Adventure
Dzukou Valley Trek
The festival's organised trek into the valley above Kohima.
What it is
The Dzukou Trek featured three times on the official 2025 programme, beginning at 6:00 AM on 2, 6 and 8 December 2025.
Why it matters
Dzukou Valley is the defining landscape of the Kohima region — a high, rolling grassland valley on the Nagaland–Manipur boundary. Doing it on a scheduled festival departure removes the logistics problem of finding transport to the trailhead in peak season.
Where it takes place
Dzukou Valley, reached from Viswema or Jakhama south of Kohima.
Getting there: see how to reach Kisama and Kohima, and the Kisama Heritage Village venue guide.
Who should attend
Reasonably fit walkers. It is a full day out, and the 6:00 AM start is not negotiable in December daylight.
Before you travel, check the ILP & PAP permit requirements and budget guidance.
Programme days (2025 archive)
In the official Hornbill Festival 2025 programme, this event appeared on:
- Day 2, 2 December 2025 — 6:00 AM Dzukou Trek Begins
- Day 6, 6 December 2025 — 6:00 AM Dzukou Trek
- Day 8, 8 December 2025 — 6:00 AM Dzukou Trek
These are archived 2025 timings. The 2026 programme will be published separately once released by the Government of Nagaland.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Dzukou trek?
Moderate. The Viswema route is longer but gentler; the Jakhama route is shorter and steeper.
What should I carry?
Layers — December nights at altitude are near freezing — plus water, snacks and a torch.