Kohima: Situated in the Northeastern region of India, Nagaland is an adventurous land. The place offers scenic view of villages and also gives an insight into the amazing lifestyle of the people. The hill areas and lush green surroundings make Nagaland a perfect place for trekking.
People can trek through beautiful forests and camp by river streams. And for those who like, they can also spend the nights in outdoor tents and tune into the varied sounds of a thriving jungle.
Experience enchanting Nagaland at some of its best locations:
Dzükou Valley
The lowland treeless landscape of Dzükou Valley is a total visual treat and a must-visit trekking destination in Nagaland. Tucked at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea level, Dzükou Valley under Kohima District is one trekking destination you cannot miss if you happen to visit the state.
The valley is dubbed as the ‘valley of flowers’ because of the delightful wildflowers (April-September) that fill the valley, especially during the first two weeks of July. Covering an area of about 27 sq km, the valley is covered with frost and crystal ice during winter nights and mornings.
In January this year, the valley along with parts of Nagaland witnessed snowfall after almost four decades.
Mt Saramati
The highest peak in Nagaland, Mt Saramati, is a peak rising above the surrounding peaks at the mountainous border of Nagaland state and the Sagaing Region, Burma. It is located near Thanamir Village in Kiphire District.
At a height of 3,826 m and a prominence of 2,885 m, Mt Saramati is the abode of one of the pristine forests of Nagaland and host to varieties of flora and fauna. The trek to this peak is a two-day process which begins from Thanamir village, where trekking guides are available, after the payment of a registration fee.
The peak remains snow-capped throughout the winter which gradually melts and flows into the Likimro River. Like Dzükou Valley, Mt Saramati has also been witnessing snowfall since January this year.
Japfü peak
Nestled at an altitude of 3,054 m above sea level, Japfü peak is the second highest summit in Nagaland after Mt Saramati. This peak is prominent as it homes the tallest Rhododendron tree in the world measuring 30.79 m in height and 2.41 m in girth, which was recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007. About 15 km south of Kohima, Japfü offers a memorable climb due to its tough terrain. Dzukou valley lies behind it to the west and southwest.
Pulie Badze
Pulie Badze, located on a mountain top of Jotsoma village (West of Kohima town), is 10 km from Kohima and is a short trekking destination that locals often visit. At an altitude of 2,400 mean sea level, Pulie Badze gives a spectacular sight of Kohima city and Japfü peak and is a must visit trekking trail which takes just 35-40 minutes of walk from the parking lot.
The myth around Pulie Badze also adds to the intriguing nature of the mountain top which greets visitors with a huge cross erected on its top. This cross is also visible from Kohima city and is easily identifiable from afar.
Mt Kapamodzü
Mt Kapamudzü under Phek district is also called as second Dzukou by the locals. According to the tourism department, Mt Kapamodzü is the highest table-top mountain in the entire Nagaland. The virgin forest of this peak is preserved by the communities with total prohibition of logging and hunting.
Mt Kapamodzü stands at 2,620 m and is the fourth highest peak in Nagaland.
Kapamodzü is in full bloom with wildflowers during spring, and in winters its summit turns white with snow and frost which offers a captivating view. It dips below minus 15°C in winter, else is a great camping site for star gazing, and viewing the sunrise over Saramati Mountain.
