Bangus & Reshwari valley-untamed wilderness of kashmir
Bangus & Reshwari valley Photos
Everything About Bangus & Reshwari valley
At the extreme edge of the Kupwara district, away from what most might consider ‘tourist maps’, lies a far-away place that feels like it is from another world — Bangus and Reshwari Valley. Both places are where natures majestic act takes place in complete silence, where emerald meadows run on endlessly under stunning cobalt skies, and the air has only the smell of wildflowers and pine.
Bangus comes from Kashmiri words “Ban” (forest), and “Gus” (grass) and is one of Asia’s largest meadows, yet hardly known in any other place outside of Kashmir. Reshwari, the quiet valley is home to pristine forest paths, hot springs and a rural way of life. Together, they are the wild places of Kashmir — places where you can experience the Beauty of Gulmarg or Pahalgam without the loads of People.
Where Are Bangus and Reshwari Valley?
- Bangus Valley: Approximately 128 km from Srinagar in the Kupwara district, it is located at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,048 m) and it is about 300 sq. km.
- Reshwari Valley: Located around 100 km from Srinagar in the Kupwara district, it has beautiful pine forests and natural hot springs at Satbaran.
Both valleys are not far for a weekend trip from Srinagar but remote enough to make you feel like you have entered an unknown world of the Himalayan region.
The Allure of Bangus Valley
Bangus consists of two parts:
- Bod Bangus (Big Bangus): A vast expanse of open meadows surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks.
- Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus): A little smaller but just as pretty, and with more forest cover at the edges.
The valley is bordered by the snow-capped Shamasbury and Qaziganag mountains. The walls of this valley create a natural amphitheater of beauty. In the summer, the meadows are a multi-coloured explosion of wildflowers – with small streams snaking along the grasslands.
What makes Bangus different from many other meadows and valleys is the sense of raw grandeur you receive in Bangus—no concrete hotels, no amusement parks, only wilderness and open land.
Reshwari Valley – Nature and Tranquility Combin
- Reshwari, roughly 30 km away from Bangus, is a smaller valley but equally beautiful. It is known for:
- Satbaran Hot Springs: There are some sulphur springs, which are said to have healing properties.
- Thick Pine Forests: Trails in the shade of impressive trees, perfect for a short hike.
- Rustic Villages: You cannot help but appreciate the traditional Kashmiri wooden houses, friendly locals (who may invite you for tea), and a slower pace of village life.
Reshwari is a great base if you want simple accommodation, local food, and a day trip to the Bangus valley.
Best Time to Visit Bangus and Reshwari
May to September: The perfect months for trekking, camping, and exploring. The meadows are green, rivers are full and the weather is nice.
October: Autumn colors brush the valley in gold.
November to April: Deep snow makes the area inaccessible, especially Bangus.
How to Reach Bangus & Reshwari
From Srinagar:
To Bangus: Srinagar – Handwara – Qaziabad – Drangyari – Bangus
To Reshwari: Srinagar – Handwara – Nowgam – Reshwari
Travel time: 4–5 hours by road depending on your route. The ideal option is hiring a private Taxi or SUV, travelling by road can get rough along some stretches.
Things to Do in Bangus & Reshwari Valley
Stand By and Adventure
1. Trekking & Hiking
Bangus Meadows Trek – Fair slopes make for great day hiking.
Forest Trails in Reshwari – Trekking through shaded trails to find hidden streams and hilltops.
2. Camping Under the Stars
With little light pollution, the night sky in Bangus is unbelievable – it is a very good place for star gazing.
3. Fishing in Mountain Streams
Mountain streams are rich in trout; brown and rainbow. Fishing needs a permit from the local fisheries department.
4. Photography / Videography
Photographers and videographers should take note. The subjects abound from the morning mist to the golden glow of meadows at sunset.
5. Hot Spring Bathing in Reshwari
Taking a bath in the Satbaran hot springs will be either relaxing and/or invigorating.
Flora and Fauna of Bangus & Reshwari
Flora:
Alpine alpine meadows using daisies, buttercups, and orchids.
Thick forests of pine, deodar, and fir.
Fauna:
Himalayan black bear, musk deer, leopard cat, and a wide variety of birds like golden oriole and monal pheasant.
Bangus is also home to migratory birds, making it a birdwatchers paradise in summer.
Accommodation Options
In Bangus:
There are no formal hotels here, camping is the best choice. You can bring your own gear, or hire it from Handwara.
In Reshwari:
Basic guesthouses and J&K Tourism Department huts.
Homestays offering local Kashmiri food like gushtaba, haak saag, and rogan josh.
Travel Tips for Visiting Bangus & Reshwari
- Even if traveling in the summer, carry warm clothing for cold nights.
- Although you will have limited mobile connections, let someone know if you plan to travel to the region.
- If camping, bring a sufficient amount of food and water.
- When trekking, hire local guides. They will have knowledge of safe trekking routes and usually know about the weather.
- Respect local customs, do not litter.
Why Bangus & Reshwari are Kashmir’s Untamed Wilderness
These patterns are rare because they show immense scale and intimacy – Bangus with its vast meadows appearing endless, and Reshwari with its cozy forests and healing springs. No tourist traps, no over-commercialized locations – just raw Himalayan landscape and the rhythms of nature which are timeless.
For travelers seeking something more than an average experience, Bangus and Reshwari are invitations to enter a place in which the mountains, rivers, and meadows still belong to themselves.
Conclusion – The Wild Heart of North Kashmir
While Gulmarg and Sonamarg may be the leading names in Kashmir, and understandably so, Bangus and Reshwari can still lay claim to being the hidden stars of Kashmir’s tourism map. A visit is more than a trip – this is a rare chance to see primordial landscapes, untouched for centuries.
Here, you are the only footprints in the meadow, your laughter is the only sound in the valleys, and your narratives become part of the wilderness.
FAQs – Top 10 Questions About Bangus & Reshwari Valley
1. Where is Bangus Valley located?
In Kupwara district, about 128 km from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
2. What is Bangus Valley famous for?
Its vast alpine meadows, considered among the largest in Asia, and its unspoiled natural beauty.
3. How far is Reshwari from Srinagar?
Approximately 100 km, around 4 hours by road.
4. Can I stay overnight in Bangus Valley?
Yes, but only in camps; there are no hotels in Bangus.
5. Is Bangus open in winter?
No, heavy snowfall blocks access from November to April.
6. What is the best time to visit Bangus and Reshwari?
May to September for pleasant weather and open trails.
7. Are there hot springs in Reshwari?
Yes, Satbaran hot springs are a major attraction.
8. Is it safe to travel to Bangus & Reshwari?
Yes, it’s safe when traveling with local guides or organized tours.
9. Do I need a permit to visit Bangus?
No permit is required for Indian tourists, but fishing requires one.
10. Are Bangus and Reshwari suitable for family trips?
Yes, Reshwari is family-friendly; Bangus is better for nature lovers and trekkers.