Dzukou Valley is situated at an altitude of 2,452 metres. Cabs for Kohima are available throughout the day from Dimapur railway station and the airport. The fare is Rs 330 per person on a shared basis and in just about two hours you arrive at the paradise on earth.
Dzukou Valley can be accessed from Jakhama or Visema, two villages that are easily reached by taxis from Kohima’s main town. And in these villages Sumo taxis can be further hired to take you to the starting point of the trail, covering a distance of approximately six kilometres on motorable roads.
The trek begins with a steep incline for about two kilometres. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys. From there, a gentle six-kilometre walk leads to the entrance of Dzukou Valley.
After a challenging two-kilometre climb, the trail opens up into a serene path, winding its way through thick bamboo groves. The bamboo plants tower on both sides, creating a lush, green tunnel that sways gently in the breeze.
Soon, the dense bamboo groves give way to the first breathtaking glimpse of the valley, where the rolling hills are dotted with patches of small bamboo shrubs, creating a soft, verdant landscape.
Dzukou Valley offers several options for hikers to stay. Visitors can pitch their own tents or book one of the pre-pitched tents available in the area. For those seeking more shelter, private accommodation is also available, though it’s important to note that luxury is not a guarantee. Additionally, a dormitory is provided, but keep in mind that all services within the dorm are chargeable.
Upon entering the valley, the Dzukou Tourism Committee collects a nominal entry fee. Additional charges apply for the use of DSLRs and drones. The valley is accessible year-round, with each season offering something unique. In winter, the entire valley is covered in frost, and the river freezes. During the warmer months, indigenous flowers like the Dzukou Lily bloom. However, the monsoon season brings an influx of leeches.
Guides are available at Visema and Jakhama for a nominal fee. They can share the local folklores of the valley and provide insights into the area’s flora and fauna. The valley is also prone to forest fires, so tourists are advised not to light fires. If they do, they must ensure that it is completely extinguished before leaving.
For those who want to see an aerial view of the Dzukou valley, helicopter services are also available. The small helipad in the valley serves as the landing site. However, the frequency of landings is almost non-existent.
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Reporting and photography by Atiqur Rahman, a Delhi-based photographer who hails from Nagaland.
