NuzhaKashmir

Introduction:

Having been established in 1979, District Kupwara is the northern frontier district of Kashmir, spanning 2379 square kilometres and boasting over 240 kilometres of land area. There is so much natural beauty in the district. There are many stunning locations that one can explore. Here’s a list of a few places that everyone should go.

Lolab:

Lolab Valley, also known as the Land of Love and Beauty, is located in Jammu and Kashmir, India’s Kupwara district. It bears Maharaja Lolo’s name and is renowned for its verdant meadows and forests. It is traversed by the Lalkul (Lahwal) stream. The Valley is also well-known for the Sat Barran, or seven doors, and a cave located in Madmadav’s jungles.
The village of Anderbaugh is home to the well-known Lov-nag. Further to its natural beauty, Lolab Valley retains cultural significance since Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri was born in Varnow village, a small settlement in the area.
Nowadays, Lolab Valley enjoys strong connectivity to the rest of the region and a well-developed infrastructure. Other prominent areas with enormous potential include Dooruswani, Khurhama, Chandigam, Krusan, Khomrial, Nagsari, and Cherkoot.

Lolab Valley is an artistic treasure trove in addition to being a haven for nature lovers. The native Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes, who have lived in the valley for many generations, have kept their elaborate traditions and customs intact.

How to reach: Srinagar to Kupwara and then Lolab. 110km
Major Attraction: Chandigam, Kalaroose Caves, Gangbal Lake

Bangus:

The Bangus Valley is one of Kashmir’s lesser-known but incredibly tourist-friendly locations. The valley is roughly 10,000 feet above sea level and is situated in the northern portion of the Handwara. The main valley is divided into two sections, referred to as Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus) and Bod Bangus (Big Bangus), which together cover an area of about 300 square kilometres. Bangus is a picture-perfect location with meadows, mountains, and streams that will enchant every traveller. Bangus genuinely looks like heaven on earth with its verdant hills and placid grasslands, meadows dotted with equines and cattle, and meandering streams of pure water.

How to reach: Srinagar to Handwara via Sopore and then Bangus via Mawer. 100km
Major Attraction: Chota Bangus, Bada Bangus, Lasher, Reshwari.

Keran Kupwara:

Keran is a picturesque hamlet centred in the Neelam Valley of Kashmir. It draws visitors with its natural beauty, which includes lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, and the Kishanganga River. Keran Valley, which offers a rare chance to see a region rich in natural wonders and history, has recently opened its doors to tourists despite being close to the Line of Control, which divides Kashmir from Pakistan. For those seeking a unique and peaceful getaway location, the hamlet provides an unforgettable experience. This location is ideal for those looking for peace of mind and a sense of connection to the natural world. In light of that, let’s learn more about this stunning location. Keran Valley is a veritable paradise for those who enjoy the outdoors and outdoor adventure, surrounded by verdant forests, majestic mountains, and a plethora of wildlife. Travellers must traverse the 9,634-foot-tall Firkiyan Gali to arrive at Keran. Along the way, the scenery is amazing.

How to reach: Srinagar to Kupwara and then Keran. 120km
Major Attraction: Kishan Ganga River, Arin, Firkin Top.

Machil:

The Machil Valley is located in the Kupwara District on the northern edge of the Kashmir Valley. Nestled in the far north of Kashmir, behind the Shamasbari mountains and past the thickly covered slopes of Lolab with dense forests, is Machil (alternately spelt Matchil or Macchil). In Kashmir’s past, it was referred to as a “sector,” or border belt. The truth is that it’s a lovely location with wonderful people and fascinating tales of their past and development. The Z Gali or Zamindar Gali crosses the Shamshabari Mountain Range to reach Machil Valley. It is known as the Zamindar Gali because, in the past, a large number of Lolab residents owned land in Matsil, where they raised crops during the summer.

How to reach: Srinagar to Kupwara and then Machil. 133km
Major Attraction: Zamindhar Gali, Ring Payeen

Karnah:

Historically, Karnah is a strategically important location, served as the entrance to Sharda, the erstwhile Kashmir University. One must traverse the Nastachun Pass, also known as the Sadhna Pass, which is arguably one of the country’s most heavily guarded mountain passes, to reach the Karnah Valley, which is situated across the Shamshabari Mountains. Though Kashmiri is also spoken in a few villages, the Karnah Valley is dotted with numerous villages and differs from the Kashmir Valley in that Pahari and Gojri are the primary languages spoken there. Due to its geographic location on the Line of Control, Tithwal, which is about 93 km from Kupwara Town, is significant historically and is currently used as a crossing and meeting place for people from both sides of Kashmir.

How to reach: Srinagar to Kupwara and then Tangdar. 155km
Major Attraction: Tangdar, Teetwal, Sadhana