Trekking in the Northeast
Explore the uncharted territory between Manipur and Nagaland, and the gorgeous landscape of the Dzukou Valley.
Day 1 Kohima
Arrive in Nagaland’s capital, Kohima. The nearest airport is at Dimapur, 66 kilometres away. Spread across hilltops, the town makes for an enjoyable stroll any day of the year. However, the treasures of Nagaland are nestled in its hamlets. Take a peek into the tribal culture of the region at the Naga Heritage Village in Kohima. Check yourself into a cosy Airbnb ( airbnb.co.in) or a plush hotel such as de Oriental Grand (` 10,000/ USD135; deorientalgrand.
com) and venture out to explore the village. Also known as Kisama, it comprises 16 morungs, or traditional houses, that represent the 16 tribal communities of Nagaland. The WWII Museum in the village houses a collection of memorabilia from the historic battle that took place at Kohima in 1944, between the invading Japanese and the defending British and Allied Forces. A 10-minute drive from Kisama, Kigwema is an Angami village where Japanese forces set up camp before the final showdown with Allied Forces in 1944. The modest valley-view home of General Sato, the commander of the Japanese troops, still stands and bears bullet holes from the battle that raged here. Several households in the village
welcome tourists (preferably accompanied by local guides) for a night’s stay.
Day 2 Viswema—Dzukou Valley
The trek to Dzukou Valley commonly begins from the village of Viswema, 25 kilometres from Kohima. At a height of 2,438 metres above sea level, behind Nagaland’s second-highest peak of Japfu, Dzukou Valley gets its name from river gushing through it. Between spring and summer, the valley dons a carpet of multicoloured flowers, and attracts nature enthusiasts. It is particularly famous for the rare and indigenous Dzukou Lily. Reach Viswema in time for breakfast and brace yourself for a steep climb of two hours. The climb to the top of the hill comprises 1,200 odd steps cut through a dense forest of bamboo, oak, chestnut, birch, and maple trees. Once in the valley, traverse through its winding paths for at least six kilometres, and pitch your tent. Alternatively, continue for two hours to reach the guesthouse facing the valley—perhaps the only trace of human settlement in the region. Apart from a firewood kitchen and proper bathrooms, the guesthouse also rents out mattresses, blankets, and pillows, and has a friendly caretaker to look after the guests.
Day 3 Dzukou Valley—Jakhama
One may choose to extend the trek by three more days to include a trail of rhododendron forests to Japfu Peak, known for its stunning sunrise and panoramic views of not just Dzukou, but also parts of Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. Even if you choose to return to Kohima on day three, there’s an alternative path that you can take to reach the village of Jakhama, 20 kilometres from Kohima. The trail between the valley and Jakhama is dotted with stone steps, which are easier to descend, compared to the narrow muddy path from Viswema. In about three hours, one can reach the base from where the trek begins.