They say, somewhere hidden in these emerald valleys, there is a secret forest. Few eyes have seen them and the locals never disclose the location of the secret forest.
Legend also whispers of this beautiful female spirit who roams in this realm of green and needs the life of at least one man, every year, to keep her happy. That is Dzukou valley for you.
Surrounded by mystery, myths, legends, cold winds, lush green and two beautiful rivers Dzukou and Japfu, the valley is a place the beautiful Angami tribe holds with deepest of reverence.
Dzukou valley which received it’s name from the river, is famous for Dzukou lily, rhododendrons and a multitude of flowers which mostly bloom in the wetter months.
Untouched by civilization and almost inaccessible, the valley is a perfect travel destination for those who like to tread on the road less taken.
For pictures of the valley kindly visit our gallery.
Gallery
Since your trek also includes atleast 4 transfers,tour prices are subject to change with hike in petrol/diesel prices that occur after 24/01/2022.
Please note : RT-PCR / TrueNat Negative Test Certificate ( especially if you have had a single shot of vaccine or none at all), not older than 72 hours prior to your entry in our program is mandatory in all our programs, starting from 27/07/21.
ITINERARY
Day 1
- We pick you up from Dimapur around 10 am.
- Visit to Kachari ruins.
- Visit to Kohima War Cemetary.
- Visit to Cathedral/Museum
- Overnight stay at Kigwema at a homestay.
- We hand over your sleeping bags to you for the trek.
Day 2
- Post breakfast leave for Viswema by transport
- Trek to Dzukou valley starts from Viswema Trek point
- Overnight stay at Dzukou trekkers hut.
- Hours of walking :5-6 hrs
- Gradient : Slowly rising till the valley is reached. Steep in places. First 2.5 kms will be steep ascent.
Day 3
- Explore the valley and hike upto the cross .
- Dzukou river will have to be crossed at two points.
Day 4
- Post breakfast hike starts towards Vishwema
- Overnight stay at Kigwema
- Hours of walking : 4/5 hours
- Gradient : Descending trail. Steep descent towards the end.
Day 5
- Post breakfast leave for Dimapur by chartered vehicle around 8.30 am.
- Visit to Cathedral/Museum
- Reach Dimapur around 12 noon.
THINGS TO TAKE
Trekking Gear:
- A 50/60 ltr rucksack lined with plastic liner /covered with rain cover.
- A water bottle or a hydration pack.
- A Hand/Head Torch with spare batteries.
- UV protection Sunglasses.
Clothing:
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants- 2.
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts- 2.
- Thermal Bodywarmer Upper and Lower- 1. ( For winter months)
- Fleece jacket/a light warm woollen sweater- 1.
- A padded jacket
- Windcheater -1.
- Rainwear (Jacket and Pants) -1 OR poncho-1.
- Woollen socks - 2 pairs. ( For winter months)
- Sports socks- 2 pairs.
- Undergarments - 1 for each day of trekking.
- Pair of Warm Gloves - 1. ( For winter months)
- Woolen cap - 1.
- Sun cap or Biker Scarf for protection from sun- 1.
Footwear:
- Non-skid deep trod hiking shoes (Preferably ankle high) - 1 pair.
- Lightweight Slipper/Sandals/kitos - 1 pair.
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen lotion, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, toilet roll, cold cream, soap paper strips, small quick dry towel.
- Anti-fungal cream: Carry an antifungal cream if you are sensitive to sweating and prone to skin irritations around genitals or groin area due to lack of bathing.
- For women:
- Tampons or sanitary napkins,
- 2-3 zip pouches to dispose of non-biodegradable waste.
- Vaginal wash to avoid any irritation due to lack of bathing.
Utensils:
- A small size, lightweight, leak-proof lunch box that can bear handling.
- A spoon.
- An unbreakable mug to drink from.
Miscellaneous:
- Camera (optional).
- Personal medicine kit. Though our trek leaders carry a fully equipped first-aid kit, make sure you consult your doctor before the trek in case you have any special ailment.
- Dry fruits, energy bars.
FYI
FAQ
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What is the best time to visit:
April, May, November, December,January, February, March are the drier months. June, July and August are the rainy months, but the famous Dzukou lily blooms during the monsoons only. Monsoons are also times for leeches to come out. September is also a good month to visit the valley. there might be occasional/light drizzles and some flowers will still be there. We prefer to conduct our trek in the valley in the months of June September and October.
- Will you provide transport from Kigwema to Dimapur after the trek ends?
Yes . Our transport will pick up all the participants at 8.30 am and drop them at Dimapur Airport/Railway station within 12 noon..
- Will you provide accommodation on the day we trek down to Kigwema?
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Absolutely yes. Costs are included in your trek fee so no additional payment is required.
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Is it mandatory for any trek participant to stay overnight at your accommodation after the trek is over ?
In this trek, yes.
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Can I cancel my overnight stay at your selected accommodation at Kigwema, on the spot, after I complete my trek?
We are really sorry but on spot cancellations cannot be done.
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What is the experience required for the trek?
Absolutely doable for first timers. Basic fitness however, is a must. You should exercise for at least one and half months before coming for the trek. A mix of cardio and endurance exercises will help you to complete your trek without a hitch. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about treks. Basic knowledge of mountain mannerisms will come in handy.
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What is the level of fitness required for the trek?
You should be able to
1. Jog/Run for 4 kms within 30 mins
2. Walk 6 kms in an hour.
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Can I offload my backpack?
