No Data
Bangus Valley in March
Jammu & Kashmir, India
March shows no improvement. The Shamsbari range holds snow well into May at this altitude. The approaches from both Handwara and Kupwara sides remain blocked. Bangus in March exists only in expedition-planning conversations and shepherd memories.
The March story
March is research month. Bangus Valley was historically a summer grazing ground for Gujjar and Bakerwal nomadic herders who bring their flocks up from the Kashmir valley each June. The military presence exists because the valley sits within 15km of the LoC. The permit system exists because of this sensitivity — it is not optional, and attempting entry without a permit can result in detention. That said, the permit is obtainable, the military generally cooperates with registered trekkers, and the valley itself is stunningly beautiful. March is when you should: confirm your tour operator, apply for permits, arrange camping gear, and mentally prepare for a place with no phone signal, no shelter, and no other tourists. Bangus rewards preparation. It does not forgive its absence.
Why March scores 0/5
Roads & Access
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 2/5. rescue: Indian Army, SDRF J&K. helpline: DC Kupwara: 01955-252032. ambulance: 108 (limited access). police station: Handwara Police Station (40km). nearest hospital: Sub-District Hospital Handwara (40km)
Network
JIO: No, BSNL: No, AIRTEL: No
Kids
Not ideal for kids —
Elevation
3,000m — Moderate altitude
Who should go
- ✓Experienced trekkers / adventurers
- ✓Nobody — still inaccessible
- ✓Those starting the permit application process for summer
- ✓Trek planners confirming tour operators and equipment lists
Who should think twice
- ✗First-time travelers
- ✗Anyone with health conditions
- ✗Everyone — still no access
- ✗Impatient planners who think March might work if the snow is light — it won't
- ✗Those who haven't started the permit process yet — begin now
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0/5 | — |
| February | 0/5 | — |
| Marchviewing | 0/5 | — |
| April | 1/5 | — |
| May | 3/5 | Late May sometimes opens the first trail access, though snow patches remain across the meadow. |
| June | 5/5 | June is when Bangus Valley becomes genuinely accessible. |
| July | 4/5 | July is Bangus at full bloom. The 30 sq km meadow is carpeted with wildflowers — buttercup, iris, gentian, primula — and the Gujjar shepherd camps dot the valley with woodsmoke and livestock. |
| August | 4/5 | August extends the bloom but adds monsoon unpredictability. |
| September | 5/5 | September is Bangus's autumn farewell. The wildflowers fade, the grass turns gold, and the Gujjar shepherds begin their descent with livestock. |
| October | 3/5 | October closes Bangus. The first serious snowfall can come any day. |
| November | 1/5 | — |
| December | 0/5 | — |
Practical Details
How to reach
Contact local transport
Elevation
3,000m
Difficulty
hard
Budget tier
budget
Permits required
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Nearby in Jammu & Kashmir scoring high in March
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