Ski Bangus Valley

Bangus Valley is one of the last untouched alpine valleys in Kashmir, in Kupwara district in the north of the valley. Locals call it the Mini Switzerland of Kashmir for its vast meadows ringed by pine-covered mountains. Bangus is not one meadow but three. Bada Bangus is the largest, a great sweep of rolling grassland; Chota Bangus is smaller and lies closer to the forest; Reshwari Bangus is the least explored. The meadows sit at about 10,000 ft below the Shamsbury, Dajlu and Naganaga mountains, fed by ice-cold streams and waterfalls, with forests of pine, deodar and fir all around. May and June turn the meadows bright green and full of wildflowers while snow still lies on the peaks. July to September brings the best weather, around 15 to 25°C, and is the time for camping and trekking. From October to April heavy snow cuts the valley off. There is little to do here but be outdoors, and that is the point: camping in the open meadows, treks into the surrounding mountains and across to Gurez, pony rides, nature walks, photography and bird watching. There are no shops and no crowds. Unlike Gulmarg or Sonamarg, Bangus is still undeveloped. J&K Tourism is slowly opening it up for eco-tourism, but for now it is visited mostly by locals and trekkers. There are no hotels or guesthouses in the valley: bring tents or hire them in Kupwara, ask about forest huts and army guest houses in Chowkibal (with permission), or stay in village homestays near Chowkibal and Rajwar. Carry your own food and water.