured some. It was hard to believe that such a tranquil location was only a few hours away from the city. Locals had set up small stalls nearby, selling fresh coconut water, spicy fried snacks, and cold drinks. We talked to a young boy while sipping coconuts and eating shutki bhuna on a banana leaf by the river. He gave us colorful stones in exchange for a few taka. "These bring luck," he said with a grin, holding up a smooth one shaped like a heart.

In the afternoon, we climbed a rocky path to get a better view. From the top, Shada Pathor stretched out like a painting—white stones shimmering under the sun, boats drifting like leaves, and distant voices blending with the whisper of the breeze. One of those views makes you stop and take a mental snapshot for the rest of your life. We began our return journey as the sun began to set. The sky turned orange and pink, and shadows stretched long across the river. Similar to us, a group of birds flew overhead on their way home. My feet were dusty and my clothes were wet, but somehow my heart felt lighter—as if the stones of Shada Pathor had quietly lifted some of the weight of the world. Why Visit Shada Pathor?

Shada Pathor is the ideal escape if you're ever in Sylhet and want a day trip filled with adventure, serenity, and natural beauty. It's not just a destination—it’s an experience. Every moment connects you to nature in the most simple and beautiful way, from the sound of moving water to the cool river stones under your feet. Bring your camera, bring some friends, and most importantly—bring your curiosity.

Because even the stones appear to tell stories in Shada Pathor.