Dzukou valley Nagaland: A paradise for trekkers and hikers
Dzukou valley means the valley of cold water, ‘Dzu’ means cold and ‘Kou’ means water. The valley is known to be a paradise for trekkers and hikers. Calm and peaceful destinations, is perfect for a relaxing vacation. While, trekking, tourist can adore the hypnotic view of the valley with hugging clouds above the lush green vegetation.
Besides its extraordinary mind-blowing scenery and sparkling clear streams, the valley displays its magnificent exhibition of wildflowers of various kinds, especially in the first two weeks of July. Varied mesmerising views can be seen by viewers in different seasons i.e. from monsoon summer till winter.
Dzukou valley flowers:
People may take the chance in summer to see different variety of flowers of different colours like white, pink and yellow specially ‘Dzukou Lily’ and short bamboo trees which look like grass. Winter witnessed with snow. Very interestingly you will find a helipad on the top of the valley.
The weather is unpredictable all the year here. The temperature here is very cold always and reaches even below zero degrees during winter where the streams completely freeze into thick ice.
The water is fresh there all time and can be drunk directly as it is refreshing and contains lots of minerals which are good for the health of exhausted trekkers after burning calories most importantly.
Dzukou valley is famous for
The valley is famous for its unique species of Lily flower known as Dzukou Lily and Trekking absolutely as well.
Location:
The Valley is situated in borders of the state of Nagaland and Manipur in the Southern Angami region of northeast India.
Best time to visit Dzukou valley:
To see the view it is famous for- the valley of wild pink, white and yellow flowers, the best time is from end of June till September.
How to reach dzukou valley ?
There are three main routes to reach the Dzükou valley. One is 5 hour trekking route from Mt. Tenipu (Mt. Isii) in Manipur’s Senapati district was recently opened by MMTA (Manipur mountain and trekking organization) another route is from Kohima, Nagaland. The other two are from two villages, namely the Viswema and Zakhama trails of Nagaland (Kohima).
To reach Kohima you can go either by flight, bus or train to Dimapur. From Dimapur hire a shared taxi to reach Kohima by 3 hours. From there take a taxi to Viswema Village (45 mins journey) which is the easier and more preferable of the two routes mentioned above, with only 45 minutes to 1 hour of steep climbing.
Just take some meal there and start your hike from “Trekker’s Point”, which is located at the end of the motorable road, approximately 8 km from Viswema village. After that take a 2 hours walk through the entire valley, explore pond, streams and wild flowers.
Nearest attractive destination to Dzukou valley:
- Naga Heritage village and Kisama Heritage village at 7.7 km distance from the valley.
- Japfu Peak at distance of 12.9 km.
- Kohima War cemetery and Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary, each at 13.1 km distance from Dzukou valley.
Few suggestions:
1. Take the route to Dzukou valley from Kohima and NOT Manipur as there is non-motorable extensive exhausting road where no tea stalls or restaurants are available there.
2. Better to hike with gum boots instead of sport shoes. The road is little muddy and may get caught by blood sucking leeches on the way during summer.
3. Take a tent, blanket, mattress, big bottle of water and some eatables (vegetables, rice, coffee or some noodles) or snacks with you, if planning to stay at night. Though there is a guesthouse and camp on the top valley facilitated with two dormitory and five private rooms with cooking services, but you may encounter shortage of food due to unexpected gathering of tourists. Of course you will get utensils for cooking on rent there at Rs 200.
4. Yes, book a hotel room (Morung Lodge homestay, Pine Hotel etc) at Kohima before moving to Dzukou Valley so that you can spend whole day there to enjoy the fascinating view to the fullest and then can take rest in your hotel room after coming down from the valley successively tiresome yet explorative awesome hiking.
5. One very amazing fact is that it is difficult to express the beauty and breath-taking experience of the trip at the valley. So it is worthwhile that you explore with your innate enthusiasm and creativity and maintain a Diary to jot down your experience rightly there.