Dzukou Valley, located on the Nagaland-Manipur border, stands at an altitude 2,452 meters. It is a breathtaking journey that treats you with natural beauty throughout the trekking trails. Here is my unforgettable experience of trekking Dzukou Valley in Winter, and all the information you need to plan your trek for an offbeat adventure into nature.
‘A Shooting Star’, I shouted in excitement looking at a sky full of stars at the Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. Seeing one for the first time felt incredible, and doing so in Northeast India only made it more magical.
Right after the popular Hornbill Festival, and spending time with locals I made friends with who drove me to remote villages, I left for the Dzukou Valley trek. A trek that was on my list from the time I started travelling to the Northeast, my favorite region in India. I started my ride from Kisama Village, the ground for the Hornbill Festival. Passing through rice fields, I reached Jakhama, a quaint village with a rustic charm, and stayed the night there.
The next morning, I took a jeep ride to Viswema Village. Through bumpy roads, ducking my way through tree branches piercing their thorns on my arms, I reached the starting point of the trek. The Viswema route is longer and relatively easier. There is another route through Jakhama village which is comparatively shorter but is steep and difficult, best suited for experienced trekkers.
With a backpack filled with water and snacks, I started my trek walking into the forest, feeling a breath of fresh air. After a gradual and steady incline, I found myself before a fleet of uneven stairs, and stacked rocks. After dreading them, I climbed onto it. After an hour I was out of this steep section. I could finally see the mountain range of Nagaland to my left. A pit stop later, I proceeded to the next part of the trail. A few minutes of flat ground, there was a gradual ascent to the right. After this, the terrain evened out to a path that stretched for 10km. This was the easier section. I trekked through a carpet of green – every corner that I looked at was dipped in lush green. It was rather surprising for a winter month like December.
With signboards that signalled the direction to Dzukou Valley everywhere on the trail, I could never lose track even if I wished to. I smiled reading words of wisdom locals and trekkers left on little boards stuck to the trees. After another hour, I could see the Trekkers’ Hut, the base camp in the distance. I made my way through rocks, caves, and trees that stood the test of time. Progressing further into the trail, the sun went easy on me and I could see parts of the valley to my left. My excitement was already peaking up like the adrenaline you get during a roller coaster ride. And an hour later, I found myself at the base camp, and walked to the edge.
What I saw next, had me in a state of disbelief for the next two days. So much so that I couldn’t stop looking at it. The Dzukou Valley in all its glory, was in front of me. It looked like small mountains put together. If I was given an opportunity to redefine the meaning of Perfect in the dictionary, I would simply write Dzukou Valley. How else can I describe this jaw dropping beauty? Over the next few hours, all I did was staring endlessly into the valley.
A quick lunch later, I dropped my bag off and descended down into the valley. All I could think of was how beautiful it would look seeing it up close. And it did. I walked to the stream that passes by the valley, and the huge cross sign. After all, the word ‘Dzukou’ in Angami dialect is believed to mean ‘cold water’ signifying this cold stream. Another legend has it that it means ‘soulless and dull’. The locals from Viswema village had tried to establish a new settlement in the valley, but their crops had failed to grow due to the unfavourable soil, earning it that name.
Walking amidst the valley felt surreal, as if I was twirling in a fairyland. A local later told me some believe the valley has white elephants, and a female spirit that claims a male visitor’s life each year. As the sun was about to go down, I ascended my back to the base camp hut. I sat on the bench overlooking Dzukou Valley, the sunset painting the sky pink and orange. As I was reflecting on my journey, the sky turned dark in no time, and the winter cold set in. No mobile network or the slightest reception, made it only better. More time with nature, less time doom scrolling on screens.
After slurping down a hot bowl of maggi, and covered in two layers, I came back to the bench. I looked up, and saw a blanket of stars. I titled my head, and slept there for a while, stargazing. Coming from a busy city clouded with pollution, and smoky skies, seeing a sky full of stars was a treasure. As I was beginning to feel the cold pinching through my jackets, I saw something whiz past. ‘A Shooting Star’, I shouted in excitement. Smiling ear to ear like a child, I came back to my campsite.
Even after being covered in three layers, cold got the better of me, thanks to the December winter nights. I then went inside the hut, with my sleeping bag. It was still cold, but much less than the camp. As the morning light hit my face, I walked outside to adore the sights of the Valley. It was covered in a thick layer of white morning mist, and soon went to being its lush green self after the sunlight hit. After biting down two slices of bread and jam, it was time to return.
I took one final look at the Dzukou Valley, like a loved one seeing their family with endearing eyes! I retraced my footsteps back along the same trail and reached where it all started from, with the images and this unforgettable experience playing in my mind all along.
Dzukou Valley Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nagaland
Take a flight from your city to Guwahati in Assam. It is well connected and has many flight connections from major Indian cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata. After that, take a train to Dimapur in Nagaland, which is a 4-5 hour journey. A short shared taxi ride will get you to Kohima, the capital. You will find taxis waiting outside the station, and leave once they are full. You can stay the night at Kohima, or Viswema or at Jakhama, depending on your preference.
