Etymology
The word Dzükou is originally derived from the Viswema dialect of the Angamis which means "Soulless and Dull" referring to when some ancestors of Viswema who moved out to establish a new village in Dzükou, due to the unfavorable weather conditions they were unable to harvest crops which led them to say "the valley is very beautiful but is dull and soulless".
A common misconception is that Dzükou derives its meaning from the Angami word which translates to "Cold Water" referring to the ice cold stream that flows through the valley.
Access
The main entry is from the foothills of Viswema village where one can travel to the rest house above Mt. Teyozwü by a Tata Sumo taxi. From here one has to climb forty minutes to the top of the mountain. This is where Dzükou starts but the main valley is still another two hours walk away. One can exit the valley from the same route but if one is planning to come back by foot the Jakhama route is shorter.
It can also be reached in five hours of trek from Mt. Isü(Tempü) of Senapati district of Manipur. Trek from the former route is about 17 km and takes longer and is less challenging, however mind the stone cut staircases in the middle. The later route is more challenging but you get to reach the guest house in just about 4–5 hours. From the guest house the valley is visible and its just about 45mins walk downhills. The new five-hour trek route was opened by MMTA (Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association).
There is a Helipad just next to the Guest house however no service is seen in the last few years.
Ownership
The majority of Dzükou valley lies in Manipur. Reacting to the encroachment of Dzükou valley in Manipur by Nagaland, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh urged the Surveyor General of India to help demarcate the interstate boundary. Ibobi Singh also wrote the issue of the encroachment to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
Nagaland have claimed the area as an integral part of their state. The political area of Manipur covers a major part of this valley while the inhabitants and etymology of the valley is Angami Tribe of Nagaland.
On 27 June 2015 Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang rejected the proposal from the Manipur Government to resolve the issue and stated that it is an internal conflict between two tribes. With the help of the center, they will practice Naga customary laws to come to conclusion.
Geography
The Dzukou Valley is situated right at the border of Nagaland and Manipur, just behind the magnificent Japfu peak. It is located at an altitude of 2438m above sea level. Two of the most beautiful rivers which crisscross the valley as though streams running through an elaborately developed garden.
Dzukou valley is located on the vary top of the steep mountains in Nagaland, India (near the boarder of Myanmar). It's worth the steep climb, and you realize this once your crest the trail and look down into this unique wonder of the world with its rolling hills and fields of miniature bamboo.
