Bungus Valley, a renowned destination nestled between Chowkibal and the Karnah Valley, has become increasingly popular among local tourists in Northern Kashmir. Located approximately 150 km from Srinagar, this breathtaking valley features two vast, lush green grounds that captivate visitors with their natural beauty. Despite its growing popularity, the valley remains underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure, limiting its potential as a leading tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, and even across India.
Currently, Bungus Valley is well-known for its scenic charm but lacks the necessary amenities to support large-scale tourism. Although the valley is perfectly suited for recreational activities such as paragliding, trekking, golf, and cable car rides, the absence of infrastructure, apart from road access and the occasional winter festival, has stifled its growth. Furthermore, during the winter months, the valley could serve as a hub for snow-related adventure sports like skiing and ice skating, drawing enthusiasts from across the country. However, the valley's current infrastructure is insufficient to support these activities.
Local residents, especially those from the Pahari and Gujjar communities, as well as Kashmiri-speaking locals from Handwara and Chowkibal, stand to benefit significantly from the valley’s development. If properly developed with eco-friendly accommodations, adventure activities, and basic tourist facilities, Bungus Valley could generate substantial local employment and promote sustainable tourism.
Key areas of concern include a lack of electricity and sanitation facilities, particularly near the shrine in TP and throughout the TCP area, which serves as the entry point to Bungus Valley. Despite the frequent visits of high-ranking officials, including members of the Modi government traveling to the Sharda Temple in Teetwal via this route, the region remains largely neglected.
Local voices are calling for the LG administration to prioritize Bugus Valley's development, ensuring better accommodations, emergency medical services, and recreational infrastructure. With the right investments, the valley has the potential to become a major tourist destination and generate substantial revenue for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, potentially exceeding 2 crore annually.