Table of Contents
Introduction
Between the untamed forest and ancient tribe’s whispers, the unexplored locations of Nagaland lead to higher peaks and unforgettable worlds!
When we talk about trekking in India, most travellers incline their mind towards Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, or even the Western Ghats. But what if I told you there exists a land where the clouds and lands come in harmony? Where each trek winds circumscribe through centuries-old tribal wisdom, and where every trek feels like an innovation and surprise? Welcome to Nagaland, India’s most iconic, mystical, and underexplored trekking location.
Nagaland is located in the womb of the Himalayas. It is in the far northeast corner of India, is known for its vibrant tribal culture and dramatic landscape. With enticing forests, cascading waterfalls, and cloud-kissed ridges, Nagaland hold the utmost value. It offers a terrain that remains mostly untouched by mass travellers. In this blog, we will give in-depth information on the Top 7 Unexplored Treks in Nagaland that will inspire travellers to go and get an escape. Tour Babari can assist you in planning a Northeast escape with ease and comfort.
Top 7 Unexplored Treks in Nagaland
1. Dzukou Valley Trek, Kohima
Dzukou is Nagaland’s crown jewel, having the surreal canvas of wildflowers, emerald meadows, and crisscrossing mist. It is more popular than others on this list due to its natural enchantment. It still remains largely untouched compared to India’s mainstream treks in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh.
Dzukou Valley is primarily located at the border of Nagaland and Manipur. It can be accessed via Kohima. The traveller can begin the trek from either Zakhama or Viswema village. What makes this trek magical is the silence and resilient beauty. The way this valley unfurls itself, rolling green carpets, hidden caves, and frozen rivers in winter. However, this trek can be slippery during monsoon, but the blooming meadows are a dream escape for every nature lover.
Duration: 2–3 days
Estimated Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per person
Travel Tips: The Best time for visiting is June to September when the Dzukou lilies bloom. You should carry warm clothes even in summer and pack your own food if staying overnight in the valley huts.
2. Mount Japfu Trek, Kohima
Mount Japfu is known to be the second-highest peak in Nagaland. It is the home to the world’s tallest Rhododendron tree. If you want to feel the solitude in nature, enriched with panoramic views, this Nagaland trek is for you. However, the trek begins from Kigwema village, which is just 15 km from Kohima. When you ascend through pine forests and Rhododendron groves, you’ll notice how untouched this journey feels. At the summit, the Japfu peak offers you magical views of the Dzukou Valley. The distant Naga hills under a canopy of nature endeavours.
Duration: 1–2 days
Estimated Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per person
Travel Tips: The optimal time to visit this location is October to April. Make sure you have the Trekking shoes with a good grip. These are a must due to the steep ascent. A local guide is highly recommended for a seamless trek and convenience.
3. Mount Saramati Trek, Kiphire
Mount Saramati is Nagaland’s highest peak at 3,841 meters. It is holding the crown and stands like a proud sentinel along the Indo-Myanmar border. The Mount Saramati trek is remote and raw. Additionally, it is an expedition into the true wilderness. The trek begins at Thanamir. It is popularly known as the “Apple Village” of Nagaland. Travellers will have to trek through thick tropical forests, alpine meadows, and occasionally sight rare orchids or hornbills. The summit also offers a breathtaking view over Myanmar’s hills and a silence that feels sacred. Though it is a border zone, a proper ID and coordination with local authorities are necessary to trek here peacefully.
Duration: 4–5 days
Estimated Cost: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 per person
Travel Tips: The best time is between October and March. Travellers also need permits, especially due to proximity to international borders. You should hire the local porters and guides from Thanamir village.
4. Pulie Badze Trek, Kohima
Pulie Badze is not just a trek but also a sacred site revered by the Angami tribe. A relatively shorter trek, it’s ideal for those who want a blend of culture, legends, and light adventure. Pulie Badze is known to be a more sagacious and breathtaking location in Nagaland.
The Pulie Badze trek begins from Jotsoma village. The trail ascends gradually, offering views of the Kohima town below and the lush hills around. The summit is said to be where a local warrior spirit, Pulie Badze, once stood to protect his land. It’s the perfect trek to experience Nagaland’s spiritual connection with its ecosystem in a more lively manner.
