Dzukou Valley & Japfu Peak Trek – Nagaland

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

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

Itinerary – in – Brief 

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 Kolkatta, Delhi, Gawahati etc. Upon arrival meet representative and drive to Kohima. Rest, relax & prepare for next day trek. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2. Kohima – Dzukou Trekker’s Hut (2454 m/ 9 km/ 6hours) 
The day begins with drive for 14 km to 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 hereon, the trail takes 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, hike to nameless Pass( 2550 m) is approx. 4 km however trail follow steep climb filled with moses at some places. The view of Dzukou valley is spectacular from the Pass. Continue hike through dwarf Bamboo forest and past hair pin Pass, descend for 200 m till the trail bifurcate. Taking right, descend for over an hours into the  Dzukou Trekker’s Hut. Overnight in Trekker Hut.

Day 3. Explore Dzukou Valley
Full day to explore Dzukou valley – its a large rolling green grassland created by now defunct volcano. There is running riot of colours with flowers blooming in spring and monsoon. Also walk for 20 mins to visit 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, taking right,  walk  along the ridge of valley, past succession of meandering trail arrive in another Pass. This point is also end of Dzukou valley. From here vast stretch of Vishwema Valley as well as highway to Imphal can be seen. Descend to the bottom of the hill until it connects with main road. Walk further 9 km on level paved road will reach Vishwema Village. Overnight in community hall in Village.

Day 5. Vishwema Village to Japfu Peak Base camp. (11km/ 5-6 hours)
Post breakfast, head north west over paved road for 3 km, its relatively quiet section, meeting occasionally with the locals. Although, well marked but trail mount steeply initially but later it turn into gradual ascent traversing lush green forests. This whole stretch is tranquil and its silence are broken occasionally with bird sound – Birders’ Paradise! As we continue, the trail circle around the ridge with gentle ascent and enters the thick rhododendron forests. As we hike little further, it takes 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 sunrise view at Japfu peak. Initially , thick forest block the view but as we gently ascend and 170 m before Peak open up  above tree line with great views of surrounding area. From the peak the sunrise is astounding and also view of valleys, hills below. After spending some time, retrace your step to Vishwema Village and drive to Kohima. If time permit, visit Cathedral, World War 2 cemetery and local market. Overnight in hotel.

Day 7. Drive and transfer to 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 trip in Assam.

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