Popularly known as the 'Paradise on Earth,'?Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its scenic splendour, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, exquisite monuments, hospitable people and local handicrafts. But paradise is not limited to these remarkably beautiful places.
Surprised? But it*s true. Kashmir valley is more than that. One of the relatively unknown areas of Kashmir with vast tourism potential is the valley of Bangus which is still unexplored.
Jammu & Kashmir is not only known for a few extensively explored travel spots like Gulmarg or Sonmarg and Pahalgam, but also the places which were not known to the tourists and to the world till a few decades ago.
The real magic is in the enchanted tiny hamlets of Kashmir where tourists breathe a degree of renovating warmth as it is untouched by the evil effects of population burst and pollution.
Last year, the Centre recognised 75 new destinations in the Union Territory for tourism this year which include some lesser-known, discreet places that deserve a share in the treasured beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. One of them is Bangus valley situated in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara.
Lying within the Trans-Himalayan area Bangus is a unique ecological combination comprising a mountain biome, which includes a grassland biome with flora at lower altitudes; and Taiga or Coniferous forest. Over the years, this valley has remained unexplored but now it is coming up as one of the most exotic places in Kashmir.
According to a report, Bangus Valley is divided into two parts 每 Bod Bangus (Big Bangus) and Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus). It spans an area of 300 sq km, and is surrounded by the Shamsbery mountain range and the Leepa Valley.
The valley which lies at an altitude of around 10,000 ft. above sea level is in the northern part of district Kupwara within the Handwara sub District. Just 48 km from District Headquarter, Kupwara, situated in the lap of Himalayan mountains, bangus is a part of a unique ecological area, comprising mountain and grassland with flora, Taiga or Coniferous forest.
Bangus Valley has three routes through which people can reach the place, one is from Mawer side of Handwara, second one is from Rajwar side of Handwara and the third one is from Chowkibal, Kupwara.
According to ANI report, "In the coming years, the Switzerland of India will be the equal of its namesake given the prevailing peaceful environment and the fast pace of development in the UT. Water, energy, and employment creation projects and schemes have changed the geography of District Kupwara, and subsequently the Bangus Valley."
After years of planning, Bangus was recently made motorable via the Mawer route while work is in full swing on the Chowkibal and Rajwar routes. Its high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions were a huge obstacle but the administration has materialised this project in a short span of time.
Until two years ago, the valley was not an easy destination due to its proximity to the LoC (25 km) but the reinstallation of better security systems after the abrogation of Article 370, has helped to increase the faith of explorers who earlier did not find it safe to visit.
The Lolab Bangus Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA) installed night-stay tents for tourists.
The winter is enjoyable all the way more with the newly developed infrastructure in the region.
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