Sleeping Under The Stars
Eclectic Northeast|October 2018

Dzukou is not just for people who enjoy spending time outdoors but for anyone looking to experience something new and delightfully untarnished

Shibani Gogoi
Sleeping Under The Stars

Anything worthwhile is never easy, so goes the saying and this kind of applies to Dzukou Valley in many ways. It is not a destination where you can take a lot with you, literally, because the hike is quite strenuous and every extra kilo will start to feel three times heavy as time passes by. But that may be the true point of making your way to the valley; it is a place where you can forget the stress and worries of your mundane life and breathe some fresh air, camp out under the stars, indulge in hot soupy noodles, catch a glimpse of the Dzukou Lily and make new friends while sharing ghost stories huddled inside a tent.

Located on the shared border of Nagaland and Manipur, Dzukou Valley is in the bucket list of most travellers, mine included. And so, when my plan finally saw the light of day a couple of months back, I couldn’t have been more excited.

Initial Impressions

My friends and I took the train to Dimapur and reached Dimapur Junction at around 9 am, from where we booked a taxi to Kohima. It is easy to find taxis at the railway station, however to get the best rates, ask around a little. But my initial excitement did not last long as the dust, the muck spilling from the roads, the screeching of tyres were making the experience rather unpleasant. Although a 68 km journey, it took more than three hours to finally be able to shake hands with Kumar, our Bolero driver who would take us from Kohima to the starting point of our trek, Viswema.

This was when I got back some of my enthusiasm. A trail of dancing clouds started gathering above us and a mild shower accompanied by the green countryside along the way helped us forget the horrible Dimapur-Kohima journey. After about an hour and half, having covered a distance of around 24 km, we finally reached the starting point of our trek at Viswema village. We gathered our backpacks and started our uphill trek at 3:05 pm.

This story is from the October 2018 edition of Eclectic Northeast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 2018 edition of Eclectic Northeast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ECLECTIC NORTHEASTView All
Time For Home Improvement!
Eclectic Northeast

Time For Home Improvement!

Here are some home improvement projects that even absolute beginners will get right

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Coping With Anxiety
Eclectic Northeast

Coping With Anxiety

Here are a few ways that you can deal with anxiety that you may be feeling because of the on-going pandemic

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
The Spread Continues
Eclectic Northeast

The Spread Continues

According to official reports, African Swine Fever has killed more than 1,700 pigs in Mizoram

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Take the Unexplored Path
Eclectic Northeast

Take the Unexplored Path

If you are looking for an underrated destination to explore this year, plan a trip to the charming town of Likabali

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
The Lotus Blooms Again
Eclectic Northeast

The Lotus Blooms Again

The Congress-led grand alliance bites dust in Assam as BJP retains power again in 2021

time-read
10+ mins  |
June 2021
Painting Heritage
Eclectic Northeast

Painting Heritage

An up-and-coming artist from Nagaland wants to share his culture and heritage through works of art

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2021
MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS
Eclectic Northeast

MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS

People often ask me about my life out of uniform. Honestly, I have had no problems. Not so far. Instead, I find it quite refreshing. No routine, no parades, no briefing, no impending operations. Having donned the uniform since the age of thirteen until I hung up my boots last year, could I ever visualize life out of uniform? Not really. But, as I said, the transition has been quite smooth–no hang-overs, no regrets. People have been very positive in their interactions. Government departments have been responsive whenever I have approached for assistance.The genuine respect for the uniform is quite evident and it makes my heart swell with pride. Arunachal, to that extent, is the most nationalistic state in the country, I daresay. It has been kind of a revelation for me to experience the freedom of being a common man in an environment of positivity!

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
Look Good, Feel Good!
Eclectic Northeast

Look Good, Feel Good!

Here are four cruelty-free makeup brands that deserve a spot in your vanity bag

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Manipur Introduces Gender Budget
Eclectic Northeast

Manipur Introduces Gender Budget

The main objective is to bring forward a gender perspective at all stages of policy making

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2021
TAKING DAAKOR BOSON TO THE WORLD
Eclectic Northeast

TAKING DAAKOR BOSON TO THE WORLD

Two artists are using visually appealing artwork to spark conversations about Assam, and the region

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2021