You might have heard about Dzukou Valley. Even, you might be interested in visiting this place shortly. If so, you will be interested in knowing everything you should know about this place before your visit. The purpose of this guide is to let you know everything about this valley before your visit.
Dzukou Valley – An Introduction
Dzukou Valley is a hidden gem located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. It is in the northeast part of India. This valley is known for its lush green valleys, rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. You can understand the beauty of this valley from the fact that it is called the “Valley of Flowers of the Northeast”.
The most attractive Dzukou Valley attracts travellers, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers from across the world. If you are looking for an ideal escape amidst the clouds, you can choose this place. With its rich biodiversity and enchanting beauty, this is a must-visit destination if you would like to explore an unspoiled natural wonder of India.
You can learn everything about Dzukou Valley from this post so that you can plan your trip to this place effectively.
How to Reach Dzukou Valley?
Dzukou Valley is accessible from Kohima conveniently. Yes, Kohima, as you know, is the capital of Nagaland. To reach Kohima, you will have to first arrive at Dimapur. Then, you will have to proceed to Kohima by road.
Approach to Dzukou Valley
You can approach Dzukou Valley from two towns. They are Viswema and Jakhama. Both these towns serve as the base camp for the journey.
- Viswema is located around 25 km away from Kohima
- Jakhama is about 20 km away from Kohima.
Fortunately, shared taxis are readily available from Kohima so that you can reach one of these towns with ease. From these towns, you will have to trek to reach Dzukou Valley.
Regardless of wherever you are travelling from, you will have to first reach Dimapur.
By Bus
Dimapur Bus Station is one of the major bus stations in Nagaland. Buses are available from northeastern states to Dimapur. Also, Dimapur has an interstate bus terminal. If you are travelling by bus from your hometown, you will reach the inter-state bus terminal if you are travelling from other Indian states. If you are travelling from South India, the distance to Dimpur is more than 1000 km. So, travelling by bus might not be the best choice.
By Train
Trains from all major cities like Delhi are available to Dimapur. If you do not find direct trains from your city, you can book connecting trains through the IRCTC Website. You can also know about the number of days of train journey when you book your tickets.
By Flight
Dimapur has a domestic airport that gets flights from different domestic airports in India. This is the convenient option to reach Dimapur if you are travelling from far away cities. If you are travelling from an international destination, you can reach an international airport in India. From there, you can catch a domestic flight to reach Dimapur.
By Car
In case, you are interested in a road trip, you can drive straight to Kohima. From Kohima, you can take a short drive to Viswema or Jakhama Village. From one of these villages, you can begin your trek to Dzukou Valley.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Before planning a trip to Dzukou Valley, you will be interested in knowing about the key attractions and things to do. Here are certain things you can do in this place:
Trekking to Dzukou Valley
Yet another important thing to do in the valley is to trek. Mainly many tourists visit this place for trekking. This trekking trail is adorned with gentle streams and rhododendron forests. Trekkers can experience a mesmerizing journey to the valley. When you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with an exhilarating bird’s eye view of lush greenery, rolling hills and a sea of vibrant wildflowers.
Camp In the Middle of Nature
You can enjoy camping in nature’s lap at Dzukou Valley. You can erect your tent on the attractive meadows and can sleep under the blanket of stars. You can wake up to the melodious chirping of birds and the attractiveness of the valley. It will truly be a magical experience.
Watch the Valley of Flowers
During the flowering season, Dzukou Valley is known for its enchanting meadows covered with a combination of wildflowers. From euphorbias to lilies, the valley gets attractive with colourful flowers during the summer months. The valley’s rhododendrons and lilies paint the landscape with a combination of red, pink and white colours. This is a breathtaking site to watch. When you walk through the valley, you can breathe in fragrant air and capture stunning pictures with gentle rain and misty air that add to the enchantment. You will feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
Visit the Dzukou River
When you are at Dzukou Valley, you can visit the pure Dzukou River. The river offers a refreshing respite with its clear waters that cascade through rocky terrain. You can take a dip in the cool waters. If you fear cold water, you can just sit by the banks of the vier immersing yourself in nature’s tranquillity.
Birdwatching in the Valley
Birdwatching is one of the interesting things to do in Dzukou Valley. With its diverse ecosystem, this place attracts a wide range of avian species. Right from elusive Blyth’s Tragopan to Vibrant Himalayan Monal, you will be excited by the sounds and sights of these feathered creatures. Do not forget to capture the beauty of these winged beauties with your binoculars.
Worship At the Shiva Temple
Located at the heart of Dzukou Valley, the Shiva Temple is a haven for spiritual tourists. You can pay homage to Lord Shiva located in tranquil surroundings. Also, you can seek blessings for a sense of peace. The stunning views and serene ambience of the temple make it a spot not to miss out during your visit to Dzukou Valley.