Day 2: Viswema Village to Dzukou Valley
Take a jeep ride from your place of stay to the starting point of the trek along the Viswema village route. This trail is the easier one. There is another trail that goes from Jakhama village, which is steep and difficult, hence suitable for experienced hikers.
The first section of the train is a gradual path along a forest with a fleet of steep stairs and rocks. In the beginning part, it is well laid out, and as you progress you will find it is uneven, but definitely manageable. It will take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete the stair section, depending on your fitness levels. Once out of this, you will see Nagaland’s city and mountain range to your left.
There is a small cave-like structure you can climb onto where you can take a pit stop for water and snacks. There are no water sources on the entire trail, so be sure it carry atleast 2 litres of water and packed food from the town.
A short walk later, you will find a slightly steep path you have to climb onto, and then the next part of the trail is easy, a flat path with gradual incline, through the forest and valley. It is about 10 km, and will take between 2-3 hours, depending on your speed. As you progress into the trail, you will see parts of the valley to your left. An hour later you will see the base camp in the distance. Later part of the stretch has big boulders you need to cross, and you will encounter some caves and smaller streams flowing by.
You will reach base camp by afternoon, with Dzukou Valley revealing itself fully in front of all its glory. Have your (packed) lunch, admiring the valley, and descend down into the valley. This is the final part of the trek. After the descent, walk down the stream that crosses by the valley, and spend as much time wandering around the valley.
Be sure to not venture deep into it, as it is difficult to retrace back. During the spring season, you will see the valley adorned with the famous Dzukou Lily and many other wildflowers. Before sunset, return to the base camp. Watch the sunset, with spectacular views of the valley and spend the night stargazing, from your camp. You can either rent the camp tents, or sleep inside the Trekker’s Hut. If you can brave the cold, tent is your go to, else choose the hut.
Day 3: Dzukou Valley to Viswema Village
Wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise overlooking the valley. After having breakfast, retrace your way back on the same trail, and reach the village. The way back won’t take much time, as you will be descending down the stairs. Take the jeep ride back to the town.
Some people choose to do the entire trek in one day. In that case be sure to start as early as 4AM in the morning, maintain a consistent speed, and aim to get back to the starting point by 6PM. In the Northeast, it gets dark earlier than the rest of the country.
It is recommended to do the trek over 2 days, giving you enough time to admire, explore and stargaze.
Note that you have to apply for an Inner Line Permit to enter Nagaland, irrespective of nationality. Without this, you will be denied entry into the state. You can apply for it on the government website.
The trek can be done from Manipur side too, but the trails are not well marked. Given that, it is best attempted from Nagaland.
Best Time To Do Dzukou Valley Trek
Dzukou Valley Trek can be done throughout the year. Here is a detailed breakdown by season, so you can see what is perfect for you!
| Season | Weather and Temperatures | Best For |
| Spring/Summer (March – July) | Temperatures: 0°C to 15°C. Cold weather with frosty mornings. Temperatures dip to sub-zero during the night. | Flower blossoms, including rhododendrons and wildflowers, lush landscapes, and comfortable trekking conditions. Ideal for photography and spotting the Dzukou Lily. |
| Monsoon (July – September) | Temperatures: 15°C to 25°C. Rainy with frequent showers. | Peak wildflower season, lush landscapes, and waterfalls. Be prepared for leeches and muddy trails. |
| Autumn (August – October) | Temperatures: 10°C to 20°C. Mild weather with clear skies. | Comfortable trekking conditions, shades of gold and amber, and fewer leeches. Ideal for those who prefer less crowded trails and a serene atmosphere. |
| Winter (December – February) | Temperatures: 0°C to 15°C. Cold weather with frosty mornings. Temperatures dip to sub zero during the night. | Stargazing due to clear skies, frost-covered landscapes, and fewer leeches. Ideal for those who enjoy cooler weather and less crowded trails. |
Difficulty Level of Dzukou Valley Trek
Dzukou valley Trek via Viswema is Easy to Moderate, with a total trekking distance of 20 km. The beginning section is a steep rocky terrain through the forest, with laid out rock steps for the most part. The next section is a path with gradual inclines till the base camp and then the final descent to the valley. So if you are a beginner, this is a perfect trek to begin, with some physical training prior. It is one of the easily accessible Treks in the Northeast, and makes for a wonderful adventure.
After I said ‘I travelled to Northeast Solo’, the one thing I kept getting asked was ‘Is it safe?’ ‘Safer than your metro cities’, I would say. Northeast India, for many years has faced discrimination from their own country, with people calling them names, but all they have is love and warmth. When a local told me ‘Kyun hume aise bulaate hain, hum bhi toh Indians hai’, every inch of me felt what the pain they have gone through. Northeast is beautiful beyond imagination, with the kindest people you will ever meet. With their rich culture and heritage, unexplored places, stories and legends, and people who made me feel like their own family – made it my most favourite region in the country. So much so that, I have gone back at every chance I got, and travelled solo to all the Northeastern states.
This was my first trekking experience in the Northeast, and it surely made a mark and left me wanting for more. I returned with a promise to go back and explore more adventurous trails Nagaland and the Northeast region has to offer. Pack your bags, go there and see for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
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