In April 2021, I lifted the bag on my shoulders and took a moment to glance back at Dzukou Valley. When will I see her again? The uncertainty lingered. But now it was time to embark on a new journey, a journey back home, with a nagging ache in my heart. And so, the final chapter began on April 14, 2021, as Aditi Di and I boarded a flight from Kolkata to Dimapur, to fulfil a dream that had been harbored for many years.
From the airport, we negotiated with a taxi driver and settled into a cab for Kigwema (Jakhama), approximately 70 kilometers away. After traversing more than half the distance, the driver halted near a decent hotel, where we indulged in a satisfying meal of fish, rice, followed by some satisfaction in the form of jalebis, then hit the road again.
Upon reaching our homestay..
After nearly half an hour’s drive past Kohima, we reached our homestay. The hospitality we encountered from Ravitono Didi there exceeded our expectations by leaps and bounds. Outside, the rain drizzled, while indoors, conversations brewed over a hot cup of tea with Sonam, a London resident who had embarked on a tour of India since the last two months, starting from her grandfather’s house in Rajasthan.
The next morning, promptly at 7 o’clock, we boarded the car with Aditi Di, Sonam, and our guide. Ravitono Didi arranged the car for us. Despite the rain persisting since last night, i was feeling a bit down but as soon as a ray of sun hit the valley, our spirits shooted high as we set out for our trek, knowing that today’s weather was ideal for trekking.
Mesmerizing Dzukou Valley –
After about an hour’s trekking, we reached the Viswema trek point. The journey had just begun, the path to fulfilling dreams. Let me note here the two routes to reach Dzukou Valley: one through Zakhama, which is shorter, and the other through Viswema, which is relatively easier. Initially, the climb was steepin the first hour; however, after about four hours of trekking from the Viswema trek point, we reached our destination, the dreamland of Dzukou Valley, where we found respite at the guest house.
Although our bodies demanded some rest now, but the sight of the vast, rain-soaked valley urged us to wander further. Settling amidst bamboo-made benches, we relished tea and omelets, savoring the sweet vista before us. As evening approached, we delayed our return, opting instead to start walking towards a cross visible from Dzukou Valley.
It took us another two hours to reach our homestay. As we reached the cross and a name inscribed on a stone, witnessing the untouched beauty of the valley with its sprawling emptiness, we felt a sense of serenity engulfing us. Returning to the guest house, we were filled with a rush of positive emotions that promised to linger in our memories forever.
Mingling in the joy of an unforgettable night
Here, devoid of any network connectivity, the cacophony of ringing phones couldn’t disturb the tranquility. Outside, rain poured down in torrents, accompanied by occasional flashes of lightning and the chilly shiver of the wind. Opting for the wooden dormitory room amidst the downpour, we disregarded the alternative, colder, cement option. Ignoring the colorful spectacle of the rain outside, we walked back from the kitchen, balancing a half-filled plate of rice, daal and potato curry in one hand and an umbrella in the other, giggling as we shivered.
Saying goodbye to Dzukou Valley, but certainly not the last time..
Meanwhile, entering the room we found ourselves not alone, but amidst a group of about twelve to thirteen trekkers from various states. Eventually, we dozed off to a dreamworld while the rain poured outside with gusts of wind creaking the wooden planks. Aditi’s sudden call broke the silence, signaling the time—eight in the evening. With sleep dissipating from our eyes, we stepped outside to find the lush greenery of Dzukou Valley soaked in the rain, captivating our senses once more. Today, it seemed, it had transformed, becoming even more enchanting, more magical.
Some Important Dzukou Valley Trek Tips:
- Taxi fare from Dimapur to Kigwema is around 3000 rupees, which can be shared. Alternatively, you can opt for shared taxis from Kohima, costing 500 rupees per head for a 4-seater and 400 rupees per head for a
7-seater. - Don’t miss out on the chili pork cooked by Ravitono Didi.
- The taxi fare from our homestay to Viswema trek point was 2000 rupees for a 7-seater.
- The entry fee for Dzukou Valley is 100 rupees per person.
- Dormitory accommodation costs 50 rupees per person.
- Blanket rental costs 100 rupees, while bedding and mattress each cost 50 rupees per night.
- Plastic is strictly prohibited in Dzukou Valley.
Keep nature clean,
Stay well; Stay healthy.
Written by: Moutusi Maji (মৌটুসী মাজি)
Translated by: Izifiso
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