Duration: Half-day to 1 day
Estimated Cost: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per person
Travel Tips: It is perfect for beginners and day hikers. Travellers should choose the trek early in the morning to enjoy panoramic views and local birds.
5. Dzuleke Valley Trek, Kohima District
Dzuleke is a pastoral paradise, set apart from the more popular Khonoma village. It is framed by bamboo groves, waterfalls, and wildflowers. It is a location that walks you through Nagaland’s rural soul and adds the timeless abundance of nature. Dzuleke is not just a trek, it’s an immersion of souls into a village that has outlawed hunting to preserve its wildlife beauty. While trekking through its surroundings means the traveller is hearing an echo across the valley. They can even spot the mithuns (wild cattle) which are grazing freely. The community is committed to eco-tourism, which makes it one of Nagaland’s most heartwarming destinations.
Duration: 2 days
Estimated Cost: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per person
Travel Tips: Travellers can reside in eco-villages or with local families. In addition, you should respect the village rules on waste and photography. The ideal time to reside here is from September to February.
6. Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary Trek, Kiphire District
Hidden amid the relative wilderness of Kiphire near the Indo-Myanmar border, the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary trek seems to be a perfect breeding ground for wildlife buffs, ecologists, and people in search of solitude. The sanctuary is almost an untouched veritable treasure house of biodiversity, promoting trekking that combines nature with adventure and conservation awareness.
Starting from Fakim village, the path goes through terrains of dense evergreen forests echoing with the hornbill calls and unseen rustling. The deeper one goes into the sanctuary, the chillier it gets, and the more untamed the surroundings appear. You might get to see clouded leopards, civets, or even binturongs or bearcats, and pangolins, if lucky! The sanctuary is also heaven for birdwatchers as the area supports the rare species elusive almost anywhere in India.
Duration: 2–3 days
Estimated Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per person
Travel Tips: Carry all the required gear, good trekking shoes, creative rain covers, and an LED flashlight. Due to its important protected status and sensitivity of location by the border, please carry multiple ID proofs, and please ensure that you abide by the forest department regulations. Hiring a local guide is furthermore a must from the forest department’s point of view.
7. Longkhum Trek, Mokokchung
Longkhum is a village located at a height of 1,846 meters, offering more than picturesque sights-the place is a poetic representation of Naga mythology and ancient practices. Sitting atop a ridge and often cloaked in mist, the hike in Longkhum is not very hard but very rewarding, as the experience draws you deep into nature and culture.
The trail passes through thick woods dotted with wild orchids, by ancient monoliths, and by Mongzu Ki, which the locals believe to be the way spirits take to depart into the next life. Along the way, hand-carved stones tell the tales of ancient wars and love between their forefathers. That trek ends at “Eagle’s Nest,” a windy cliff overlooking breathtaking views of the Naga Hills and Assam plain. Sunrise with the fog rising from the plains is like watching the earth breathe.
Duration: 1 day
Estimated Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person
Travel Tips: Visit during spring (March–May) or post-monsoon (September–November) for clear views and lush greenery. Combine this trek with a cultural tour of nearby Mokokchung town. Hiring a local guide or storyteller is highly recommended to understand the symbolic significance of the sites.
Not All Travellers Wander on Road Trips, Some Go to Nagaland
Nagaland is not just a state but a living tale tucked away amidst misty ridges and tribal murmurs. Even every path here is not just unexplored but steeped in legends, spirits, and sanctity. These treks give you not elevation but elevation of the soul. From the flower-dusted meadows of Dzukou to the untamed quietude of Fakim, from the warrior lore of Pulie Badze to the sacred summits of Saramati and Japfu.
Nagaland offers something that no ordinary trekking circuit may assure: purity, tranquillity, and deep bonding. But such journeys are not for the faint-hearted or those who want comfort. They are for those who favour raw beauty, honouring cultures, and are willing to walk with their feet on the ground and an open heart. The best part: the farther you go into Nagaland, the more you discover the true essence of yourself.
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Also Read: Monsoon Treks in India: The Complete Guide