We welcome you to the State of Nagaland ~ ‘the Switzerland of East!’
The State of Nagaland in India, is considered a place which has uncontested and unchallenged Wilderness; a place of astonishing beauty, dazzling hills, valleys at the edge of India and Myanmar. It’s very recent history has seen some 16-odd headhunting Naga tribes valiantly fighting off any intruders. Nature could not have been kinder to Nagaland, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of the East; the exquisitely picturesque landscapes, the vibrantly colorful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora; this is a land that represents unimaginable beauty, molded perfectly for a breath taking experience. If one is looking for a quiet getaway, from the hustle and bustle of city life, it provides the right ambiance; as life here is laid-back and slow – providing a tension free life.
For the adventurous and the intrepid, Nagaland is an ideal place for trekking, rock climbing, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration possibilities in its lush and verdant sub-tropical rain forests which are also a treasure trove of a plethora of medicinal plants.
The Pristine Dzukou valley is surrounded by hills, natural caves & rocks and is thus, ideal for camping. In summer, wild herbs, flowers and shrubs sprout along the stream banks. Lilies in white and pink, euphorbias, aconitum and hundreds of other botanical species in varied colours adorn the valley in monsoon, the predominant plant is the tough bamboo brush because of which it looks like a justly mown lawn from far away. Rhododendrons of different colours beatify the hills abounding the Dzukou valley. There are a lot of caves in this valley that can accommodate close to 2000 people at a time. A large number of dead trees can also be seen. The valley is not a volcanic crater or caldera, nor is it created by meteorite impact as some trekkers tend to believe. Dzukou is a simple valley with differential rock weathering and erosion. Dzukou Valley could be anywhere between 2 to 4 million years old.
The Dzukou Valley trek is moderately difficult and one can easily trek through. The ideal time to visit Dzukou Valley is from the month of June to September except monsoon. Viswema village the base camp to reach Dzukou Valley through the trek is 25 Kms from Kohima. To grade the trek trail we can grade it on a scale of easy to moderate gradient. Some Steep incline trek of 3-4 kms going through rocky pebbles and stones in the route is also involved. As you walk through the clean tracks, breathing the fresh mountain air, basking in the glow of the bright sunlight, crossing the small streams in your way, you will know at that moment that there is no other place on the planet you would rather be at.
For one has to trek the top of a sheer vertical climb to reach the Dzukou Valley. Trekking across the Dzukou Valley seems like walking through the doors of heaven. Untouched by civilization, the Dzukou valley otherwise is called the “Valley of Celestial Charm”, has a tempting appeal for all who gaze upon it. Situated at the border of Nagaland and Manipur at an altitude of 2438m above sea level – behind the Japfü peak – this magical valley looks like a mown lawn from a distance watered by two meandering streams, the Dzukou and the Japfü rivers.
We welcome you to the State of Nagaland. The ‘Switzerland of East’ ~ Nagaland, is State bestowed with the bounties of Mother Nature. From pristine landscapes unadulterated by the developments of the Modern World, Nagaland offers you a relaxed retreat from the hustle and bustle of the modern life.
Our trained local guides will take you on a journey of Nagaland as never seen before spotting the festivities of the ‘Festival of Festivals ~ the Hornbill Festival’, the Rich culture and Heritage of the Tribes of Nagaland, Savoring exotic Naga Tribal cuisine and the Amazing Trek to the pristine Dzukou Valley!
Please find below the recommended Itinerary options for your Visit ~
Dzukou Itinerary Option 1 (During Hornbill Festival) ~
Day 1 ~ Guwahati
Arrive at Guwahati Airport. On arrival you will be received by our representative at the airport offering a warm welcome in traditional Assamese style. From the Airport drive to the Holy Kamakhya Temple. Dedicated to the revered Goddess of Maa Kamakhya, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and the most revered shrine in North East India famous for its cult of Tantric practices in the early era. Travel to your Hotel/Homestay in Guwahati city. In the evening we will visit the Srimanta Kalakhetra at Guwahati city which details the History and Culture of the State of Assam. Night halt at Guwahati at a Homestay/Comfortable Hotel.
Day 2 ~ Guwahati – Sonapur – Kaziranga National Park
After Breakfast we will proceed to Sonapur to visit the Treasured Wheels Museum that has on display vintage Cars and Motor Bikes from the Era of World War II. Later we will depart to the Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaziranga National Park is home to the highest population of the Endangered One Horned Rhinoceros species anywhere in the world. On arrival check into a Comfortable hotel/Guest House. Visit the nearby tea gardens in the late afternoon. Evening Bon fire and cultural performances (Bihu Dance of Assam) on request. Night halt at a comfortable Hotel/Guest House at Kaziranga National Park.
Day 3 ~ Kaziranga National Park
Early morning go for a Jeep Safari into the Kaziranga National Park from the Bagodi/Kohora Safari Range at the National Park. Later in the day visit the Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-Diversity Park at Kaziranga National Park. The Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-Diveristy Park is the Largest Orchid Park in India. Night halt at a comfortable Hotel/Guest House at Kaziranga National Park.
Day 4 ~ Kaziranga and Kohima
After Breakfast depart to Kohima. Upon Arrival, visit the Kohima World War II Cemetery near the venue of the Hornbill Festival and relive the memoirs of the Battle of Kohima. Also visit the Kohima Cathedral which is the largest Cathedral in North East India. Later, check into the Hornbill Camp near the Kisama Heritage Village (the Venue of the Hornbill Festival). Enjoy night Bonfire to beat the chilly weather. Savor freshly brewed traditional Naga wine with traditional Barbecue. Night halt at Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town.
Day 5 ~ Kisama (Hornbill Festival)
Today, spend your day witnessing the Festivities of the ‘Festival of Festivals ~ the Hornbill Festival’ at the Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima. Night halt at Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town.
Day 6 & 7 ~ Dzukou Valley Trek – Kisama
Embark on your trek to visit the Pristine Dzukou Valley at the border of the States of Nagaland and Manipur. Night halt at Tents at Dzukou Valley. Return back to Camp Hornbill the next day. Night halt at Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town.
Day 8 ~ Kisama ~ Jorhat/Dimapur
Depart to the Dimapur/Jorhat (Airport of your choice) to board your flights to your onward destination. Tour Ends. Bid Adieu!
PS ~ the Dzukou Valley Trek can be attempted across the year. Please write to us and we will customize your Itinerary for travel during these months apart from the Hornbill Festival. We organize Open Trips to Dzukou Valley across June and October every year. You may choose to travel on these trips if you are interested in Backpacking Travel.
Dzukou Itinerary Option 2 (Round the year) ~
Day 1 ~ Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park
Arrive at Guwahati Airport in the morning and depart to Kaziranga National Park. Night halt at a Guest House at Kaziranga National Park.
Day 2 ~ Kaziranga National Park to Kohima
In the morning depart to Kohima in Nagaland. Arrive at Kohima. Night Halt at Kohima at a comfortable Hotel/GuestHouse.
Day 3 ~ Kohima to Dzukou Valley
Early morning, embark on your trek to Dzukou Valley. Arrive at Dzukou and night halt at Comfortable Village Huts/Jungle Tents at Dzukou Valley.
Day 4 ~ Dzukou Valley to Kigwema
From Dzukou Valley depart to Kigwema Village. At Kigwema visit the heritage Naga Tribes of Nagaland and live their rich culture and heritage by staying with them at one of their basic Homestays.
Day 5 ~ Drive to Guwahati
Depart to Guwahati. Arrive at Guwahati and halt at Guwahati to depart to next day.
