Nagaland · Adventure Traveler · 5 Days
Kohima & Dzukou Valley Trek
Kohima, Viswema, Dzukou, Khonoma
1 / 3Overview
This Dzukou Valley trek package from Kohima combines Nagaland's most famous trek with its village culture. You hike up from Viswema to camp near the Dzukou rest house, catch sunrise over the rolling valley, and then explore Khonoma — India's first green village — and the morungs of Kigwema.
The Kohima & Dzukou Valley Trek is a 5 days trekking & Hiking journey through Kohima, Viswema, Dzukou, Khonoma in Nagaland. Thoughtfully paced for 2-10 travelers, it brings together dzukou Valley trek & camping, Khonoma green village and Kohima WWII cemetery.
Over 5 days, you travel at a relaxed, unhurried pace with hand-picked stays, a private vehicle, and an experienced local driver who knows the routes and the seasons. Nights are spent in kohima hotels and Dzukou rest-house camping, so you rest well between days on the road.
The ideal window to travel is Oct-May; Jun-Jul for Dzukou lily, when the weather and views are at their best. Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Indian visitors (apply online). A small Dzukou entry fee is paid locally; carry warm layers and trekking shoes.
- Dzukou Valley trek & camping
- Khonoma green village
- Kohima WWII cemetery
Day by day
Day 1
Arrive Kohima
Dimapur → Kohima · approx. 74 km, 2.5–3 hrs
We pick you up in Dimapur and drive up to Kohima. In the afternoon you visit the Kohima War Cemetery on Garrison Hill and the Nagaland State Museum, then walk through the local market. In the evening your guide briefs you on the trek and checks your gear.
Meals: DinnerStay: KohimaDay 2
Trek to Dzukou
Kohima → Viswema (approx. 22 km, 1 hr) → Dzukou on foot (2–3 hrs)
You drive to the Viswema trailhead and start with a steep climb through forest, which then eases into a ridge walk with the valley opening below you. The last stretch drops gently to the base camp by the stream. You stay at the basic rest house or in tents; there's no electricity, so bring a head torch and warm layers.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: Dzukou campsiteDay 3
Dzukou Valley
Dzukou → Jakhama trail or back via Viswema (2.5–3 hrs) → Kohima
You wake early for sunrise over the rolling green hills, then walk along the streams and meadows of the valley floor. In June and July the Dzukou lily blooms here. After lunch you walk back out, either the way you came or down the steeper Jakhama trail, and drive back to Kohima.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: KohimaDay 4
Khonoma & Kigwema
Kohima → Khonoma (approx. 20 km) → Kigwema → Kohima
You visit Khonoma, known as India's first green village, where hunting was banned and the forest is managed by the community. You walk through the terraced fields and the old village gates, and hear about the 1879 battle against the British. On the way back you stop at Kigwema village to see its traditional morung.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: KohimaDay 5
Departure
Kohima → Dimapur · approx. 74 km, 2.5–3 hrs
After breakfast you drive down to Dimapur for your onward flight or train. Please plan for an afternoon departure.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
Included
- Hotels, guesthouse & campsite
- Breakfast and dinner
- Inner Line Permit assistance
- Trek guide & permits
- Private vehicle
Not included
- Airfare/train fare
- Lunches on trek days
- Sleeping bag hire
- Personal expenses
Stays & permits
Where you sleep
- Kohima
- Nights 1, 3 & 4
- Dzukou campsite
- Night 2
- Kohima hotels
- Dzukou rest-house camping
Permits & travel notes
Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Indian visitors (apply online). A small Dzukou entry fee is paid locally; carry warm layers and trekking shoes.
Questions people ask
How hard is the Dzukou Valley trek?
It's a moderate trek with a steep first climb from the Viswema side, followed by an easier ridge walk into the valley. Good shoes and warm layers are essential, and our guide sets a steady pace.
Can I combine the Dzukou trek with the Hornbill Festival?
Yes. In early December many travellers add a day or two at the Hornbill Festival in Kisama. Nights at Dzukou are very cold then, so we plan camping gear accordingly.
When does the Dzukou lily bloom?
The Dzukou lily usually flowers in June–July. October to May is the main trekking season, with clearer weather.
Is an Inner Line Permit needed for Dzukou?
Yes, Indian visitors need a Nagaland ILP, which we help arrange. A small entry fee is paid locally at Dzukou.