“The view from the summit is beautiful, but the journey, the laughter, and the lessons we learn on the trail are priceless.”
Nagaland has always been talked about for its vibrant greenery and breathtaking landscapes, but honestly, you don’t understand it until you actually see it. For me, Mount Pauna was one of them, a place that stood out not just for its beauty but for the experiences it gifted us. On September 6, 2025, our Interdisciplinary Course (IDC) in Tourism Management took Sections A and B out on this educational tour! The main aim was not just fun but to experience how tourism really works. We had three NST buses, and students were guided by three professors, Sir Chuhyem, Miss Vibano and Dr Abdul from the department of BBA.
We left early, around 6:20 in the morning. The buses were full of mixed moods. Some people were half asleep, some were already cracking jokes, and others just looked outside quietly. I remember the cool air coming in through the window, and the way the scenery kept changing, hills, trees, little villages passing by. The ride took about three and a half hours, but it didn’t feel that long because everyone was buzzing with this “what’s going to happen next” type of feeling.
Before beginning our trek, we first arrived at Benreu village, which felt like stepping into a painting. Colourful rooftops scattered across the hillside, mist hanging lazily over the ridge, as it was so calm, almost unreal. To me, that was already part of the learning: tourism isn’t only about a view; it’s about a lifestyle, about people living close to nature without all the noise of the towns. Some of us took photographs, others walked around quietly, absorbing the charm of the village. One of my friends even said, “Even if we stopped here and went no further, the trip would already be worth it.” That is the power of Benreu; it introduces you to the simplicity of life while setting the tone for the adventure that follows.
So what is it so special, or what exactly is Mount Pauna? Why are tourists so hype about this?
Mount Pauna itself is pretty famous. Standing at around 2,480 meters above sea level, it’s the third-highest peak in Nagaland. Around 35 km from Peren town, it attracts a lot of attention. But I realised it’s not just the height, it’s the journey. The trek is about 6 km from Benreu, through forests and rough paths. That’s what gives the place its charm. Before we even started the real climb, we had lunch. Getting to the lunch spot itself was tiring because of a long staircase that felt like a mini test. After that, with our energy boosted and with our guide in front, we started the trek.
To be honest, the trek was tougher than I thought. The trail was steep, rocky, and sometimes so narrow that you had to watch every step. My legs started feeling heavy after a while. At some points, it felt endless. A few students turned back, which I don’t blame them for; around 90% kept pushing forward. It wasn’t easy, but the group’s energy really kept everyone going.
Our tour guide made a huge difference. He didn’t rush us, waited at different points, and gave advice on how to walk safely. Among ourselves, too, there was a lot of support. People shared water, pulled each other up when someone slipped, and cracked jokes whenever the mood got too serious. Those little things mattered more than I can explain.
Every time we stopped for a break, the views around us just blew me away. Valleys covered in mist, endless layers of hills, forests that felt untouched. Breathing in that air felt different, cleaner. It made me realise that sometimes, the breaks in life are as rewarding as the destination itself.
Afterwards, a lot of students shared how they felt.
One said that “even though the fog and drizzle blurred the views, reaching the top gave them a kind of pride they’d never felt before.”
Another said, “The trek was exhausting, but seeing the valleys made every step worth it, and they added that it taught them how nothing in life comes easy.”
Then someone joked, “This trek is not for Dimapur folks who use flat roads; it’s for Kohima people who are born stair climbers.”
By the time we finished and got back to the buses, I was completely drained. My legs were sore, my body felt like it weighed double, and yet, I felt proud. We reached college around 9:17 p.m., and the next day, even simple movements like sitting down reminded me of the trek. But every ache felt like proof of what we had achieved.
Looking back, I feel like this trip was more than academics. It was about patience, endurance, and teamwork. It showed us that tourism isn’t only sightseeing, it's also about understanding the connection between nature, culture, and people. For me, Mount Pauna became a real classroom, where the lessons weren’t written on a board but lived through each step. And honestly, the more I think about it, the more I realise how much it gave us. It wasn’t just about climbing a mountain. It was about learning how far we can push ourselves, how much lighter things become when you’re with friends, and how beautiful our land is when you stop and really look. We didn’t just bring back photos, but we brought back memories, laughter, and lessons that no lecture could ever give.
In the end, I guess that’s the point. Tourism is not just about going somewhere. It’s about what the journey leaves in you. Mount Pauna left me tired, but it also left me grateful. And that’s something I’ll hold on to.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editorial team includes Chubamenla, Asst. Professor Dept. of English and Rinsit Sareo, Asst. Manager, IT, Media & Communications. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org
