Bangus Valley

The best way to experience Kashmir is through camping. Imagine setting up your tent and installing camping tools amidst grassy, wavy meadows, with the famous Mawri River running alongside. Picture being transported into a different world—a world of greenery away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. This beauty remains untouched as it is the least explored valley in Kashmir. However, it has lately been attracting many nature lovers with their camping gear.

Bangus Valley, situated in the Pir Panjal range, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and crystal-clear streams. Spread across an area of 300 sq km, this meadow has everything for a nature lover.

Camping at Bangus Valley:

Kashmir celebrates camping culture like no other Indian city. Bangus Valley is the best place to camp in Kashmir and enjoy nature. To reach the camping location, you need to carry your camping gear about 3.5 km from the car parking area. As cars can’t reach the camping location, ground camping is the best option. Night camping is allowed here. No permissions are required for camping and visiting this place, but you need to obtain permission from local authorities or tourism offices for trekking or fishing.

How to Reach:
To reach Bangus Valley, you can either take a route from Srinagar, the Mawer side of Handwara district, the Rajwar side of Handwara district, or from Chowkibal, Kupwara. You need to get your own vehicle or hire a private cab, as no shared taxis are available in this valley. Once you reach Bangus Valley, you need to cover about 3.5 km by hiking from the car parking area to the camping spot. The road from Srinagar to Bangus Valley is breathtaking. The streets are well-maintained, but they get a bit bumpy as you enter the terrain. The last 2-3 km stretch to reach Bangus Valley is muddy.

Activities to do here: 

• Wildlife Safari
• Fishing
• Camping
• Hiking

Entry Fee: No entry fee
Timing: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Camping options: Ground camping is the only option here. Cars cannot reach the spot. No permissions are required for camping.
Parking: No parking restrictions. Vehicles can park overnight. No designated parking spots; park anywhere within the parking area
Vehicle Access: Suitable for all types of vehicles, including RVs, trailers, cars, and bikes

Distance from:
Kupwara: 48 km via NH 701 and Kulangam – Handwara Rd
Srinagar: 101 km via NH1
                 106 km via sopore – Kupwara Rd
Delhi: 902 km via NH44
Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (Sheikh ul Alam International Airport or Budgam Airbase)
Nearest Railway Station: Baramulla – 64 kilometers from Kupwara. From here, you need to find your mode of commuting to Bangus Valley.

Routes: Srinagar – Kupwara main town – Bangus valley (42 Km)
              Srinagar – Handwara (via Mawer)– Bangus Valley (29 Km)