Rain and Reunion in Dzükou

    One Sunday evening in June, a WhatsApp notification popped up on my phone screen. It was from a group with a weirdly long name: "Whoever will cancel the trip have to pay 500." The full name was too long to display in the notification. Curiously I opened the group chat and started reading the messages. Everyone was talking about Dzukou Valley. Then it hit me—a month ago, we were all discussing a trip to Dzukou, and now they’d created a group with this funny name. The date was set for June 29th. I was unsure about joining at first, but eventually, I said yes. After all, what could be better than a reunion with friends, getting drenched together in the rain?

            A month planning finally come to execution. On 29^th of June, the three of us—Rajat, Dikshita, and I—arrived at Dimapur on the Ledo-Guwahati Express at 5:30 AM. The others were already waiting for us: Lipi, Sibani, Amar, Mayna Da, Giti, and Priyanka, who had arrived earlier on the Kamrup Express. Seeing them made me feel like breaking into a weird little dance, but of course, as an introvert, I couldn't quite muster the energy to do that in public. Still, I was genuinely happy to see them after so long.

          My tour operator friend, Lipi, was in charge of arranging everything. She’s quite experienced, as she regularly handles and operates Dzukou Valley treks for her agency. This trip was one she had organized through her agency, so we were in good hands. Two vehicles were arranged for our transfer.

        On our way to Jakhama, we made a stop for breakfast. While most of us opted for a light meal—puri and tea—every friend group has that one friend who can't survive without a proper three-course meal. So our group was also not an exception and that was Amar. He couldn't go without his rice, so he ordered a full meal of rice and dal.

        After breakfast, we continued our journey to Jakhama. To reach our destination, we had to pass through the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama—where the famous Hornbill Festival is celebrated every year. We decided to stop there for a while and explore, but unfortunately, renovation work was in progress, so we couldn’t see much.

        Around noon, we reached our stay in Jakhama—a three-storied building that would be our home for the next few days. A white Persian cat greeted us at the entrance, adding a warm, welcoming touch. I was immediately pleased with the surroundings; the sound of a small waterfall flowing nearby forests made it feel like a perfect retreat. We were allotted two rooms—one for the boys and one for the girls. We quickly settled in, and lunch was soon arranged. I remember savouring the pork; the pieces were so huge, but I didn’t leave a single bite. It had been so long since I’d eaten such fresh pork.

        After lunch, we decided to take a leisurely walk through the village. We went through the rice fields, snapping pictures and soaking in the beauty of nature. The mountains that had seemed so distant were now right next to us. Small wildflowers by the roadside added an extra charm to the landscape. We saw children playing nearby and spotted some elderly village women, strong and graceful, walking with ‘huras” carrying vegetables and firewood on that. They greeted us with warm, sweet smiles, making us feel truly welcome in their village.

         As the sun began to set and a light rain started to fall, we headed back to the homestay. Dinner was served at 7 PM, but before that, the homestay owner gave us a briefing about the trek. She explained the details of the trek and went over some important dos and don'ts. Reuniting with friends after such a long time was a blast, and with Rajat’s birthday just four days away, we decided to celebrate a bit early. We ordered a cake and enjoyed a night filled with fun and whiskey. It was already past midnight, but the stories and laughter seemed endless. However, knowing we had to wake up early the next day, we decided to call it a night and get some rest.

       The next day, we packed our belongings and left the extras at the homestay. The weather was gloomy and cloudy, so we grabbed our raincoats and a sleeping bag each. The homestay provided us with packed lunches for the trek.

        A Mahindra pickup was arranged to take us to the starting point of the trek. Driving other vehicles on those roads would have been nearly impossible—the terrain was extremely bumpy. We navigated through narrow, winding paths, with fog adding a mystical touch to the surroundings. Large trees lined the roads, their branches touching against us and making us duck and crawl. Despite the challenges, it was quite an adventure. After an hour of this rugged journey, we finally reached the trek's starting point. The guide gave us a briefing about the trek, and we put on our raincoats, ready to begin the adventure.

        To explore the valley, you'll need to undertake a moderate trek, which typically takes about 5 hours to complete. The trekking trail includes both uphill and downhill sections, with a path that runs along the side of the mountain from where you can see the carpet of lush greenery. The first hour of the Dzukou Valley trek is a bit challenging, as you’ll need to climb a series of steep steps. It can be tough, but the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top is well worth the effort.

After about an hour of climbing, we reached a viewpoint that offers a beautiful view of the plains stretching out below the mountain. On a clear day, the sight is simply stunning, and a strong, refreshing wind will greet you as you take in the panorama. However, on that day, the weather had other plans. It was rainy and foggy, so unfortunately, we couldn’t catch the beautiful view that this spot is known for. From this particular viewpoint, the climb becomes much easier. The trail continues along the edge of the mountain, offering a relatively flat and scenic walk.

