Located in the higher ranges of the Shamsbari mountains at an altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level in northern district of Kupwara, Bungus Valley as a tourist destination has a lot to offer to visitors with its natural breath-taking beauty.
Nested in the border district of Kupwara in the northern belt of Kashmir valley. Bungus since the 2021 ceasefire pact has seen a record number of tourist arrival.
Apart from the increased footfall of tourists, small business units have come up in the nearest places. Existing markets are witnessing a rush with an increase in demand for different things from trekkers, hikers, night camping, tourists, and those visiting Bungus for a day of sightseeing.
A few tourist news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) talked to expressed their happiness, thrill, and excitement about Bungus. “Place offers a lot to the eyes and satisfaction level of an individual. The beauty of Bungus is a comfort to the eyes. People leave very relaxed,” Irshad Ahmad said while expressing his experience of visiting the tourist destination said.
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He said that even people prefer night stays as well. “Those visiting Bungus never leave disappointed. The place has a lot to offer to fascinate visitors in every manner,” he said.
A moto vlogger, who visited the place recently while sharing his experience said that with the passage of time, the place will become the first choice for everyone. “If the natural habitat is not compromised, Bungus in times to come would go on to become a premier tourist destination. Every car, bike, and explorer would drive straight to this place without any doubt,” he said.
He also said that his subscribers’ on his social media pages often enquire about the place. “If the camera is attracting people to this level imagine wouldn’t it drive people crazy who are more into the offbeat destinations,” he said.
With an increasing number of visitors the adjoining and nearest marketplaces are also witnessing a new dawn. “People are coming in numbers and prefer to buy eatables and other materials from here only. Every fresh item is available here. It excites us to serve the tourists,” Khazir Mohammad, a shop owner of Chowkibal said.
Abdul Ahad another shop owner said that they are happy with the increasing number. “We are increasing and meeting the demands of tourists. We hope that the weather remains conducive to tourism activities,” he said while hoping for a better tomorrow.
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Apart from the markets, small business establishments have also come up on the roadsides serving different delicious like Noon Chai, snacks, chips, and many other fast food options.
Sameer, who has set up his business unit along the roadside near Tee Pee (Drangyari) said not only him rather everyone is enjoying the process.
“We are completely new to it. We are enjoying the process, and with time we will also improve our services. Our motive is to provide native delicacies to tourists at affordable rates,” Sameer said. “We want to be genuine to them so that more and more people prefer visiting this place thus helping us to earn a livelihood without any difficulties.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kupwara Ghulam Nabi Bhat, who is also heading the Lolab and Bungus Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA) said that facilities shall be increased there for tourists.
“Aimed to increase the footfall to Bungus Valley tents will be pitched for night stay. More facilities will be introduced in days to come. Certain steps were also delayed due to inclement weather,” he said.
He also informed that in July, the Mega Bungus festival is also scheduled to be held to give a major push to boost tourism—(KNO)
