Kapamodzü peak emerging as a local tourist hotspot

Morung Express News 
Pfutsero | November 18

Nestled in the heart of Phek district, Kapamodzü peak under Zhavame village is emerging as a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, trekkers and local and international tourists alike seeking for a slice of natural beauty. Standing majestically at 8,596 ft, it is the fourth highest peak in Nagaland and the highest table top mountain in the state. 

Located around 80 kilometers away from the state capital Kohima, and 16 kilometers or 45 minutes’ drive from Pfutsero town, this pristine location, flourishing with different varieties of wild blooms offers a mesmerizing experience during any season of the year.

The view from the peak is nothing short of spectacular, with a panoramic vista of the entire Saramati range, Japfü peak, Kohima and several contiguous villages of Nagaland and Manipur.

Its pièce de résistance is the awe inspiring beauty of the sunset, an ethereal panorama with breathtaking play of colors across the sky that has become the hall mark of the peak’s allure, as per description from the visitors. 

What was once a secluded spot known only to a few, Kapamodzü peak has suddenly become a magnet for adventure-seeking travelers, social media influencers, and local tourists looking for a quieter getaway. 

Since the beginning of 2023, a record of more than 3500 people have visited the peak. Rose Rekha, custodian of Kapamodzü peak, told this reporter during a recent visit to the peak, that upon seeing the potential of nature and rural tourism in the region, she ventured into the sector and began by constructing a restaurant at the top of the mountain. The log cabin style restaurant with full glass panels on one side offers a breath-taking view of the mountain ranges that one can admire while sipping a cup of hot tea. 

Consequently, camping facilities and established trekking trails were introduced to allow visitors an immersive experience with nature and explore the diverse flora and fauna surrounding the peak. She is also in the process of constructing log cabins, particularly for those visitors who prefer traditional shelter above their heads.

Attributing the sudden surge in visitors to the transformative power of social media, Rose said she didn’t have to spend any money on advertisement or paid promotions before people started taking interest. “Our experience here, this surge in the visitors is a symbiotic relationship between tourism and the community. We benefit from each other,” she maintained. This summer, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook were flooded with stunning visuals of Kapamodzü surrounded by vibrant cosmos blossoms, which has in turn induced more people to visit this picturesque location. 

Emphasizing on the ripple effect of tourism on the local economy, Rose pointed out that unlike some industries that benefit only a select few, tourism opens up avenues for widespread employment and economic growth. It also directly benefits the local community.

“There are multiple ancillary sectors benefiting from tourism- social media influencers, transportation, the villagers, home stays, farming community, guides, etc,” she underscored.

‘Plenty of undiscovered gems just waiting to be discovered’ 
Moreover, this surge in interests also reflects a broader trend-a growing awareness among the local community of the untapped natural wonders in their backyard. As social media platforms become a digital canvas for showcasing the beauty of one’s surroundings, the appeal of destinations like Kapamodzü speaks of the inherent charm of the region, waiting to be discovered, Rose stated. 

Underlining the enormous potential in nature and rural/agri tourism in the state, Rose said there are numerous places as beautiful and picturesque as Kapamodzü in the backyard just waiting to be explored. 

“We did not create Kapamodzü now. We are just providing a couple of facilities to make it easier for the visitors so they have a memorable and comfortable stay. We are just facilitating with what is available.” 

Rose said her intent is to make the Kapamodzü peak a catalyst for sustainable development, exampling the potential of responsible tourism. Rose also credited the Zhavame villagers, its village council and the students’ union for maintaining and conserving the peak in its pristine condition. 

“The peak is the pride of the Zhavame villagers, and they have been showing the way forward in conservation practices of the mountain ecosystem and its biodiversity, Rose highlighted.