Bangus Valley:

AATIF QAYOOM
The stunning valley of Bangus, which is tucked away in the northern part of the Kupwara district, is one of Kashmir's best-kept secrets. The valley, which was previously a conflict-ridden region, is now growing in popularity among tourists because of its lush vegetation and abundance, as well as its incredible natural beauty.
The 10,000-feet-high valley has only just started to see an increase in visitor traffic as a result of attempts to promote it as a tourist destination in Kashmir. The main valley is divided into two sections known as Bod Bangus (Big Bangus) and Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus), each of which is about 300 square kilometers in size.
Because of its meadows, mountains, and streams, Bangus is a real-life postcard vacation for nature lovers. The valley is the ideal spot for people who enjoy exploring odd places away from the hazards of over-tourism and is sure to entice any traveler with its attractiveness.
The flora and fauna that reside in Bangus' lush green meadows include rare Himalayan herbs and medicinal plants. Numerous high-altitude lakes and ponds in the valley are well-known for being excellent spots for camping and picnics. The quiet and clean mountain air in the valley is great for travelers who want to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Visitors are made to feel welcome and at ease during their stay by the friendly and welcoming locals of the valley. They take pride in their valley and are always willing to show visitors their customs and culture. The valley is recognized for having a vibrant cultural history and for having a number of distinctive traditions and customs that are still practiced today.
Despite its magnificence, Bangus has up to now mostly escaped the attention of tourists. Aims have been made to encourage responsible tourism in the valley in light of the recent rise in tourism. This will enable travelers to take in the valley's distinct beauty while also respecting its environment and culture.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir is aggressively taking measures to protect the cultural and ecological heritage of the valley. As a method to enjoy the beauty of the valley and have as little of a detrimental impact on the ecosystem as possible, eco-trekking and camping are recommended.
A multitude of campgrounds equipped with necessities like tents, mattresses, and food have been created by the tourism administration all over the valley. Local organizations that have received training in hospitality and catering run the campgrounds, providing the locals with a reliable source of income.
For those who want to take in the splendor of nature and discover the distinctive culture and customs of the area, Bangus is the ideal vacation spot. The valley is easily accessible by road, and several resorts and hotels are located along the route, making the journey to the valley convenient and comfortable.
The undiscovered, hidden valley is a genuine gem. Its spectacular beauty and extensive cultural heritage offer visitors the ideal environment to enjoy the finest of both nature and culture. With responsible tourism policies in place, Bangus is positioned to rank among the top vacation spots for tourists looking for undiscovered and unusual locations.
Aijaz Ahmad tells the story of his tour of the famed Bangus Valley and writes about an adventure he had there. He claimed to have always loved nature and adventure, and the Bangus Valley's stunning scenery had always piqued his interest. I ultimately decided to set off on a journey to see this paradise on earth after much consideration and planning.
The trip to Bangus Valley was lengthy and difficult, but the scenery along the route was well worth it. The landscape was dominated by verdant meadows, undulating hills, and towering mountains, and the crisp mountain air gave me a jolt of energizing energy.
A group of villagers welcomed us when we arrived at the Handwara Mawer Road and gave us information on the best and safest way to get to the valley. They also advised us to proceed with caution due to the shortage of lodging and restrooms in the valley. Despite this, we chose to go ahead anyhow.
The road to Bangus Valley was curvy and narrow, and the steep ascent gave adventurers a thrilling experience. We were awestruck by the grandeur of the location as we ascended. With its sparkling streams, verdant meadows, and majestic snow-capped mountains, the Bangus valley was really a reflection of heaven.
We set our tent close to a stream, and we enjoyed listening to the sound of the water flowing. We spent hours observing the constellations and telling tales around the campfire as the night sky was a painting of stars.
The next morning, we set out to explore the valley on foot, and the experience was nothing short of magical. We walked through flower-strewn meadows, crossed streams, and climbed mountains to get breathtaking views of the valley.
As we walked deeper into the valley, we came across a group of nomads who were tending to their livestock. They welcomed us with open arms and shared their food and stories with us.
Looking back, I see that my trip to the Bangus Valley was more than just an adventure. It was a journey of understanding and self-discovery, and it is a journey that I will never forget. And I am confident that I will visit this earthly paradise again to once more take in its splendor and revel in its beauty.
As we discovered more about their way of life, it was humbling to see how they coexisted with nature. After being in the valley for a few days, it was time to say goodbye. We grabbed our things, gave the breathtaking landscape one final look, and then began the journey back home.
On the journey back, I experienced mixed feelings of adventure and joy. In the Bangus Valley, I discovered the true meaning of adventure and the worth of nature. It had shown me how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how nature has a way of putting things into perspective.