          The remaining four hours of the trek were truly captivating. The weather kept us on our toes, changing minute by minute. At times, a light rain would start to fall and then, just as quickly, the sun would break through the clouds, lighting up the valley like a green gem. Some parts of the trail presented a different kind of challenge. The path was muddy, with water quickly filling the footprints left by trekkers ahead of us. Each step required careful footing, especially with the weight of our backpacks slowing us down.

             As we continued our trek, the path became very narrow at certain points, making it necessary to stop and step aside for other travellers returning from the top. But despite the challenges, everyone we encountered on the trail seemed so happy. The simple gestures of saying hello, offering a smile, and wishing each other all the best created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was overwhelming in the best way possible—receiving encouragement and best wishes from fellow travellers returning from the trek made the journey feel like a shared adventure.

 

      Throughout the trek, we couldn’t resist capturing the stunning scenery and memorable moments. After all, who would complete such a breathtaking trek without photographing the beautiful valley and the incredible landscapes? Although it added a few extra hours to our journey, taking photos was well worth the time. Personally, I post frequently on Instagram, I’ve developed a habit of snapping Instagram-worthy shots whenever I visit a new place, and this trek was no exception. While some of us were busy clicking picture and videos some our group member already crossed a mountain.

 

         After nearly five hours of trekking, we finally arrived at the base camp. It was lively with Naga boys playing volleyball and having a great time. Some of the camps were already set up, and those who had arrived before us were relaxing and soaking up the sun, having freshened up and settled comfortably on the benches. Our packed lunch from the homestay had gone cold by the time we reached the top, as the temperature was quite chilly. Despite the cold, we enjoyed the meal, appreciating the effort that went into preparing it for us.

         Everyone was exhausted and took some time to rest. However, we still needed to visit the valley, which required another two hours of hiking ups and downs. Since it was already 3 PM and getting late, starting the hike to the valley at that hour would mean returning in the dark. We realized that the photos might not turn out well and the view of the valley wouldn’t be at its best. Additionally, clouds were gathering, and it looked like rain was on the way. Given the weather conditions, it was wise to postpone our visit to the valley to avoid trekking in potentially unfavourable conditions. So, we decided to wake up early the next morning to explore the valley in better light.

        I lit up a cigarette and stood atop a cut tree, gazing out at the valley. The view was obscured by fog, but it was still a moment of relaxation. Standing there in silence, I appreciated the serenity of the scene also silently thanking my friends Sibani and Lipika for emotionally forcing me to join the trek, knowing that if I hadn’t joined the trek, I would have been sitting in front of my laptop working at that very moment.

     As the evening set in rain start to fall, everyone retreated to their respective camps. A group of 5-6 of us huddled into a small tent that could barely fit two people. We opened a bottle of rum, and as we sipped and relaxed, the atmosphere became warm and jovial. Meanwhile, the person who had planned the trip was resting in another tent due to a fever. It was a bit sad to see her unable to join us, especially after all the effort she had put into organizing the trek

          We spent time talking, laughing, and reminiscing about our university days. The effects of the rum gradually set in, and feeling a bit tipsy, I decided to head to my own tent to rest. Even from inside, I could hear their laughter and chatter, which was heartwarming. It was a joy to see them unwind and enjoy themselves, especially after their busy lives of working six days a week.

       Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name and glanced at my phone screen, realizing it was already 6 PM. I had dozed off for the past two hours. I unzipped the tent and stepped outside to find it pouring heavily with a biting cold wind. Quickly putting on my jacket, I went outside to join everyone. They were gathered near the kitchen, waiting for dinner amidst the stormy weather.

        I was wearing a shorts and my feat was cold as ice. I grabbed my dinner plate and hurried over to the campfire. Everyone was gathered around, enjoying their meal and chatting, laughing, and having fun. The warmth of the fire was a welcome relief from the cold and rain, making the evening feel cozy despite the weather. At this moment, I have to mention Myna da, who was the life of the campfire. He talked non-stop, entertaining everyone with his lively banter. He had answer for every question, and each response was savagely witty, keeping everyone in high spirits and making the evening even more enjoyable. We stayed by the campfire until around 11 PM, then decided it was time to get some rest since we planned to visit the valley early the next morning. I headed into the tent, crawled into my sleeping bag, and settled in for the night. I woke up in the middle of the night to find the wind howling and shaking my tent. The strong gusts made it difficult to sleep, adding an extra layer of discomfort to an already chilly night. However, I managed to sleep a bit and woke up early in the morning.