Go To Jakhama Village
Among the things to do in Dzukou Valley, you can consider visiting the Jakhama Village. For this, you will have to take a short detour from the valley. This will be a rejuvenating and peaceful getaway. This village is located close to the capital city Kohima. You can experience a serene retreat in this village. When you are here, do not forget to try local delicacies. Also, you can experience the warm hospitality of the local community. You can try authentic local cuisine and stay in traditional Naga huts in this village. Also, you can engage in trekking expeditions, bird watching and nature walks to explore the captivating surroundings.
Wildlife Spotting
Yet another interesting thing to do in Dzukou Valley is wildlife spotting. Yes, this valley is popular for its rich array of wildlife. The state is the home of many National Parks in Nagaland. This adds to the rich biodiversity. If luck is in your favour, you can spot leopards, Himalayan Black Bear, Hoolock Gibbon and Blyth’s Tragopan.
Spotting these elusive creatures in their natural habitat is an exciting experience. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will love wildlife spotting for sure. You can immerse in serene landscapes, and lush forests and embark on wildlife safaris.
Best Time & Season to Visit
The best time to visit Dzukou Valley is between June and September. These months correspond to the summer and monsoon seasons. During these months, the climate will be relatively mild. The valley will be most attractive during this season because of the wide variety of flowers blooming in the Valley of Flowers of Northeast.
Shoulder Months
In case, you prefer exploring Dzukou Valley in drier months, you can consider shoulder months. During the shoulder months from April to May or October to November, you can get clearer views from the valley. The valley is less crowded during this season.
Before you book your tickets to visit Dzukou Valley, it is better to check weather conditions. You can plan your visit accordingly. The reason is that if you visit during heavy rainfall, the trekking trials might be temporarily closed for the safety of tourists.
Duration To See Dzukou Valley
Most visitors plan a two-day trip to Dzukou Valley. When you have planned two days in this place, you will have ample time to trek to the valley. Also, these many days will help you explore the nearby attractions. Further, you can also spend a night camping under the stars. If you love nature and trekking, it is better to consider a 3-day stay. When you have three days, you can completely soak in the beauty of the place. Also, three days will let you explore the hidden spots at a relaxed pace.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
Unfortunately, you cannot find any restaurants near Dzukou Valley. The reason is that this place remains untouched. So, make sure to carry sufficient food with you. Also, make sure that you carry light munchies. You can find a snack shop in a guest house near the valley. Guests are served coffee, red tea, a vegetarian meal and plain Maggie if you need any food, you can get there. For restaurants and cafes, you will have to travel for at least 11 to 12 km from the valley to Kohima. Here are the names of a few restaurants and cafes:
- D Cafe
- Ooopar
- Amaris
- JAT Restaurant
- Fifa Café
- Yaotsu’s Pure-Veg Restaurant
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
You cannot find any resorts in Dzukou Valley. So, if you are particular about staying in a resort, you will have to choose one in Kohima. When it comes to staying in Dzukou Valley, there are three main options. They are:
- Bringing your hammock or tent set up
- Sleeping under a rock
- Choose a rest house to stay
Read on to learn more about the rest house here:
Pilgrim’s Inn
Pilgrim’s Inn is the name of the rest house in Dzukou Valley. It is a collection of nearly 5 buildings. This rest house is owned by a few boys from the Southern Angami Youth Association. The rest house offers two main lodging options. One of these options is a private VIP Room and the second is a dormitory.
There is no electricity in these accommodations to power your devices. So, make sure that you carry a power bank to keep your phone charged. Also, bring your cameras fully charged.
Entry Fee and Tickets
You can explore the main valley on foot by trekking through forest trails and hilly roads. Make sure to make this exploration with porters or guides by your side. There is no special permit required to visit the valley. However, you will have to bear an entry fee of Rs.30 per person.
FAQ
Is Dzukou Valley Safe for Solo Travellers?
Yes, this place is safe for solo travellers. The local people here are welcoming. They make the journey comfortable for solo trekkers visiting every year. However, make sure to take some precautionary measures when you trek alone. It is better to have a local guide by your side as a solo traveller.
What Are The Essentials To Carry to Dzukou Valley?
Essentials to carry include high-energy snacks, water, flashlight, insect repellent, first-aid kit, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable trekking shoes.
Can I Visit Dzukou Valley During Winter?
Yes, you can visit during the winter season between October and March. However, during this season, you should be prepared for cold weather and limited flowering in the valley. The trails will be quieter in winter. You can expect misty landscapes and unique charm in winter.
Conclusion
Dzukou Valley offers an exciting escape from the rush and noise of city life. With its peaceful ambience, vibrant wildflowers and mesmerizing landscapes, it is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The valley promises an unforgettable experience regardless of whether you are looking for a challenging trek, a quiet camping experience or witness the beauty of the valley.