12 Underrated Hill Stations in India to Visit Before Instagram Finds Them

4. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland/Manipur

Dzukou Valley is a broad alpine meadow tucked between Nagaland and Manipur, known for seasonal blooms and an unhurried trekking vibe. Facilities are minimal by design: there are no big hotels here, only simple forest camps and local tea stalls. The best time to visit is late summer and early autumn when wildflowers dot the slopes and the trail is pleasant, though monsoon months make the path slippery and less suitable for casual visitors. Access usually involves reaching Kohima or Imphal and driving toward the valley’s trailheads, followed by a day hike. Local guides are helpful and affordable, and staying overnight in a tent gives you a sunrise you won’t forget. Bring warm layers, a rain jacket, and basic camping essentials; there’s limited supply availability en route. Photography favors soft morning light across the meadow and the patchwork of seasonal flora. Dzukou offers a deep breath of open space for people who enjoy trekking and simple outdoor life.