The favourable weather is resulting in an increase in tourists visiting the intriguing Bungus Valley every day.
With its breathtaking natural beauty, Bungus Valley serves as a popular tourist destination and is situated in the northern district of Kupwara in the higher peaks of the Shamsbari highlands at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level.
situated in the northern region of the Kashmir Valley’s border district of Kupwara. Since the 2021 ceasefire agreement, a record number of tourists have arrived in Bungus.
A part 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.
Tourists 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.
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.
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.
The Lolab and Bungus Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA), which is also led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara Ghulam Nabi Bhat, stated that tourism amenities would be improved there.
“Tents will be pitched for overnight stays in an effort to boost visitors to Bungus Valley. In the coming days, more facilities will be introduced. Due to the bad weather, some actions were also postponed, he said.
He also disclosed that the Mega Bungus festival, which is intended to significantly enhance tourism, is also set to be held in July.
(WITH INPUT FEED)
