Travel Guide · Updated January 2026
Dzukou Valley Trek Guide — A Side-Trip from the Hornbill Festival
The Dzukou Valley sits at around 2,452 m on the Nagaland–Manipur border, just 30 km from Kohima. It's the easiest standout trek to pair with the Hornbill Festival — a one or two-day hike through bamboo forests, open meadows and the famous Dzukou lilies in summer.
Two routes — Viswema vs Jakhama
From Viswema (25 km from Kohima): the gentler route. A jeep ride climbs up to the trailhead at around 2,100 m, leaving a 4–5 km walk to the rest house. Best for first-time trekkers or anyone short on time during the festival.
From Jakhama (20 km from Kohima): the classic route. A steeper 6–7 km climb of roughly 4 hours through rhododendron and bamboo. Fitter trekkers prefer this for the variety and the longer ridge views.
Difficulty & what to expect
Moderate. Both routes are well-trodden but involve sustained climbing and slippery sections in damp weather. Carry layers, a head torch, water and basic snacks — there are no shops past the trailhead.
Most groups stay one night at the Dzukou Valley rest house (dorm beds, basic kitchen) and return the next morning. Day-hikes are possible from Viswema if you start early.
Pairing with the Hornbill Festival
December weather at Dzukou is cold, dry and clear — daytime 5–12°C, freezing at night. Build in a buffer day in Kohima before the trek to acclimatise after travel.
A common pattern: 3 festival days at Kisama, then a 1-night Dzukou trek from Viswema, then back to Kohima for the closing ceremony on 10 December. We can arrange the cab, guide and rest-house booking as part of any of our packages.
Permits, costs & guides
Your Nagaland ILP covers Dzukou — no separate permit is required. The Southern Angami Youth Organisation collects a small entry fee at the trailhead (around ₹100 per trekker) and rest house beds are typically ₹200–300 per night.
A local guide isn't mandatory on the marked trail but is strongly recommended in winter and during low cloud. We use Angami guides from Viswema and Jakhama on all our trekking add-ons.
Best time to visit Dzukou
June–September: the valley turns green and the Dzukou lilies bloom — spectacular but very wet, with leeches on the trail.
October–early March: clearest views, dry trails, frost at night. December (Hornbill Festival season) is one of the most popular windows.
Planning a trip? See our Hornbill Festival tour packages message us on WhatsApp +91 60019 80680 or email hello@livingrootsexpeditions.com.