Translated from local language, Dzukou means cold water for the cold stream that runs through this charming valley. Known for its natural splendor, this valley of rolling hills is unlike any other you ever saw. Get this, this densely forested valley barely has any trees! Even so, the trail for this valley which straddles the border of Manipur and Nagaland is unbelievably green and full of colour from the many wildflowers on its green carpet of rolling hills. The valley is home to some rare and endangered species of fauna. One of which is the Dzukou Lily. The state bird of Nagaland, the Blyth tragopan, also frequents these hills along with other rare species like the Asian golden cat, the Hollock Gibbon, clouded leopard and the horned toad amongst countless other species of fauna that call these beautiful forests home. Very many rare species of rhododendrons do their bit in adding to the magic to this mystical valley.
Declared as a plastic-free zone to protect its rich biodiversity from getting harmed, the trail also brings you to some of the smaller villages in the region. It takes you to a maximum altitude of 2,452M and gives you enough opportunities to brush shoulders with the locals of the area.
It is a beginner’s level trek perfect for anyone who wants to explore some of the remotest regions of Nagaland. Stay on this page for more information on this trek.
Arrive to Dimapur and head to Khonoma
The first day is reserved to make your way to Khonoma which is a small town 3 hours away from Dimapur. Dimapur has an airport from where you can get a ride to Khonoma.
(If you need help figuring out how to reach Dimapur, read this).
If you wish to travel with us, we can arrange for a shared vehicle between Dimapur and Khonoma.
There’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than to get acquainted with the new place and to each other.
Khonoma to Seikhakie
Khonoma is the ‘first green village of the country’. We start off in the morning by exploring the village – the culture and the cuisine and the way the locals go about their usual business in this unusually beautiful place. The hospitality of the locals sure deserves a special mention as well. Post breakfast we start our trek to Seikhakie. There’s no rush since it is only about 4 kms from Khonoma. Today is a fairly easy walk to our campsite for the night.
Seikhakie to Dzukou
We leave for Dzukou post breakfast. It should take close to 4 hours to cover the distance of 6 kms to Dzokou so we have all the time to go as slowly as possible and observe all there is to soak in in the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary. It is not a biodiversity hot spot for no reason!
When you have reached a lush green landscape of rolling hills with veins of water spread in all directions, know that you have reached Dzokou Valley. This is where we camp at night.
Dzukou to Dzulekei
We start the day with no hurry. After breakfast we head out to a waterfall 3 kms away from the campsite. The waterfall is stationed in the Dzulekei village. Once we are here, we spend some time at the waterfall. We use the rest of the day to explore the village and talk to the locals. We spend tonight in the village.
Dzulekei to Dimapur
On this final day, we head out from Dzulekei and make our way to Dimapur. Expect to reach by mid-afternoon. You can get your flight out from Dimapur the same day.
There is no requirement of extreme fitness training for this trek. If you have basic physical fitness and knowledge of trekking you must undertake this trek.
Basic mountain mannerisms. Basics of knowledge of mountain ascending and descending techniques. Basic knowledge about camping
This trek can be done by beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
The Dzukou valley trek is one of the few treks which give you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of Nagaland. This 5-day trek takes you into the lush green mountains which are blessed with enriching flora and fauna.
The best season to do this trek is the winter season. From the months of November to March.
By Air The only airport in the region is Dimapur Airport. You can take a flight from all major airports to this airport. By Road From the Dimapur airport, you can take a cab to the base camp village of Khonoma. It takes around 3 hours to reach the village.
The cellular network is available in several patches of the trek.
Anyone who is new to the trekking and wants to venture into the experience should begin with this trek. It can be easily done by yourself with no prior trekking experience.
Since it is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he begins the trek. Running exercise is recommended.
Best season to do the trek is in the winter season when the weather is pleasant. Summers are hot and monsoon attracts significant rainfall.
Carry a backpack with rain cover, good trekking shoes, water bottles, quick dry clothes, trekking pole (optional)
The base of the trek is the pretty village of Khonoma which is at a distance of 90km from Dimapur and can be easily reached by taxi.
Intermittent to lack of cellular network as you proceed further into the valley.
The nearby cities of Dimapur and Kohima are the popular attractions from Khonoman. The Nagaland zoological park close to Dimapur is a popular attraction.
There are hotels present in the towns of Khonoma and Dzulekei. You can easily camp on the trekking days.
Days are hot and humid while the nights are pleasant. Monsoon receives a lot of rainfall.
There will be no snow on this trek.
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Kiritika Jyotshi 09 January 2019
As travelers, we have constant urges to explore new places and expand the picture gallery of our phones with the bittersweet memories from our trips. Our love for the unseen places just keeps increasing and trust us, it becomes an addiction before
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