Saramati Peak

4.5

Location: Khonoma, Nagaland.

Visiting time: 1-2 hours.

Saramati Peak is known as Japfu Peak. The reason Nagaland gets to be known as the ‘Switzerland of the East’ is Japfu Peak, a stunning attraction in Nagaland. The second highest peak of the state is located 25 kilometers from the capital city, Kohima Standing tall at 3,084 meters. A trek right up to its top affords one of the most surreal views of the Dzukou Valley is the reason behind its immense popularity over the years. As the backdrop looks straight out of a painting, the lush greenery of the valley, coupled with snow-clad mountains.

Attraction

Make sure you carry your camera and a picnic basket as the view from the top is so overwhelming, so you can unwind and relax for a good couple of hours. Staying amidst raw nature will probably be one of your best memories from here by Pitching a tent and camping at Japfu Peak. Other things to do in Kohima, the market area offers a good bargain on local handicrafts and pottery that you can take back as souvenirs for your family and friends if you have the time for shopping. You can also enjoy the spectacular nightlife here. Great cuisine, local music, and a chance to be a part of the local culture at close quarters are offered by the bars and clubs. If you have the time on hand, you should also visit Viswema Village and meet the locals there.

History

The climb to the Japfu Peak, also known as Java, which is about a distance of 15 km from Kohima is one of the most difficult treks in Nagaland. The peak is Nagaland’s second-highest and draws trekkers and adventure lovers for its scenic beauty and thrilling trails with an altitude of 3,048 m. Tourists first need to reach the quaint village of Kigwema and start the hike from a point near the Japfu Christian College to reach the peak. The trail is a demanding one and you need to walk through dense bushes. Reaching the peak will take time around 5 hours and getting back to Kigwema will take time around 4 hours. For being home to the tallest rhododendron tree in the world, the Japfu peak is famous. Approximately as tall as a 9-story building,109 ft high, the tree holds the Guinness record as it is the tallest rhododendron. Splendid panoramic views of Kohima and its neighboring areas are also offered by the peak.

Inside/Outside Views

With beautiful flowers dotting every square inch of the landscape, from June onwards, Dzukou Valley – also known as the ‘Valley of flowers – is in full bloom. It’s highly recommended that you take a trek up Japfu Peak during that time for an uninterrupted view of the flowers in bloom. Not only that, you can see interestingly, villages in Arunachal and Dibrugarh in Assam can also be seen from here, a vast spread of valleys, hills, and villages – almost half of Nagaland.

Opening Hours

It is open all seven day.

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee to get access inside Japfu peak.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Having frequent flights from all over the country, The state airport is in Dimapur, however mostly via Kolkata. From Dimapur to Kohima, one needs to cross a journey of approximately 3 hours.

By Rail: From Khonoma, the nearest railway station is in Dimapur. One can board a connecting train from Guwahati to Dimapur, as your train might not be directly going to Dimapur. The rest of the country is well connected to Guwahati.

By Road: Kohima is well-connected to major cities in North-East India, Guwahati, and Shillong. From Kohima, Guwahati is 352 km and Shillong is 414 km. Khonoma is at a distance of 20 km from Kohima.