Phek
Land of Tradition
The Ultimate Guide for Wayfarers Visiting Phek, Nagaland
With over two-thirds of its landscape covered in evergreen forests, the district of Phek, in Nagaland, is a hidden retreat for nature enthusiasts and endearingly called the ‘Land of Tradition’. The district is home to elevated towns with chilly winds, quaint villages of lore, towering mountain peaks, meandering rivers, and pristine lakes.
The district lies in the southern part of Nagaland, nestled between the districts of Kohima to its west, Zunheboto to its north, and Kiphire to its northeast. Phek also cradles a short international boundary with Myanmar to its southeast and borders the neighboring state of Manipur in much of its south.
Whether it’s your first visit or your umpteenth tour, here’s all you need to know to get the most out of your stay.
Places to Visit
How to Reach
Vehicular travel remains the primary means of reaching Phek district, and the only means of transport for many of its internal villages and destinations. The nearest major towns/cities are Kohima (the state’s capital) and Dimapur (considered by all as the state’s commercial hub).
Here’s how you can get around these places and reach Phek.
Travel By Road
The two primary national highways that go into Phek district are NH-29 and NH-202.
Visitors coming from the northern or eastern districts may enter Phek through NH-202. However, most visitors will have to make their way through NH-29, since it’s the primary route connecting the Kohima and Dimapur to Phek.
TATA Sumo taxis charge about Rs. 600 per head if you’re a passenger starting from Kohima. However, the fare from Dimapur may fall around Rs. 900 on average.
The Nagaland State Transport Department also operates buses that ply through these districts. These bus fares are more affordable, starting at about Rs. 240 if you catch the bus from Kohima and about Rs. 350 if you start from Dimapur.
You can also rent cars from Dimapur or Kohima, depending on where you want to start your journey.
Travel By Air
Commercial flights to Nagaland only land in Dimapur, which is almost 200 km away from Phek. So, travelers who arrive in Dimapur on flights normally have to secure local taxis, rental cabs, or other vehicular arrangements to reach the Phek district.
An alternative way to travel by air here is through the helicopter service managed by the Nagaland State Transport (NST) department. Tickets cost Rs. 1950 per head but you only pay Rs. 195 for toddlers who are two or younger.
Traveling to Phek by chopper sounds convenient, but there are a few things to consider before you commit. For instance, the service operates only on Wednesdays, and luggage weight remains capped at 5kg per head. So, take stock of these pointers before you hitch your wagon to the chopper service.
FAQs
If you plan on visiting any of the peaks and water bodies, we recommend sturdy outdoor gear/clothing that will keep you warm, dry, and protected.
Most locals in semi-urban areas will speak enough English to cover basic interactions. However, trailing along with a paid guide or friendly local will make your travels much more convenient in more rural areas.
The local sites will not require special documentation (besides any standard entry fees or tickets charged by management/caretakers). However, tourists must secure an Inner Line Permit before visiting any of the districts outside of Dimapur. Fortunately, the government’s ILP portal allows you to easily secure a pass online without much hassle. Tour guides, agencies, or local contacts may also help you secure one before your arrival.
For more information.
8732841828
9366357095
raliwalicontact @ gmail.com
(To call the number, please add the country code +91 before the phone number.)