Japfü Peak is a mountain peak in the state of Nagaland, India.
Key facts about Japfü Peak:
• Location: Japfü Peak is in the Kohima District of Nagaland, about 15 km south of Kohima, the capital city.
• Part of the Barail Range: It is one of the significant peaks of Barail Range, which crosses parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland.
• Height: The elevation of Japfü Peak is 3,048 m (10,000 ft), making it Nagaland’s second-highest peak (after Mount Saramati). Most references cite a height of 3,048 metres (although other references use measurement such as 3014m or 3084m).
• “Switzerland of the East”: Because of the hilly areas of Nagaland as demonstrated at Japfü Peak, Nagaland is called the “Switzerland of the East” due to its scenery.
• Tourist spot: Japfü Peak is a popular locality for tourists, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts. Some have described the views from the peak as incredibly beautiful panoramas of the valleys below, especially of Dzukou Valley, with some visitors even claiming sightings of the Himalayas in the distance, assuming clear skies permit it.
• Flora and fauna: Japfü Peak has substantial forests running down the slopes, including Oak, and Rhododendron trees. Japfü Peak also holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest Rhododendron tree in the world, which was discovered in 1993 and was 20 m (65 ft) tall. In addition, the area has many plants and animals, including rare orchids and the vulnerable Blyth’s Tragopan, Nagaland’s state bird.
• Trekking: Trekking to Japfü Peak is a popular activity. The trek typically starts from Kigwema village, about 16 km from Kohima. The trek is considered moderate to difficult and usually takes around 4-5 hours to reach the summit. Some parts of the trail involve steep ascents and even require navigating rocky patches with the help of ropes or PVC pipes in certain sections. It’s advisable to hire a local guide for the trek.
• Rivers: The Doyang and Chubi rivers are said to originate from the Japfü range.
