“If you can’t be in awe of Mother Nature, there’s something wrong with you!” – Alex Trebek
Dzukou Valley is a piece of heaven on Mother Earth! Dzukou Valley is a gift of Mother Nature that is sure to leave any visitor to the valley awestruck! And if the beauty of the Dzukou Valley doesn’t leave you mesmerized, the above quote would indeed be apt for you because the unconditional natural bliss of Dzukou Valley is sure to leave anyone mesmerized! Often referred to as the ‘Valley of flowers’ – Dzukou Valley is renowned across the World for its natural environment, seasonal flowers, flora and fauna. The rare Dzukou Lily is found only at the Dzukou Valley. A visit to Dzukou Valley is a must for any hungry traveller whose appetite demands the vast unadulterated landscapes of Mother Nature surrounded by a green carpet of mountains, colorful flowers whose pleasant fragrance bring a soothing calm to one’s mind, green grass pathways that seen no less than the red carpet at any movie award ceremony, clouds that kiss the mountains and brings down a pleasant drizzle that makes the smell of Mother Earth heavenly!
Dzukou in the local Angami Naga language means “Cold Water” referring to the ice cold stream that flows through the valley.
The Dzukou Valley is one of the most ideal place for trekking in India. Located at a distance of 30 km from Kohima, the swirling streams that flow through Dzukou valley freezes during extreme winter.
Dzukou valley is often referred to as the flower valley of celestial charm has an tempting appeal to all who gaze it. In summer, wild herbs, flowers and shrubs sprout along the stream banks. Lilies in white and pink, euphorbias, aconitums and hundreds of other botanical species in varied colours enhance the valley in monsoon
Besides trekking adventure, Dzukou Valley is also famous as rich destination in its biodiversity, the main plant is the tough bamboo brush because of which it looks like a mown lawn from far away. Rhododendrons of different colours beautify the hills around the Dzukou Valley.
Location and How to reach Dzukou Valley ~
The Dzukou Valley is located at an altitude of 2453 m above the mean sea level. Dzukou Valley is located at the border of the States of Nagaland and Manipur in North East India right behind the Second highest mountain peak of Nagaland the Japfu Peak. Although it’s not very clear as to how this valley got its name as Dzukou, many locals believe that the name ‘Dzukou’ is derived from the Angami Naga dialect meaning ‘Soulless and Dull’ referring to when the ancestors of the Angami’s when unable to harvest crops at Dzukou termed the valley as ‘this valley is very beautiful but dull and soulless’.
Dzukou Valley being located at the Border of the States of Nagaland and Manipur can be accessed by arrival at either of the States. The trek to Dzukou can be accessed via Manipur but the better approach is through Nagaland. If you are planning to access Dzukou Valley via Manipur it’s always advisable to seek companionship of local guide as the route to Dzukou Valley at Manipur is more strenuous as the roads are not in a proper condition. A tough challenge, your approach to Dzukou Valley is advisable from Manipur if you are a core adventure junkie and challenging toughness is your way of life. The thrill you seek during this trek is unmatched and the fruits rewarding. We can assist you to plan your visit to Dzukou Valley from Manipur with local guides from Manipur.
The State of Nagaland in India, is considered to be the place of 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.
Nagaland is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life; folk songs eulogizing ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; poetic love songs immortalizing ancient tragic love stories; Gospel songs that touch your soul (should you have a religious bend of mind) or the modern tunes rendered exquisitely to set your feet a-tapping. The most interesting fact is they don’t have a written script.
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 breathtaking experience. On perfect example of the unquestioned natural beauty of Nagaland is the pristine Dzukou Valley!
Located at the border of the States of Nagaland and Manipur is a paradise on Earth better known as the Dzukou Valley. Often referred to as the Valley of flowers, Dzukou Valley is known for its natural environment and seasonal flowers. The rare Dzukou Lily is found only at Dzukou. Located at an altitude of 2438 m above the sea level, the Dzukou Valley is located behind the majestic Japfu Peak.
The Trek to reach Dzukou Valley from either the Viswema or the Jakhama Village near Kohima is considered to be of moderate gradient. The Trek to Dzukou is sure to leave any visitor spellbound with the lush greens, meandering crystal clear water streams, singing birds and the beautiful flowers. A trek to the Dzukou Valley is an ideal retreat to break the monotony of your daily routine and take a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of a busy city life! The best time to visit the Dzukou Valley is in the months of June through September when the flowers at Dzukou Valley are in full bloom. Even though the weather is coupled with the warmth of Summer and the monsoon rains, the temperature at Dzukou Valley is always less and favorable. So its always advisable to carry warm clothing during your stay at Dzukou Valley. Winters at Dzukou Valley is very cold and your favored travel companion will be your sleeping bags in case you plan to visit Dzukou Valley during the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.
We undertake most of our treks to Dzukou Valley from Nagaland and shall focus on providing you details about approaching Dzukou Valley in a slightly less daunting and pleasant trek.
The trek to Dzukou Valley from Nagaland begins with your arrival in Nagaland at the Dimapur Airport/Railway Station or via road from Assam/Manipur. From Dimapur, we drive to the capital city of Nagaland at Kohima. Kohima serves as a preferred halt point for the night because of the availability of accommodations but mostly for a good night’s sleep to begin the trek to Dzukou Valley the following day.
Please find below sample Itineraries for your trek to Dzukou Valley ~
Dzukou Valley 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 Stay ~ Comfortable Hotel at Guwahati
Meals Included ~ Dinner
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 Stay ~ Comfortable Hotel/Guest House at Kaziranga National Park
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
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 Stay ~ Comfortable Hotel/Guest House at Kaziranga National Park
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
Day 4 ~ Kaziranga National Park – 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 Stay ~ Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town.
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
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 Stay ~ Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town.
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
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/Guest House at Dzukou Valley. Return back to Camp Hornbill the next day.
Night Stay ~ Open Air Tents at Camp Hornbill/Hotels or Resorts at Kohima Town.
Meals Included ~ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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!
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
Dzukou Valley Itinerary Option 2 (Round the year) ~
Day 1 ~ Guwahati – Kaziranga National Park
Arrive at Guwahati Airport in the morning and depart to Kaziranga National Park.
Night Stay ~ Comfortable Hotel/Guest House at Kaziranga National Park
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
Day 2 ~ Kaziranga National Park – Kohima
In the morning depart to Kohima in Nagaland. Arrive at Kohima.
Night Stay ~ Hotels/Homestay at Kohima Town.
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
Day 3 ~ Kohima – Dzukou Valley
Early morning, embark on your trek to Dzukou Valley. Arrive at Dzukou Valley.
Night Stay ~ Comfortable Guest House/Jungle Tents at Dzukou Valley.
Meals Included ~ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 ~ Dzukou Valley – 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.
Night Stay ~ Homestay at Kigwema.
Meals Included ~ Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5 ~ Kohima – Guwahati
Depart to Guwahati. Arrive at Guwahati and halt at Guwahati to depart the next day.
Night Stay ~ Comfortable Hotel at Guwahati.
Meals Included ~ Breakfast
