Bangus Valley is a spectacular pair of high alpine meadows tucked into the border district of Kupwara in north Kashmir. It is made up of two grasslands, Bodh Bangus, the larger meadow, and Lokut Bangus, the smaller one, both spread with level green pastures and rimmed by dense coniferous forests and low mountains. Streams wind quietly through the grass, and the sheer openness of the place makes it feel remote and untouched. Because it sees far fewer visitors than Gulmarg or Pahalgam, Bangus rewards travellers looking for raw, wide-open scenery and a taste of Kashmir's quieter, less-trodden north.
Best time to visit: Summer, from roughly late May to September, is the only comfortable window, as the meadows are green and the access roads are clear of snow. Peak summer offers the best carpet of grass and wildflowers. Avoid the winter and early spring, when heavy snow makes the high approach difficult or impassable.
How to reach: Bangus Valley sits in Kupwara district, around three hours from Srinagar. The usual route runs from Srinagar to Handwara, then onward towards Bangus via Reshwari and Qalamabad. Since it lies in a border area, hire a reliable cab and check current access and permit requirements before you set out.