Hill Town · Nagaland
Pfutsero
Nagaland's highest and coldest town (≈2,130 m), with Glory Peak sunrise views.
Quick facts
- Best season
- October – April (very cold December – February)
- Duration
- 1 night
- Altitude
- ≈2,130 m
- Nearest town
- Pfutsero (Phek)
- Permit
- Nagaland Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for all non-indigenous visitors; foreign nationals also need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Verify before travel.
About Pfutsero
Pfutsero, in Phek district, is the highest-altitude town in Nagaland at around 2,130 m, and its coldest inhabited place — winter nights can drop below freezing and frost is common. It is a Chakhesang Naga town surrounded by terraced rice fields, pine forests and rolling ridges.
The main attraction is Glory Peak, a viewpoint a few kilometres from town known for spectacular sunrises; on very clear mornings, distant Himalayan peaks including Everest-region giants are said to be visible on the northern horizon, along with the Dzukou hills and Japfu. The surrounding villages, such as Thetsumi and Kikruma, are known for their terraced farming and Chakhesang traditions.
Pfutsero is also known for the Chakhesang festival of Sükrünye in January and for its educational institutions. It is a good overnight stop on a route from Kohima to Phek and Lake Shilloi, or a quiet escape for travellers who want cool air and big views.
How to reach Pfutsero
About 70 km (2.5–3 hours) from Kohima via Chakhabama.
Things to do
EasyNaga Tribal Village VisitsExplore Khonoma, Kigwema, Touphema and Ungma with local hosts to understand Naga life.
EasyNaga Tribal Festivals: Sekrenyi, Moatsu & AoleangBeyond Hornbill: celebrate Angami Sekrenyi, Ao Moatsu or Konyak Aoleang in the villages.
EasyNaga Handloom & Shawl WeavingWatch women weave tribe-specific shawls on back-strap loin looms and buy directly from artisans.
Places near Pfutsero
LakeLake ShilloiNagaland's largest natural lake, a foot-shaped lake hidden in the Patkai hills near Myanmar.
Hill CityKohimaNagaland's hilltop capital, steeped in WWII history and Angami Naga culture.
ValleyDzukou ValleyRolling meadow valley at about 2,450 m on the Nagaland–Manipur border, famed for its lilies.
Pfutsero FAQs
Is Pfutsero the coldest place in Nagaland?
Yes, as the highest inhabited town in Nagaland it records the lowest temperatures, often below 0°C on winter nights.
What is Glory Peak?
A viewpoint near Pfutsero famous for sunrise views over the Naga hills and, on clear days, the distant Himalaya.
How far is Pfutsero from Kohima?
About 70 km, a 2.5–3 hour drive.
Facts checked against: en.wikipedia.org · tourism.nagaland.gov.in. Conditions change — verify timings and permits before travel.