Let’s unveil the hidden elegance of Kashmir! The left-out& untapped places with some charming views will leave you enthralled. Breathe taking lakes, lush green landscape, verdant meadows, snow covered altitudes, soft spoken people, sensational hospitality (Kashmiriyat) and people sipping Kehwa. Kashmir is remarkably famous for its beauty and is said to be the paradise on the planet. But paradise is not limited to these features only.

Surprise!!But it’s true. Kashmir is much more than that. Let’s take you on a journey to few terminus of the paradise.

Bangus Valley

One of the unseen and rare places in Kashmir that offers an amazing view during summer. With its sloppy topography, flora grassland, flowing streams with trout fish & unpolluted atmosphere, this place has a great potential to become an international tourist spot. The least explored valley is 140 km’s from Srinagar and has 3 routes to reach. Ist is from Mawer side of Handwara, 2nd is from Rajwar side of Handwara & 3rd is from Chowkibal Kupwara. The valley consists of 2 parts; Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus) & Lakut Bangus (Small Bangus), which provide an ample space for adventure camping. This place came to limelight when the normal life remained standstill & in the absence of mobile connectivity across all the districts of Kashmir. This place will be explored more by people if approach road of approx. 2km’s would be constructed from Chowkibal , Rajwar and Mawer to Bangus.

Daksum Valley

A perfect picnic spot situated along NH-1B south-east of Anantnag, which happens to be a trekker’s paradise. Rightly termed as the walker’s paradise due to its marvellous trekking location amidst the famous freshwater spring of kokernag. Daksum is rich for its tasty trout fish, pleasant greenery and a perfect resting place for mind, body and soul. Distance from Srinagar is 99km’s and the overall solitude present here offers a perfect holiday retreat. Famous activities of Daksum include.
Trout Fishing: The accessories and the complete kit is obtained from tourism office at Anantnag, as the place is blessed with infinite trout in its gushing streams.
Trekking: Most preferred activity in Daksum is to enjoy your trek fully with complete calmness. Best sound that touches your soul is murmuring of Bringhi river flowing nearby and the music of flute blown by shepherds with his flock.
Camping: A befitting location for camp sites to trek towards Sinthan top which is 31 km’s from Daksum.

Lolab Valley

An oval shaped valley with divine beauty and enticing scenery, is located N-W side of Srinagar city & lies 9km north from Kupwara district. Three mysterious valleys that make Lolab, include Kalaroos, Potnai and Brunai Valley. This remote place surely surprises many with its raw beauty & is known as the land of love & beauty. Specialty about this place, lies a lake called Satisar and spring called Lavnag (3 feet deep) with crystal clear water. Wadi-e-lolab is Kashmir’s most tranquil and soothing locations to visit; especially from April -June

Warwan Valley

Warwan valley falling in Kishtwar district lies at an altitude of 7000ft above sea level. One of the unexplored places of Kashmir, bound by Kashmir on one side & Ladakh on the other & remains cut off from the rest of the world for around 7 months in a year. Warwan Valley trek is the most exquisite & difficult trek of the country; including tough stretches, glacier walks & moraines. Trail goes through an oasis, river deltas, wildflower meadows and glaciers, making it hauntingly beautiful setting. Well known as the “Salt Route”, which connects Ladakh Himalayas (from Suru valley) to Kashmir Himalayas. Clear sky, cool breeze, lush green buttes & waterfall will amaze you every passing minute.

Gurez Valley

A beautiful valley which is about 86km’s from Bandipora and 123 km’s from Srinagar. Midway between Bandipora and Gurez there’s a highest point on the route- Razdan pass, which is at an altitude of 3550 mts and provides gorgeous views of mountains and gorges around. It has a smooth mountain road, and there’s nothing to worry about; the only document required for tourists is the Aadhar card. Gurez receives heavy snowfall during winter and is shut for around 6 months in a year. Once you enter the valley, the first village that you reach is DAWAR. Other than Dawar, the other villages don’t have many facilities. Various eye-catching places in Gurez include;

The Kishanganga River

Well known as the heart of Gurez, it flows languidly and merges with Jhelum near LOC & is also known as Neelum river in Pakistan. Unlike the color of usual rivers, its turquoise blue in color. With the rain and mud carried along, it changes the color to grey and clear.

Habba Khatoon Mountain & Spring

This pyramid shaped peak can be seen right from the time you enter Gurez & is named after a poetess, Habba Khatoon(1554-1609) &is the soul of Gurez Valley. Habba Khatoon wandered around the Valley for years, penning down the songs of sorrow and separation for his beloved Yousuf Shah Chak. The evening view is fantastic, as daylight changes to dawn and dusk and twilight, it becomes silver, pink and grey.

Tulail Valley

If Kashmir is called Paradise on earth and Gurez, the Switzerland of Kashmir, then what name could be given to this breathe taking place. The valley lies immediate east of Gurez valley & 120 kms NE of Bandipora. Most popular of the villages in Tulail is Angaikot, which is 3-4 hr. drive from Dawar. People here speak a unique language called Shina & they belong to one of the oldest tribe of Kashmir called as “Dard Shin Tribe”. As this place touches LOC, so proper permission is needed before entering the valley. Also one needs to keep his bags packed with food, first-aid and all the essentials for a long travel of about 8 hrs. from Bandipora. Best time to visit the place is from May-August.

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