Dzukou Valley Trek Guide: Routes, Difficulty, Permits and Best Time

Dzukou Valley is a high, grassy valley at about 2,400 m on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, about 25 to 30 km south of Kohima. You reach it on foot. The two usual routes start from Viswema (the easier way up) and Jakhama (shorter but steeper), and most people walk up one and down the other.

The trek takes 3 to 5 hours each way depending on the route and your pace. You can do it as a long day trip, but most people stay a night at the basic rest house to see the valley at sunset and sunrise. It pairs well with a trip to Kohima, Khonoma or the Hornbill Festival in December.

When to go

The Dzukou lily, a pink lily found only in this area, flowers in June and July. If you want the lily, go then and accept the rain. If you want views and dry trails, go between October and December.

The Viswema route

From Viswema village, a forest road climbs towards the trailhead. Many people hire a taxi to the end of the motorable road, which saves a long, dull walk up the road. From there, a steep path climbs through forest and bamboo for about an hour to the ridge. After that it is a gentle walk along the ridge with views over the valley, until you drop down to the rest house.

The Jakhama route

The Jakhama trail starts near the village on the Kohima-Imphal road and climbs steeply on stone steps and rocky paths for most of the way. It is shorter but hard on the knees going up. Coming down this way is quick and saves you the return drive from Viswema.

Where to stay in Dzukou Valley

There is one government rest house on a hill overlooking the valley. It has dorms, a few basic private rooms and space for tents. Facilities are simple: shared toilets, little or no electricity and cold nights. Local caretakers can cook simple meals, and you can hire tents and blankets, but supplies are limited in busy weeks.

• Carry a sleeping bag rated for near-freezing temperatures between November and February.
• Bring a headlamp and a power bank.
• In Hornbill week and on weekends, the rest house fills up. Start early so you get a bed.

Fees and permits

• Nagaland ILP: visitors from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit, which you can apply for online. See our Northeast permit guide.
• Entry fee: a small fee per person is paid at the rest house. Guides quote different amounts, usually under Rs 100 for Indian visitors, so carry cash.
• Plastic rule: Dzukou is a plastic-free area. You may be asked to pay a refundable deposit for plastic items you carry in, which you get back when you show them on the way out.

How hard is the trek?

Dzukou is a moderate trek. If you can climb stairs for an hour with breaks, you can do it. The hard parts are the steep first hour on either route and the cold at night. There are no technical sections.

• Start walking by 7 or 8 am so you reach the rest house with daylight to spare. It gets dark by about 4:30 pm in winter.
• Carry 2 litres of water and snacks. There are no shops on the trail.
• Wear trekking shoes with grip. The trails are muddy after rain and dusty in winter.

What to pack

• Warm layers: thermal innerwear, a fleece and a down jacket from October to February.
• A rain jacket in any season.
• A sleeping bag, headlamp, power bank and a small first-aid kit.
• Cash for fees, food and the rest house.
• A bag to carry all your rubbish back down.

Getting to the trailhead from Kohima

Shared taxis run from Kohima to Viswema and Jakhama, but they leave only when full. A private taxi is easier, especially if you want to go up the forest road from Viswema. If you are coming from Guwahati, the nearest rail and air hub is Dimapur, about 3 hours from Kohima by road.

Do the Dzukou trek with Breeziah

Our Kohima, Dzukou Valley Trek and Khonoma trip is 5 days from Dimapur, from Rs 16,999 per person, with the trek, a night in the valley, Khonoma village and Kohima. In December you can add it to our Hornbill Festival group trip.