Yes you may, but the information has to reach us by an email and the offloading charges paid into our accounts at least seven working days before the date of the journey. On spot arranging for offloading will be a higher rate.
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Are there any toilet/washroom facility on the trek ?
Yes. You will be staying in a trekkers hut with basic toilet facilities. Dzukou hut has two toilets ( not attached) and they are common.
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Are trekking poles necessary ?
Though trekking poles are not mandatory, we must also say that they give you a good balance and grip. If you are using two of them, so much good for you.
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Will you give certificates on the completion of a trek ?
Yes, you will get an e-certificate on the completion of a trek.
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What kind of amenities can I expect?
You will be travelling through villages . Basic amenities are available.
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Is it safe for a solo woman traveler to trek on fixed departures?
Absolutely yes. Run and managed by a woman, Soma's Camps, understands the needs of a woman better than anybody else does. Women on trek will be sharing accommodations with other women.
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What kind of food will be provided on the trek?
Both vegetarian food and non vegetarian food (eggs only) will be served throughout the trek. Chicken will be available at Kigwema. Breakfast during the trek days may consist of cup noodles/maggi/cup poha. Trail pack on the day of exploration into the valley and coming down to Vishwema may consist of biscuits, cakes and, cup noodles and other dry food. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box, spoon and mug to consume food.
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What are the cellular network connectivity for this trek ?Mobile connections are not available on the trek trail. Jio, Airtel and Vodafone networks are available in Kohima , Dimapur and other towns.
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What is the minimum and maximum age limit?The minimum age limit of children, if accompanied by parents is 10 years, without parents is 14 years. If you are above the age of 50, kindly mail a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
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Which is the nearest railway station?
Dimapur
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Which is the nearest airport?
Dimapur
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Cancellations will be subject to cancellation charges.
- Cancellations will have to be intimated to Soma's Camps by email.
- 25% of the total trek fee is not refundable on cancellation at any point of time. If you fail to pay your trek fees( in case of part payments) within the scheduled date and ignore repeated intimations, your registration maybe cancelled and the booking amount forfeited.
- Treks have to be booked at least 40 days prior to the date of actual trek.
- Cancellation between 40 to 31 days prior to departure : 75% of the trek fee will be refunded.
- Cancellations made between 30 to 22 days prior to the trek date, 50% of the trek fee will be refunded
- Cancellation between 21 and 11 days prior to departure : 30% of the trek fee will be refunded.
- Cancellations made from 10 days to the day of departure : no refund.
- Cancellation by Soma's Camps in the unforeseen eventualities of riots, political or industrial unrest like Railway operators strike, Airlines strike, it may be necessary to cancel the tour in the best interests of our clients. In such an eventuality our clients will be informed as soon as possible. The trip fee paid by the clients will be refunded in full OR we will provide you with an alternate set of program dates.
- Cancellation by Soma's Camps in the unforeseen eventualities of pandemic, sudden and extended lockdown, epidemic, any other long term natural or biological disaster or man-made disasters like war and others, it may be necessary to cancel the tour in the best interests of our clients. In such an eventuality our clients will be informed as soon as possible. 70 % of the trip fee, (if already paid by the clients) will be refunded.
- If a particiant tests positive in the RTPCR test within the window of 72 hours of prior to joining our program she/he will have to mail the report to somascamps@gmail.com . The traveller will receive a travel voucher of the same amount, by mail, from our side which he/she can use within one year, in any other trip/program.
Other Terms & Conditions
- Drinking and smoking during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found flouting the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect. Please understand we will not accept any negotiation or debate on alcohol consumption.
- Payment: Payment for the trek can be done online through credit/debit card or net banking or NEFT or by account payee cheques.
- Non-liability: Soma's Camps is not responsible for any loss/damage of your gears/equipment or other belongings on the trek.
- Please be aware that if your trek leader deems it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, he may arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.
- Regarding proper disposal of non bio-degradable waste:At Soma's Camps, we to prefer to leave nothing other than footprints behind. Kindly help us to maintain that by taking care of your non bio-degradable wastes.
- Emergency during trek: If for any reason you are sent down from the trek then Soma's Camps will make arrangements for your return to the base camp or nearest road head. A staff will accompany you. He may not be a trained personnel.Evacuation or dealing with emergencies is extremely difficult and time consuming in the mountains.Moreover, a sick or injured person is not easy to evacuate.We do not have doctors accompanying with the team . Doctors are not available at the base camp or nearest road head either. Soma's Camps trek leaders are trained to administer first aid and know how to deal with issues related to the mountains. However, they are not doctors.
- Please understand when we say 'trek fee', we mean the full amount not partial payment
- Program may get modified/cancelled in case of inclement weather.
- Cost escalation during the trek, due to change in itinerary owing to natural reasons or unforeseen conditions like Landslides , Road Blockage, Bad Weather, Social or Political Unrest, Strikes, sudden shut down of any govt office etc, will have to be borne by the participant.
- Soma's Camps do not owns the home-stays/lodges along the trail. Maintenance of the home-stays/lodges are solely with the owners.
- Please note that the minimum batch strength is 7. If we fall short of the requisite number, the trek will be called off and your trek fees will be refunded in full without any cancellation charge deducted. However, if you still want to go ahead with the trek, it will be our pleasure to conduct it for you. In such a case your trek fees will be a little higher and the amount will be disclosed to you well before the journey.
