Dzukou Valley Trek & Camping

Hike to Nagaland's famous meadow valley at 2,450 m and camp beside its meandering streams.

At a glance

Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Best season: October – November, March – May; June – September for flowers
Base: Viswema / Kohima (Kohima)
Permits: Nagaland ILP required; foreigners also need a PAP. Verify before travel. Entry and camping fees at the valley.

About this experience

The Dzukou Valley trek is the most popular hike in Northeast India, and for good reason. From the trailhead at Viswema, about 25 km from Kohima, the path climbs steadily through forest for around 2–3 hours to reach the rim of the valley, then follows a ridge with sweeping views over rolling green hills before descending to the rest house. Total walking time is usually 3–5 hours.

Dzukou's beauty lies in its soft, rounded hills covered in dwarf bamboo, clear streams snaking across the valley floor, and changing colours through the seasons — wildflowers including the endemic Dzukou lily in the monsoon, gold in autumn and frost in winter. Overnight stays are in the government rest house (dormitories and basic rooms) or in tents in designated camping areas, with spectacular sunsets and starry skies.

On the second day, explore the valley floor, visit the caves and streams, and return via Viswema or the steeper Zakhama route. We provide guides, porters, tents and food. Nights are cold even in spring and autumn, and trails are muddy in the monsoon. Pack out every bit of rubbish.

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