Japfu Peak

Japfu Peak near Kohima (celebrated globally across mountaineering, botanical sciences, and adventure trekking as Nagaland's second highest mountain summit rising to an elevation of 3,048 meters / 10,000 feet within the Barail mountain range, world famous for hosting the Guinness World Record 109 foot-tall Rhododendron arboreum tree discovered in 1993, exhilarating 17 kilometer ridge trek through sub alpine bamboo groves and dwarf juniper forests, sweeping 360 degree panoramic views across rolling green emerald slopes of Dzukou Valley and distant Himalayan snow caps on ultra clear autumn mornings, habitat for the rare Blyth's Tragopan pheasant and mountain leopard cats, mist cloaked rocky summits above the clouds, and traditional Angami folklore honoring Japfu as a divine mountain protector), located 15 km south of Kohima in Nagaland, stands as Nagaland's ultimate trekking summit and high altitude wilderness adventure.

Commencing from Kigwema village, the ascent passes through moss laden rainforests where wild orchids, medicinal ferns, and flowering alpine shrubs carpet the steep terrain.

It's the home of the world's tallest rhododendron tree standing 33.2 meters / 109 feet high, sheer rocky cliff viewpoints looking down on rolling cloud inversions, crystal clear streams through bamboo thickets, night camping beneath starry skies, and an intensely peaceful, deeply exhilarating mountain wilderness atmosphere filled with hill partridges and crisp sub alpine winds.

It represents a rich Nagaland botanical biodiversity apex, Angami mountain heritage, and high altitude trekking where 3,048 meter summits, giant rhododendrons, Dzukou valley overlooks, and Kohima adventure tours unite in Japfu Peak.

Located 15 km south of Kohima near Kigwema village along NH 2 (Imphal Road), it sits 85 km from Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) and Airport (DMU), 10 km from Kisama Heritage Village, and 25 km from Khonoma, easily reached in 30 minutes by taxi to the base trailhead at Kigwema.

The Guinness Record 109 Foot Rhododendron Tree

In 1993, researchers discovered a gigantic Rhododendron arboreum on the slopes of Japfu Peak measuring 108.9 feet (33.2 meters) tall, earning an official entry into the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest rhododendron in the world.

During peak spring flowering (March to May), the entire mountain ridge blazes in fiery shades of scarlet red, deep pink, and white rhododendron blossoms.

Truth is, standing beneath this 109 foot flowering colossus while morning mist drifts through the canopy will make you marvel at nature's grandeur.

Trekking Trail, Summit Views & Flora

The 17 km Trek Route: The trek begins at Kigwema village (1,700m) and ascends steeply over 5 to 6 hours through dense bamboo forests and steep rocky scrambles to the 3,048 meter summit.

Sub Alpine Wilderness: The upper ridges feature dwarf bamboo (Sinarundinaria rollaana), alpine lilies, and rare medicinal herbs, while the summit offers unbroken panoramas into neighboring Manipur and Assam plains.

Japfu Peak 2 Day Trekking Expedition Plan

The 2 Day Mountain Expedition: Day 1: Drive from Kohima to Kigwema village base (7:00 AM) -> meet local Angami trekking guide & begin steep ascent (7:30 AM) -> reach the giant Rhododendron tree site for lunch (12:00 PM) -> push to summit ridge camp (3:30 PM) -> witness sunset over Dzukou Valley -> overnight tent camping. Day 2: 5:30 AM sunrise above cloud inversions -> explore summit viewpoints -> descend to Kigwema (8:00 AM to 1:00 PM) -> drive to Kisama Heritage Village for late lunch.

Guide & Equipment Essentials: Hiring an experienced local guide from Kigwema is mandatory due to unmarked ridgeline trails; pack thermal layers, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, headlamp, and sufficient drinking water.

After conquering Japfu Peak, explore Dzukou Valley, tour Khonoma Green Village, or visit Kisama Heritage Village.