The Bungus Valley, a Himalayan sub-valley of the Kashmir Valley, lies in the northern part of Kupwara District in Jammu and Kashmir.
Situated 72 kilometers from Srinagar, Bungus rises to an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level. Locals refer to the principal valley as “Badi Bungus” (Big Bungus), covering an estimated area of about 300 square kilometers.
The valley forms a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the east-west axis. It is flanked by Rajwar and Mawar to the east, Shamasbury, and Dajlungun Mountains to the west, and Chowkibal and Karnah Guli to the north.
Leepa Mountains in the south. A smaller valley known as “Lokut Bangus” (Small Bungus) lies on the north-eastern side of the main valley. Both the valleys comprise level green meadows surrounded by low-lying mountains covered with dense pine forests (Budloo).
Bungus Valley is traversed by many small streams with nearly 14 tributaries, including the Roshan Kul, Tillwan Kul, and Douda Kul. The water of these streams forms one of the headwaters of the Kamil River which in turn joins the Lolab stream, thus forming the Pohru River.
A Virgin valley
Over the years, this valley has remained unexplored but now it is coming up as one of the most exotic places of Kashmir. Just 48 km from District Headquarters, Kupwara, Bungus is a part of a unique ecological area, comprising mountain and grassland with flora, Taiga, or Coniferous forest. The Valley which is as beautiful as Gulmarg and Pahalgam, but less spoiled and more pristine is located in Handwara of District Kupwara.
The valley overflows with natural vegetation and wildflowers, with its vast green plains resembling natural tapestries, as if spread by divine hands. People associate extreme natural beauty, serenity, and splendor with the majestic Bungus Valley. INTACH has proposed developing it as a Himalayan Biosphere Valley based on the following criteria.
Authorities are establishing the biosphere of Bungus Valley to ensure that the growing population, expanding settlements, increasing mechanization, and subsequent development activities do not overrun and alter all areas within the valley. This initiative aims to preserve and protect designated lands in their natural state. The proposed biosphere policy aims to secure the benefits of a sustainable natural environment for both present and future generations.