Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek – Nagaland

Arguably, the Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek is the best-known trekking route in Nagaland. Its rolling green, charming Dzukou valley lies at the bottom of the crater of a defunct volcano, affording a picture-perfect view below, especially when one looks from the surrounding ridge or rim at the long shadow of dawn or early dusk –Nature’s art at work!!! The trail traverses through thick sub-tropical foliage, rhododendron forest, and a crisscrossing, meandering, beautiful stream.

Sunrise view from  Japfu peak is simply spectacular, and of the surrounding valleys and hills. In fact view of half of Nagaland can be seen from the summit. Most importantly, what adds a new dimension is that as we drop anchor for a night at the traditional Naga village – Vishwema, it aids in gaining insights into colourful social and cultural facets, ideally through greater interaction.

Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek Itinerary

Day 1. Fly to Dimapur and drive to Kohima (1445 m/80 km/ 2 hours)
Arrive in Dimapur, you can fly in from various sectors such as Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, etc. Upon arrival, meet a representative and drive to Kohima. Rest, relax & prepare for the next day trek. Overnight in the Hotel.

Day 2. Kohima – Dzukou Trekker’s Hut (2454 m/ 9 km/ 6hours) 
The day begins with a drive for 14 km to the Zakhama Check post. Begin hike following small stream for approx 2 km through the forest of Bamboo & deodar till the dead end of this unpaved road. From here on, the trail takes a dramatic climb along the stream to the spur. Hike further till it meets a resting hut. This point is also called  “Crying Child Valley”.Further, the hike to Nameless Pass( 2550 m) is approx. 4 km; however trail follows a steep climb filled with moss at some places. The view of the Dzukou Valley is spectacular from the Pass. Continue hiking through the dwarf Bamboo forest and past Hairpin Pass, descend for 200 m till the trail bifurcates. Taking the right, descend for over an hour into the  Dzukou Trekker’s Hut. Overnight in Trekker Hut.

Day 3. Explore Dzukou Valley
Full day to explore Dzukou valley – it’s a large rolling green grassland created by the now-defunct volcano. There is a running riot of colours with flowers blooming in spring and monsoon. Also, walk for 20 minutes to visit the cave, known as Ghost Cave. Overnight in Trekker’s Huts

Day 4. Dzukou Valley to Vishwema Village ( 26 km/7 -8 hours)
Retrace your steps till the bifurcation point, take the right,  walk along the ridge of the valley, past a succession of meandering trails arrive at another Pass. This point is also the end of the Dzukou valley. From here vast stretch of Vishwema Valley as well as the highway to Imphal can be seen. Descend to the bottom of the hill until it connects with the main road. Walking 9 km on a level paved road will reach Vishwema Village. Overnight in the community hall in the Village.

Day 5. Vishwema Village to the Japfu Peak Base camp. (11km/ 5-6 hours)
Post breakfast, head north west over paved road for 3 km, it’s a relatively quiet section, meeting occasionally with the locals. Although well marked, but trail mounts steeply initially, but later it turns into a gradual ascent traversing lush green forests. This whole stretch is tranquil, and its silence is broken occasionally with bird sounds – Birders’ Paradise! As we continue, the trail circles around the ridge with gentle ascent and enters the thick rhododendron forests. As we hike a little further, it takes us to a small clearing as Japfu Peak Base Camp. Overnight in camp.

Day 6.  Japfu Peak Base Camp to Japfu Peak (3110 m)
Wake up early, ideally around 3 am, for a sunrise view at Japfu peak. Initially, the thick forest blocks the view, but as we gently ascend and 170 m before the Peak opens up above the tree line with great views of the surrounding area. From the peak, the sunrise is astounding, and also the view of the valleys, hills below. After spending some time, retrace your steps to Vishwema Village and drive to Kohima. If time permits, visit the Cathedral, the World War 2 cemetery, and the local market. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 7. Drive and transfer to the Dimapur airport for your outward journey.
After breakfast, drive to Dimapur airport for your outbound journey, or you can take our extension trip to Kaziranga National Park and Majuli Island in Assam.

Such as below:
Drive from Kohima to  Kaziranga
In Kaziranga, explore wildlife through elephant and Jeep Safari.
Drive to Jorhat and excursion to Majuli Island.
Flying out from Jorhat airport to Kolkata, Delhi, etc.