Nagaland & The Hornbill Festival

Glance

Highlights

Kohima – the capital of Nagaland, Kohima is the land of the Angami Naga tribe.

Kisama Heritage Village – 12kms from Kohima, Kisama seeks to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of the Naga people. It hosts the Hornbill Festival each year.

Mt Shurho – a great 2 -3 hour trek for those looking for something not too strenuous. Hike through past small farms and forests, with lovely mountain views.

Jakhama – a lovely Angami village, surrounded by terraced paddy, and a huge ceremonial gate at the village entrance

Khonoma Village – Asia’s first green village is best known for eco-tourism and its historical battles with British in past. It is one of the largest and oldest Angami villages, surrounded by beautifully terraced fields.

Time to Travel

The weather in Nagaland in December can be very cold, with low temperatures of 5C, increasing to 25C during the day. It can also rain so be prepared for changeable weather. Otherwise Nagaland is great to travel to between October and April.

For trekking mid October to March is the best time.

Overview

The picturesque state of Nagaland is bound by Assam in the west; Myanmar in the east; Arunachal Pradesh in the north and Manipur in the south and is full of rolling hills and verdant rain forests. The Naga people, comprising 16 proud tribes, were once fearsome warriors and head hunters who have retained much of their traditional and cultural heritage.

This is reflected in their elaborate costumes and ritualistic headdresses which incorporate tiger tusks, bear skins, hornbill feathers and other symbolic accoutrements. The Hornbill Festival is a great place to witness their rich culture.

We have curated the trip so that you get to enjoy the finale of the famed Hornbill Festival along with time to explore destinations that will help you understand the local culture and region better. The scenic beauty of the place can only be experienced by foot, hence we have included a day’s trip to explore a Naga village.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Dimapur Airport – Kohima

On arrival into Dimapur Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to Kohima.

Lunch will be arranged at Dimapur before you start the drive up to Kohima.

On arrival, check in to your hotel, and rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 2 – Kohima – Kisama Village

Early breakfast and travel to Kisama, the location of the Hornbill Festival. Full day at the festival seeing the different tribal folk performances, visit the handicraft stalls for some shopping, enjoy traditional Naga cuisine. Evening enjoy live music.

Day 3 – Kohima – Mt Shurho

After breakfast travel to a local Angami Village and hike towards Mount Shurho, a popular trekking trail. The hike will be around 2 hours.

Lunch at a local restaurant or at a campsite, afterwards drive another 30 mins to explore Jakhama, the second largest southern Angami village, where we will enjoy high-tea overlooking a paddy field.

Day 4 – Kohima & Kisama Village

Morning sightseeing in Kohima, visiting State Museum, Cathedral and War Cemetery.

Afternoon return to the Hornbill Festival for the closing ceremonies, final bit of shopping and food.

Day 5 – Kohima – Dimapur

After breakfast check out of your hotel and visit Khonoma Village, one of the best preserved Angami village, to see and understand their lifestyle first hand. A guided walk around the village and the countryside has been planned.

Break for lunch at the inn in the village or at hut surrounded by paddy fields.

Continue on to Dimapur.

Day 6 – Dimapur – Dimapur Airport

After breakfast transfer to airport for onward flights.

Testimonial

Guest Testimonial

“One of the best curated trips I have ever been on where even the minutest details were attended to. Got to experience Nagaland in all its different forms, culinary, rituals, customs, places, history, arts, crafts.. thanks to Curtain Call Adventures.”

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