by Sajid Raina
SRINAGAR: With Kashmir’s premier tourist destinations, including Gulmarg and Pahalgam, exhibiting a proverbial thirst for rain and hunger for snow, the Bangus Valley, is draped white. It, however, is not witnessing any tourist footfalls. Unlike Sinthan Top in remote South Kashmir which has a bit of snow and good traffic, Bangus is still waiting for the bang.
Located 150 km from north of Srinagar, the 300 square kilometres of largely undiscovered Bangus boasts of scenic beauty, a snow-laden topography, flourishing flora, and streams teeming with trout fish, offering significant potential for ecotourism. Its distant location is its advantages and disadvantages at the same time. The spot, most visited during summer, is 48 km from Kupwara.
Currently cloaked in snowfall, a winter tradition, the Bangus Valley consists of two parts: Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus) and Lakut Bangus (Small Bangus). These less-explored gems rival the beauty of well-known destinations like Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Gulmarg.
Although the valley hosted the tourism festivals during summers to promote itself, locals say it didn’t prove very effective. Bangus remains a land of great adventure for its population, not necessarily for tourists.
With a hopeful smile, Shameema Akhtar, a young girl from the unexplored valley, yearns to witness the snow-covered Bangus valley, reminiscent of renowned ski resorts like Gulmarg. However, this year, the deep powder once taken for granted vanished, leaving the slopes bare and bare.
Unaware of the harsh reality of climate change impacting Kashmir, which is not only affecting the ski industry but also posing a significant threat to agriculture, Shameema suggested that the government should initiate winter events in Bangus Valley, given its pristine snow cover, which both tourists and locals eagerly anticipate
“I believe shifting events here could be beneficial, as Bangus has seen substantial snowfall. Surprisingly, fewer visitors come here compared to popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam,” she said.
Shameema’s father, Gulam Ahmad, a labourer by profession, said that the Bangus valley experienced snowfall last month, and the snow layers still blanket the vast area.
“Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t garnered much attention, as all focus remains on Kashmir’s traditional winter tourist destinations. Government attention can change its fortunes, but it often doesn’t when it is required,” he added.
“Even in the absence of snowfall elsewhere these days, Bungus provides the coveted experience,” he added, acknowledging that, regrettably, it goes largely unnoticed.
The winter wonderland of Kashmir, Gulmarg, is devoid of snow, causing distress among many tourists, guides, ski players, and organizers. “If the Bangus valley were more developed, I believe we could have engaged in activities here with the presence of substantial snowfall,” expressed Rashid Ahmad, another local.
The stunning snow-capped mountains and frozen streams in Bangus beckon locals, who ardently demand government support to propel it into competition with Gulmarg.
“Despite government efforts to develop Bangus Valley as a tourist destination, it still remains a relatively unexplored and untouched place, adding to its allure for adventurous travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences,” said Mumtaz Ahmad, a local shopkeeper from Handwara town.
“The development of tourism infrastructure in Bangus Valley has the potential to bring economic benefits to the local community while providing travellers with an opportunity to experience the valley’s stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage,” he added.
Ahmad said that the first step towards making Bangus Valley a tourist destination would be to improve its infrastructure, including roads, restrooms, parking, food outlets, and accommodations such as hotels, guesthouses, and resorts.
Saqib Ahmad, a snow enthusiast, said that Bangus has witnessed substantial snowfall, with approximately 2.5 feet of snow still present. “I visit regularly with my friends to relish the snowy experience,” he said.
The valley bustles with tourists during the summer, yet in winter, it embraces a serene stillness accentuated by the breathtaking snow-covered mountains, a sight unmatched anywhere else in Kashmir, Ahmad added.
Unprecedented dryness during an intense cold spell has led to water bodies reaching low levels in Kashmir, with the weather office predicting generally dry conditions until January 25.
The 40-day Chillai Kalan winter period, lasting from December 21 to January 30, brings harsh conditions to most areas.
However, for residents in Reshiwari, Nowgam, and Puthwari of Bangus Valley, the winter remains seemingly normal, as it has for years.
“Everything is normal; we don’t experience water shortages. Chillai Kalan remains consistent, much like my past experiences. Our area has always endured harsh winters, with bone-chilling cold and frost streams,” said Mohammad Ashraf Khan, an elderly resident of Nowgam.
Meanwhile, an Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng said that the Bangus Valley experienced multiple snowfall episodes during November and December, with a significant accumulation around November 30.
“Presently, the snow depth in Bangus Valley ranges from 2 to 4 feet. The slower melting of snow in this area can be attributed to minimal human activities, unlike the bustling Gulmarg,” he said.
“The Valley, at a higher altitude than Gulmarg, likely maintains colder temperatures, contributing to the sustained snow cover. Thus, the destination is ideal for tourists, particularly those seeking their first experience with snow,” he added.
