Incredible India
7 Things to Do in Dzukou Valley, the Rolling Green Border Valley Between Nagaland and Manipur
Dzukou Valley's rolling green hills straddle the Nagaland-Manipur border and bloom with an endemic lily each June, reachable only on foot from either state.
Sep 26, 2026 · BigTravel.in
Dzukou Valley sits at around 2,438 metres on the Nagaland-Manipur border, a stretch of rolling grassy hills and gorges reachable only by trekking in, with no road access to the valley floor itself. It draws hikers for two very different reasons depending on the month: lush green slopes after the monsoon, and a rare flower found nowhere else on earth in early summer. Here are seven things worth building a trip around.
1. Trek in from Jakhama or Viswema village
Most Nagaland-side treks start from Jakhama or Viswema village, both a short drive from Kohima, with the climb to the valley rim taking most trekkers three to five hours depending on fitness and weather.
2. Walk the valley floor in September and October
The valley's rolling hills turn deep green after the monsoon eases, generally the most reliable window for the views that made Dzukou's reputation, without the mud of the wettest months.
3. Look for the Dzukou lily in June
Lilium chitrangadae, known locally as the Dzukou lily, is endemic to this valley and blooms for a short window around June, drawing a different, smaller crowd of trekkers than the post-monsoon season does.
4. Camp overnight in the valley huts
Basic stone and tin-roofed rest huts, maintained by local village youth clubs, allow an overnight stay in the valley itself, which most trekkers say is worth the extra planning for the early morning light alone.
5. Follow the Dzukou stream
A clear stream runs through the valley floor, the main water source for camping trekkers and a natural break point roughly midway across the valley on the longer traverse routes.
6. Try the Manipur-side approach via Senapati
A separate route climbs from Manipur's Senapati district, a longer and less-used approach that gives a genuinely different first view of the valley to trekkers who have already done the Nagaland side.
7. Add Khonoma village near Kohima
Khonoma, often called India's first green village for its community-led conservation rules, sits close enough to Kohima to combine with a Dzukou trip, and gives a look at Angami Naga village life the trek itself doesn't.
Traveller tips
- There is no road into the valley itself; every route in is a trek, so carry proper footwear and enough water for the climb.
- Weather on the ridge can turn quickly even in the dry season; pack a windproof layer regardless of the forecast in Kohima.
- The rest huts are basic and fill up in peak season; carry a sleeping bag and confirm availability locally rather than assuming a bed.
- Permits and local guide arrangements can change; check current requirements in Kohima before setting out.
Where this is
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland