Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Dzukou Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the North East, stretching 25 square kilometers. This nature-lovers’ paradise is located between Kohima and Senapati district of Meghalaya. It lies beyond a dense oak and rhododendron forest up in the mountains.
At an altitude of 2,452 meters above sea level, it is one of the most scenic locations and a dream camping site. The sweeping valley, sans trees, is carpeted green and crowned with beautiful flowers, looking ethereal in the summer season.
Dzukou Valley Overview
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According to folklore, the Naga inhabitants of the past were in search of places for cultivation and climbed up to discover this place. However, they found that this area did not support agriculture, so they named it Dzukou, meaning dull and soulless.
According to the Angami and Mao Dialects, this name also means cold water, referring to the river that flows here. The Japhu river is another river running through.
It may be soulless for cultivation, but its beauty attracted many, and it has become one of the popular Nagaland and Manipur border trekking destinations.
Flora and fauna: This locale is home to the famous and endemic Dzukou Lily, Aconitums, Euphorbias, bamboo and grass species, and many other botanical species.
The whole area turns into shades of pink, white, and other lovely floral colors in summer. Some of the animals found here are the Hollock Gibbon, Asian golden cat, serow, stump-tailed macaque, capped langur, Asiatic black bear, and clouded leopard.
Dzukou Valley Trekking
Trekking: Tourists have described the camping experiences in the pristine wilderness of Dzukou Valley as exhilarating! This remote hiking route in Northeast India is very popular among trekkers. The trek is a 9 km trek taking 5-7 hours, not the usual climb rocks kind but has a steep and slippery narrow path that makes it a daunting task for climbing. One can explore the valley through two trekking routes. One begins in Nagaland, and another from Manipur.
Nagaland tourism offers 2 routes again: Jakhama – a new and shorter route which involves a lot of walking, Viswema – the main route where one can use a vehicle until a point and beyond which the actual trekking begins.
Adventurous trekkers can go further to the top of Japfu peak, the second highest peak in Nagaland. From the top, you can have a beautiful 360-degree view of the valley on one side and the villages on the other side. The Indigenous communities here are very supportive of trekkers, offering home stays, food, and glimpses of their rich culture and tradition.
Eco Tourism
Eco-tourism in Dzukou Valley: The village authorities here are highly conscious of their fragile environment.
While trekking is encouraged, they have found a way to control the disposal of plastic by trekkers by seeking a refundable security deposit from trekkers for plastic carried inside. Consequently, this valley has been declared “A Plastic-free-zone” on World Environment Day in 2019.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Reach Kohima, about 80 km from Dimapur (a city connected to other parts of the country by train and air). From there, you can take a two-wheeler to Viswema village about 25 km away. Several tour operators provide shared sumos at BOC point.
This service is available to reach Jakhma as well. The first 8 km, bordered by lovely evergreen trees, can be covered by car. Two camps located at a distance of 4 km can be used for overnight stay.
Day 2: Beyond these camps is a steep climb through carved stones towards a base camp. Next is a path through a thick bamboo forest, and the path is barely visible.
At some distance is the Trekkers Camp with 2 dormitories and private rooms for food and a comfortable night’s sleep. You can stay for 1-2 days exploring the valley and return back to base on the next day. Camping experiences in the pristine wilderness of Dzukou Valley will remain in the memory for a long time to come.
Trekking from Manipur: The trek from the other side is 6 hours long and begins from Mount Tempu in Senapati District.
Best time to Visit
April to August is the best time to visit this paradise. During these months, the whole area is covered with wild and colorful flowers that are a feast for the eyes. The trek usually extends to two days.
Trekkers can either pitch their own tent or stay in a dormitory or in comfortable private rooms in the valley. Make arrangements with the locals to book these rooms in advance. Photography expeditions to capture the valley’s natural beauty have brought the immortal beauty of this remote location to the world at large.
Every spot in the valley is mesmerizing. One can also sit beside the meandering rivers and enjoy the day listening to the gurgling water and watching cottony clouds go by.
Tips:
- Carry a video camera to capture the heavenly scenery.
- Do visit this place in summer to view the blooming of the famous Dzukou Lily and other flora.
- Do not miss sunsets here.
- Employ locals to guide in the journey as they can take you on the right path as well as book rooms in advance.
- Wear proper seasonal clothing because temperatures could drop below -1 degree at the top.
How to reach the valley
How to Reach there: By road: Kohima is the nearest city to this valley. From there, book a car or private vehicle. By air: The nearest airport is in Dimapur, about 74 km from Kohima. It is connected by air to major cities of India.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Dimapur, about 74 km from Kohima. Dimapur has direct trains from major cities like Kolkata, Bangalore, New Delhi, Guwahati, Amritsar, and Chennai.
Where to stay: There are various budget hotels, homestays, and guest houses to stay in Kohima. Prices are nominal.
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