        It was still pouring rain. As I got up, I remembered my shoes and began searching for them. I eventually found them in the veranda of the camp house, completely soaked. I took the wet shoes and headed to where we had set up the campfire. The fire pit was damp from the rain, and despite my efforts to get the fire going, it just wouldn’t light. After numerous attempts, Rajat stepped in and helped me get the fire started. Finally, the warmth from the flames was a welcome relief.

         One by one, everyone woke up and gathered around the fire. Although it was still pouring, we knew we had to head to the valley. After all, trekking all this way would have no meaning if we didn’t see the valley ourselves. We made the decision to head toward the valley despite the rain. Crossing under small bamboo trees was a bit challenging, especially with the raincoat. I was fortunate to have bought new trekking shoes; otherwise, the trek would have been much more difficult, as some parts of the path were so slippery. The guide followed us as we navigated the ups and downs of the trail. The rain had turned the trekking path into a flowing stream, so we had to wade through the water. Our shoes and pants were soaked up to our knees, and we were completely drenched.

              Along the path, I noticed some terrestrial orchids, though it was the season for Dzukou lilies we were late. However, in the middle of the trail, I came across a few blooming Dzukou lilies. Their beauty was captivating, even though some had fallen due to the heavy rain. We stopped at a plain peak where we could see a river, swollen with rainwater, rushing rapidly from the high ground. The guide explained that we would eventually meet this river in the plain valley. However, given the strong current, it was clear we wouldn’t be able to cross it. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side. Despite this, we continued to the river's edge and enjoyed the panoramic view of the valley. The valley was adorned with Dzukou lilies plant and other wildflowers Plant. But not single Lilly was spotted in that area. I spotted some Dzukou lily buds that might bloom in the coming week. The view of the valley was stunning, even though there was no sunshine and the sky was covered with clouds. The muted light and misty atmosphere gave the landscape a unique quality. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie climax. All of us, covered in long raincoats and hats, resembled characters straight out of a Harry Potter film. The atmosphere added a magical touch to the experience.

        After spending some time at the valley, we made our way back to the base camp. My friend Sibani who had planned the trip convincing every everyone to join, along with my friend Lipika the tour operator, was waiting for breakfast. We quickly freshened up and headed for breakfast. Everyone was looking forward to the “Pahado wali Maggie”, which is a favourite among us. We enjoyed a warm cup of red tea along with the Maggie, which tasted even better than usual. After breakfast, we packed our bags and bid farewell to everyone at the campsite. The people there were incredibly sweet and hardworking, despite the bad weather they were preparing food and trying their best to Make our stay comfortable.

       Unfortunately, the rain showed no signs of stopping, and it seemed like we’d done something to anger the weather. My shoes, like everyone else’s, were completely soaked. Despite this, we continued our journey slowly, taking pictures, recording videos, and chatting away. The return trek itself became a cherished memory. While I enjoyed the moment of being disconnected from network coverage, I couldn’t help but worry about returning to busy lifestyle and constant connectivity once back to work place.

Finally, we reached the starting point of our trek, where our guide was already waiting for us. The vehicle was ready to take us back to the homestay. I was feeling anxious as I waited for the others because I was completely drenched from the rain and starting to feel a bit cold. One by one, everyone gathered around the vehicle, storing their bags and belongings. The upcoming one-hour journey was going to be quite different from before.

I found a comfortable spot to sit and settled in for the bumpy ride. The rough road felt like a full-body workout. But finally, we arrived back at the homestay. We were given two rooms to freshen up—one for the girls and one for the boys. Unfortunately, every piece of clothing inside my bag was soaked from the rain. I only had a t-shirt and a pair of shorts that I’d left at the homestay as extra luggage.

       Here's a tip: always carry large plastic bags when visiting Dzukou Valley or any other trekking destinations if you don’t have waterproof bags. It will keep your clothes and belongings dry. Lunch was ready, a treat from our birthday boy, Rajat. I must mention the homestay—it was quite charming. The food was good, and the surroundings were even better.

       So, the day and the trip with bundle of memories finally came to an end. After lunch, we packed our bags. It was raining, and we heard reports of landslides in some areas, so we quickly packed up and made our way to the station. Saying farewell to everyone at the homestay, we started our journey back to Dimapur.

       The Ledo-Guwahati Express was scheduled for 11:30 PM but was delayed by half an hour. While waiting in the waiting hall, everyone kept busy sharing photos from each other's phones. Some of us were on the Kamrup Express, which was scheduled for 10:00 PM, so we said our goodbyes as they left first.

The last three days were much more than just a reunion with friends. It was a break from the daily grind, a much-needed rejuvenation for my mind and soul. Sometimes, stepping away from our routines and immersing ourselves in nature is all we need to reset. Honestly, everyone deserves such a break now and then.