In the borders of Manipur and Nagaland lies the exquisite valley is known as Dzukou or Dzükou valley. Name can be many but what remains dominant is the sheer beauty this valley has. Far stretching a green cover of grassland over which flowers are blooming makes this place alluring. Dzukou valley is a hidden treasure in Northeast India. While we were on our adventure in Nagaland we came to know about Dzukou and were spell bounded with the beauty. This place is famous among trekkers, hikers, nature lovers, and tourists who just want to spend a good time. Trek to Dzukou valley is a memorable experience it feels surreal from the top.

While Dzukou valley remains unknown to many outsiders but people of Nagaland and Manipur love to trek here. This place like many other places in the Northeast are unknown but yet has such a beautiful environment. Flowers blooming around, lush green valleys, and unpatterned hills make the view astonishing. So let’s start exploring this beautiful valley.

Facts about Dzukou Valley Trek

• Difficulty level: Moderate to Tough
• Max altitude: 2700 m
• Trek duration: 6 to 7 days (Total)
• Location: Nagaland
• Nearest railway: Dimapur

How to reach Dzukou valley

While we have already covered this part in our trip of Nagaland which you can read here. Here we will first start by reaching the nearest town and then breaking the trek into an Itinerary format.

The nearest railway station is Dimapur which is around 100 km from Dzuko valley. From Dimapur railway station you can take taxis and buses for Kohima. Our next destination or base camp from Kohima will be Viswema which is 25 km from Kohima.

Reach Viswema a night earlier to start your trek for Dzukou valley the next day.

Day 1

While the trek to Dzukou valley is short but having an itinerary is always useful. Viswema is the base camp for the Dzukou valley trek. The initial trek is an 8 km long motorable road but after that it is the trek to valley starts.

The climb here is moderate to tough for some. While you can take a lift or book a car up to the motorable road but that is very costly. The initial part of the trek after the motorable road is very steep. This hour and half steep climb will be through a thick evergreen forest. It was very delightful to see a lot of dustbins around. Dzukou valley is a plastic-free zone and one must adhere to it.

Once the hard part of steep climb ends when you see the stunning landscape of bamboos. This 6 km long transverse section is very scenic. You will soon reach and surround yourself with clouds. This surreal experience will always be memorable.

Day 2

Today we will explore Dzukuo valley. When you will be in the camp you will feel like a king. The view from uphill is nothing you can imagine. Below is the valley of flowers were yellow, pink, and every sort of flowers are blooming. The most famous flower here is the Dzukou valley lilly. The streams are of crystal clear water. The lush green hilltop hugging pass clouds create a dramatic landscape.

In the night you will have another surreal experience. The sky will be as clear as crystal. The stars will shine like a diamond. The thundering of clouds feels frightening yet satisfying. While the space remains limited to sleep but the experience remains very rich. It is very advisable to take your own mattress and tent up there. While there is a sort of rest house but it feels more like a dorm which is not very exciting. Trek’s best experiences come with friends. As few indulge themselves in pitching the tent and few in making food. You can take food items from Kohima or Viswema. Chilling with friends, singing along, cooking your stuff this experience is very lovely.

Day 3

Today we will ascend back from this beautiful valley. Reach back to Viswema village from Dzukou valley. You will be happy to know you can spend your evening to see the World war II cemetery. Also, you can go to nearby beautiful village Khonoma. This village is inhabited by the Angami tribes who have a rich culture and history. Also, you can have traditional Naga style food and can spend your night in the Angami society.

From here you can hire taxis for Kohima from where you can go back to Dimapur.

Best time to visit Dzukou valley

While Dzuko valley remains accesible all year around but the best time would be from March to June. As at this time it is not so hot in Nagaland and flowers bloom around this season.

You surely must not go in the rainy season. The monsoon season is very harsh here in north east and it makes this this beautifull journey hell. Also the vegetation too seems unpleasent.

Cost of Visiting and Staying

Entry to the valley costs 50 rupees for Indians and 100 rupees for foreigners, The entrance fees are of the whole stay which has to be paid at the rest house.

If you rent utenstils that would cost around 100 to 200 rupees. The lodging fees in the dormitory is around 50 rupees and if you rent mattress it will be another 50 rupees.

There are special VIP rooms or private rooms which cost 300 rupees per person. Overall the Dzukou valley trek is very affordable and even if you hire a guide you can do that in under 2000 rupees.

What else to do in Nagaland

Though Dzukou valley is pretty fabulous it is just the tip of the iceberg. Nagaland is an exquisite sight. This place is one of the most underrated places in India yet being so beautiful. Places like ungma village, Naga heritage village, shilloi lake are few of many exquisite sites here.

Nagaland is a great place to experience culture and traditions. Nagaland is home to a few remaining tribes in India. While every tribe in Nagaland has its own culture and traditions which make them unique. If you are interested in one more beautiful short trek in Nagaland so we recommend you Mount Saramti Peak trek. We have also made a detailed blog of Mount Saramati here.

Nagaland is a destination which you will not forget because of the beauty of this place. Nagaland shows us our past and also shows how people have conserved their natural environment beautifully. A detailed Nagaland tourism guide can be read here.

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