Zakhama Village
Zakhama Village, often grouped with its neighbor Jakhama, is a vibrant and strategically important settlement of the Angami tribe. It is known for its steep terrain and the famous "staircase" route to Dzukou Valley. The village has a deep historical significance, having played a role as a strategic military outpost during the Second World War due to its proximity to the Indo-Myanmar border. The inhabitants are primarily of the Angami tribe, renowned for their bravery and their mastery of terrace cultivation. Walking through Zakhama offers an authentic look at Naga life that remains largely untouched by modern commercialization. The village is characterized by its stone-walled houses, traditional gates, and the meticulous carvings that adorn the homes of the wealthy and the village elders. The community is deeply religious, with the local Baptist church serving as a central social hub. Zakhama is also home to a significant military station, which has integrated into the local landscape over decades. For tourists, the village serves as a more challenging entry point to the Dzukou Valley, featuring a steep climb that tests one's endurance but rewards them with spectacular views much faster than the Viswema route. The local markets are a delight, selling organic produce like Naga King Chili, tree tomatoes, and hand-woven shawls. The village hospitality is legendary; it is not uncommon for visitors to be invited for a cup of traditional tea. Education and sports are highly valued here, with the village producing many local leaders and athletes. The serene environment, combined with the rich cultural fabric, makes Zakhama a must-visit for anyone looking to understand the core values of the Naga people.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 DayPlace Type:
Cultural VillageEntry Fees:
Village Entry: Generally free, but some heritage sites may request a 20 INR donation.
Trekking Fee: 100 INR per person for the Dzukou Valley entry via this route, payable at the forest check post. ...Village Entry: Generally free, but some heritage sites may request a 20 INR donation.
Trekking Fee: 100 INR per person for the Dzukou Valley entry via this route, payable at the forest check post.Timing:
Regular Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM for visitors. The military areas have restricted access and require valid ID.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning at 08:00 AM to explore the village market when it is most active. ...Regular Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM for visitors. The military areas have restricted access and require valid ID.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning at 08:00 AM to explore the village market when it is most active.Special Events:
Sekrenyi Festival: Celebrated in February, the village comes alive with traditional dances, war cries, and community feasts. It is the best time to see the people in their full traditional attire.
Youth Day Sports: Often held in January, t...Sekrenyi Festival: Celebrated in February, the village comes alive with traditional dances, war cries, and community feasts. It is the best time to see the people in their full traditional attire.
Youth Day Sports: Often held in January, these events showcase traditional Naga sports like wrestling and pole climbing.Best Photo Spots:
The Village Entrance: The traditional carved gate makes for a perfect cultural portrait.
The Valley Stairs: Looking down from the first ridge of the trek provides a dizzying yet beautiful shot of the village below.
Read MoreThe Village Entrance: The traditional carved gate makes for a perfect cultural portrait.
The Valley Stairs: Looking down from the first ridge of the trek provides a dizzying yet beautiful shot of the village below.
The Terrace Fields: During the monsoon, the water-filled terraces reflect the sky like a thousand mirrors.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Conquering the Jakhama-Zakhama Trek: Take the steep stone stairs towards the valley for a heart-pumping adventure.
Shopping for Naga Shawls: Visit local weavers and purchase authentic Angami shawls with traditional motifs.
Tasting Local Delicacies: Try the "Zutho" (local rice beer) and smoked meats at a village eatery.
Exploring the Kharu Gates: Walk to the village entrances to see the massive carved wooden gates.
Photography of Terrace Farms: The steep slopes offer a dramatic perspective of the green paddy fields.
Visiting the Baptist Church: Admire the modern architecture and join a Sunday service for the soulful singing.
Cultural Interaction: Spend time at th...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Steep Trek: It is famous among adventure enthusiasts for providing the shortest but most difficult access to Dzukou Valley. This route is often called the "Stairway to Heaven" by local trekkers.
Military History: Zakhama is well-known ...The Steep Trek: It is famous among adventure enthusiasts for providing the shortest but most difficult access to Dzukou Valley. This route is often called the "Stairway to Heaven" by local trekkers.
Military History: Zakhama is well-known for hosting one of the most scenic military stations in India. Its history during the 1944 Battle of Kohima is a point of pride for the locals who assisted the Allied forces. -
Architecture:
Stone Masonry Houses: Traditional houses in Zakhama utilize dry stone masonry for foundations, with walls made of wood or bamboo. A typical house measures 25ft x 40ft. The most striking feature is the "Kharu" or village gate, intricately carved from a single piece of wood...Stone Masonry Houses: Traditional houses in Zakhama utilize dry stone masonry for foundations, with walls made of wood or bamboo. A typical house measures 25ft x 40ft. The most striking feature is the "Kharu" or village gate, intricately carved from a single piece of wood, often standing 8ft tall and 5ft wide.
Military Influence: The architecture in the cantonment area follows colonial-style barracks with long corridors and sloped corrugated iron roofs, typically 100ft x 30ft.
Terrace Engineering: The surrounding landscape features ancient terrace farms, some spanning over 200 meters in length, showcasing advanced indigenous irrigation systems. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Dimapur (DMU). Hire a taxi to Kohima, then take a local sumo to Zakhama.
By Train: Dimapur Railway Station is the nearest. Shared transport to Kohima takes about 3 hours.
By Road: 16 KMS fr... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Dzukou Point (3 KMS), 2. Kezoltsa Forest (2 KMS), 3. Kisama Heritage Village (5 KMS), 4. Kohima War Cemetery (16 KMS), 5. Japfu Peak (10 KMS), 6. Viswema (5 KMS), 7. Kigwema (4 KMS), 8. Kohima Museum (17 KMS), 9. Khonoma (25 KMS), 10. Cathedral Hill (15 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The trek from here is very steep; not recommended for those with knee issues.
Packing: Bring high-grip shoes and a walking stick.
Accommodation: Homestays are the best option; look for th...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(670+) of Nagaland Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Dzukou Valley Dzuleke VillageGovernor's View PointIntanki National ParkJapfü PeakKezoma Town MemorialKohima Botanical GardenKohima Town CentreKohima Town Centre Kohima Zoo Naga Bazaar KohimaNaga Heritage Village Phizo Memorial ParkPhom Village Pulie Badze Wildlife SanctuaryRazhu PointSecond World War MuseumTouphema Tourist VillageMore PlacesNote:-
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