We at Plan The Unplanned are always looking for new and exotic locales to uncover and we’re happy to say that next up is one of the most desired trek routes in Nagaland – The Dzukou Valley Trek!
The vast expanses of green hill slopes, the surreal presence of pearly white clouds and the gleaming mountain tops make for a dream-like trekking route. Located at an altitude of 2450 meters, The Dzukou Valley, located at the bottom of a large crater of an extinct volcano is by far the best trekking routes in the whole of Nagaland.
The trekking trail to reach the Dzukou Valley is going to leave you breathless, make you feel inspired and test your endurance all at once – making this trail very special! As you make your way up towards the valley be prepared for a real feast for the eyes because you are going to witness the magnificence of rolling hillocks covered by a thick blanket of green forests, the tranquil beauty of aqua blue water paving its way through the middle of the valley and glorious assortment of flowers that fill the valley with colour and light.
The steep trek upwards followed by 2-3 hours of walking through thick bamboo thickets and deep forest land, you will understand why this trail is considered the best trek routes in Nagaland. For all you avid trekkers, adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts, this testing trek expedition will be totally worth the captivating views along this special journey. If you aren’t excited by this chance for a new adventure yet – just take a look at the magical images of the valley and you’ll be as blown away as we are! Come discover the most charming spot in the North East with PlanTheUnplanned and tick another adventure off your travel bucket list – book your spot now!
Day 0: Catch the Night Train
Day 1: Drive through the Hills from Dimapur to Kohima
Day 2: The Trek to Dzukou Valley
Day 3: Explore Kohima
Day 4: The Journey Back
Book your train or plane tickets to Guwahati as the trip will begin from here. (Plan and make advanced bookings to avail lower ticket prices.) Our team will meet you there once you arrive. At 11:30 PM, we will board the night train from Guwahati to Dimapur. Dinner will be provided and this will be a good time for introductions, learn more about your trek leads and make friends with the people you’ll be trekking with.
We reach Dimapur at 4:30 AM and begin our first car journey from Dimapur to Kohima – you will get the first glimpse of the scenic valleys of Nagaland as we drive through the hills.
The journey continues as we drive from Kohima to Vishwema, it will be a drive through steep and winding roads as we bounce down the hills that are surrounded by wildflowers and bamboos.
(Meals – 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 tea and snacks, 1 dinner)
(Essentials include a pair of track pants, basic medication, sunglasses, cap, an extra pair of socks, hiking shoes etc).
The Journey Unfolds – Vishwema Village to Dzukou Rest House
We will start with a 1.5 hour trek uphill through dense bamboo thickets that might need to be parted at certain spots to move ahead along the steep trek route to reach the top. We assure you that the mesmerising views along the way will sooth your inhibitions. After the first half, we will take a short break to recuperate for the next half of this exciting trek.
After the break, we will walk for about 3 hours through plain lands to our rest house. The panoramic views of the valley, the majestic mountains surrounding you and the natural green environment makes the trek most worthwhile and memorable.
At this point we reach our rest house, eat dinner and rest for the night.
Wake up, get ready and have breakfast as we start out on our second day of trekking. On this day, just an hour of trekking will lead you to the picturesque Valley of Flowers. Only those you visit the valley are lucky to receive the gift of seeing the rare Dzukou Lily and feel amazed by the large variety of flora and fauna. You can also have a bath in the pristine waterS of the Dzukou river which contains healing particles. The breath-taking views that you see at the valley will make this an experience you’ll never forget.
After spending quality time in the valley, we will head back to the campsite, have lunch and begin our trek back to Vishwema.
The trail from Vishwema to Dzukou is fairly easy and levelled out. You will move towards the dwarf bamboo thickets once more. As you go along this winding route, you will see another pass from where you can the catch a glimpse of the Imphal highway and the whole of the Vishwema Village. This is the point at which you will be exiting the lovely Dzukou Valley, hopefully only to return again soon.
On reaching Vishwema Village, we will once more embark on the car journey homebound. Click some photographs and take mental images for you to cherish while we drive through the hills of Nagaland for the last time during this trip. We’ll drive from Vishwema to Kohima. There’ll be a pit stop for dinner on the way as well. Overnight stay at Kohima.
Today we explore the wonderful little hamlet of Kohima. You could start by paying your respects to the fallen heroes at the War Cemetery that remembers the 1400 soldiers who lost their lives fighting the Japanese during WWII, during the 64-day Battle of Kohima, now widely considered the bloodiest of all WWII battles.
Later explore the local restaurants and the trendy cafes to taste the authentic Naga cuisine that includes fresh servings of everything from snails, silkworms, frogs, worms and more cooked the Naga way. Don’t worry if you don’t have an appetite for the creepy crawlies, there are plenty of restaurants that serve the more traditional food options as well.
Spend the rest of the day taking a walk through the various markets and streets of Kohima. Catch a glimpse of the various sights that make up this curious town or stock up on souvenirs before we finally board the night train towards Guwahati.
Distance : 12-13 kms
Time : 7-8 hrs
We will start early this day, as we will have a long day trekking through the steep slopes. But the snow is easier to walk on and the surrounding is enough to keep one’s spirits high. After a long climb, you will reach the top of the hill. The view here beholds great joy as you immerse in the view of Sar Pass! The view opens up eastward – the lofty peaks of the Tosh valley will now be visible as well. To the south extends the white blanket of snow, flanked by snow-capped mountains.
After spending a good amount of time there, we head towards the Valley that arrives after an hour from Sar Pass. The slide will take you past snow covered trees, through a valley that is narrow, and brings into view a lovely meadow, towards the left. We will then continue the trek through some dense rhododendron bushes towards Biskeri Thach campsite. Biskeri presents a sublime view of the pine forests, the majestic mountains and lovely grasslands. The villages of Tosh, Pulga-Tulga, Bursheni, and Nakthan can be seen in the valley below. This heavenly surroundings will be the spot where will we retire for the night in tents.
We reach Guwahati at 4:30 am and here’s where we say our farewells with the hope to meet again on future treks. At Guwahati, you will then take a plane or train back home based on your own arrangements.
Trekking through bamboo shrubs, dipping your hand in clear streams and setting eyes on the Dzukou Lily for the first time is just a few amongst the many sublime memories that will be etched in your memory forever from this trip. Join us as we embark on an exquisite voyage to the most enthralling valley in the North East – fill your soul with adventure and have incredible stories to tell of your Trek to Dzukou Valley. Contact us to book a slot for your most daring trek yet!
