
One of India’s most visited tourist attractions, Dzukou Valley is a jewel in North-East India tourism. This valley is located near the borders of Nagaland and Manipur, behind the Japfu mountain range. Dzukou Valley is a popular adventurous spot in Kohima, Nagaland. Both the Japfu range and Dzukou Valley lure travel enthusiasts with scenic landscapes that are the best in Asia. These are two of the best travel destination for snow lovers in Nagaland, a state that has the nickname ‘Switzerland of the East’.
Popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of the North-East’, Dzukou Valley beholds hundreds of flower species from across the world. On top of that, the famous ‘Lily of the Valley’ is unique to Dzukou Valley. The other flower species found in the valley are Aconitum, White Lily, Pink Lily, Euphorbia, etc. There is a legend that the Dzukou Valley was once the ground creator of the volcano and covered with pleasing green grass.
The valley is well-known for its panoramic view, which you can achieve from about 2500 meters. The stunning beauty of the valley can be seen properly from the Japfu Peak. And if you sit atop the hill and look at the valley, you get a picture-perfect scene of the valley. With exquisite flowers all over the valley and beautiful scenery from the top of the hill, Dzukou Valley is said to be the biggest and most beautiful hidden secret of Nagaland.
Best time to visit Dzukou Valley
June to September is the best time to visit Dzukou Valley is divinely beautiful with colorful blossoms. The view of the valley during this time is no less than a paradise.
Trekking at Dzukou Valley
Dzukou Valley is also a renowned trekking spot for adventure seekers. Trekking at Dzukou Valley is one of the bucket list things for fitness enthusiastic adventurers. The trekking route starts from the foothills of Viswema. Through Teyzwu Hill, trekkers reach the top of Khiyoke mountain. A two hours journey from here will take you to the Dzukou trekking point. Another route for the trek is from Mount Tempu which is about five hours journey.
How to reach:
By Air: Dimapur Airport is the nearest airport which is about 74 km away from Kohima. This domestic airport is well connected to the major cities of India. Another domestic airport is Imphal Airport which is about 145 km away from Kohima. Cabs and buses are available from here to reach Dzukou Valley. If you cannot resist visiting and spending a great time in Dzukou Valley, visit Indian Eagle where you find cheap flights from USA to India.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dimapur railway station located at a distance of 73 km from Kohima. Taxis are available from here.
By Road: Reaching Dzukou Valley from Kohima is easy. There are two ways – 1) Jakhama, a base camp 20 km away from Kohima, and 2) Viswema, which is also a base camp nearly 25 km from Kohima. From these towns, you can trek to the Dzukou Valley.
Popular places to see around Dzukou Valley
Naga Heritage Village
Also called Kisama Heritage Village, this village has lush green hills surrounded on the borderline. Rich in the culture and tradition of Nagaland, Naga Heritage Village hosts several cultural activities. You can see a variety of flower species in the village. Traditional houses with thatched roofs, wooden walls, and carefully carved designs represent ancient culture and are unique to the village. Hornbill Festival is a famous festival that people celebrate in Kohima, Nagaland, meant to protect the rich culture of Nagaland.
Distance from Dzukou Valley: 7.7 km
Kohima War Cemetery
The cemetery is dedicated to the soldiers who died in the battlegrounds of Garrison Hill in the tennis court area in the Deputy Commissioner’s residence during the Second World War in 1944. Kohima Cremation Memorial commemorating more than 900 Sikh and Hindu soldiers, stands at the highest point of the cemetery. The remains of those soldiers were cremated according to their belief.
Distance from Dzukou Valley: 13.1 km
Pulie Badze
Standing at a height of 2295 m, Pulie Badze is a mountain peak and famous attraction in Pulie Badge Wildlife Sanctuary, Kohima, Nagaland. Hiking the trail to Pulie Badge is quite an interesting thing to do on your trip to Kohima.
Distance from Dzukou Valley: 9.5 km
The Catholic Cathedral
This is the cathedral of the bishop of the diocese of Kohima, hence the main church in Nagaland. The architecture of the cathedral reminds the traditional Naga houses and it blends into the place (hill) in which houses the cathedral. The crucifix of this cathedral is 16 feet high with wood carving and is among the largest crosses of Asia. This is a pleasant place in the green hill area, and hence this place to pray is also popular as a place for relaxation.
Distance from Dzukou Valley: 11 km