Nagaland Hornbill Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza

7N/8D

View Gallery

Overview

Take a walk through Asia’s first Green Village, Khonoma, where you can learn traditional farming practices passed down through generations. Embrace the warmth of Angami hospitality — from harvesting fresh vegetables to cooking a traditional dinner with your host. Explore the intricate craftsmanship, ancient Morungs, and unique village architecture in both Khonoma and the peaceful village of Dzüleke. Dive into the vibrant culture of the Naga tribes at the Hornbill Festival, where music, dance, food, and games come together in a colorful celebration. Don’t miss the opening ceremony, and be sure to hop between Morungs to sample traditional brews and local delicacies. Get involved in cultural activities and browse for unique handmade crafts at the lively festival grounds. When you're ready to slow down, relax in the serene hills of Dzüleke with forest hikes and cool dips in hidden waterfalls. For nature lovers, a trek to the stunning Dzükou Valley offers sweeping views of rolling hills and a peaceful winter stillness. Spend the night camping under the stars, surrounded by untouched beauty. For a deeper connection to the region’s past, visit the World War II Cemetery and Kohima State Museum. End your journey by wandering through Kohima’s bustling local market, where modern Naga life thrives in every corner.

Itinerary

Land in Dimapur.
Drive to Khonoma.
Get to know your hosts and settle into your homestays.
Dinner is included and overnight stay in Khonoma.

Heritage Walk in Khonoma.
Drive to Dzüleke.
Explore Dzüleke, nature walks.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight stay in Dzüleke.

Dzüleke Village walk.
Secret waterfall hike.
Stroll around the village.
Drive to Jakhama.
Breakfast is included.
Stay in Jakhama.

Full day at Hornbill Festival.
Breakfast is included.
Homestay in Jakhama.

Traditional Angami fishing in the paddy fields.
Enjoy the Hornbill Festival.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
Stay in Jakhama.

Drive to Viswema.
Hike up to Dzükou Valley.
Stay at Dzükou Valley.
All meals are included.

Trek back to Viswema.
Visit Kohima War Cemetery.
Kohima Market Walk.
Cafes and night markets of Kohima.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
Stay in Kohima.

Today, bid farewell to Nagaland as you travel back to Dimapur for your flight out. You can take in the scenic views one last time as you travel through the hills and valleys of Nagaland. You can also stop at a few local markets and buy souvenirs to take back home. At Dimapur airport, you can say goodbye to your local guide, who has helped make your trip a memorable one.

What's included

Stay on all nights in twin sharing accommodation
Trip Lead for all days of the trip
Transport in a Tempo Traveller
Inner Line Permits to enter Nagaland
Local guides at Jakhama, Dzukou and Khonoma
Local Sumos to Dzukou and back

What's excluded

Airfare charges/Train Charges
Meals not mentioned under inclusions
Hornbill Festival entry tickets (Rs 50 to Rs. 100)
Tips for hotels, guides and drivers
Any personal expenditure
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Inclusions".

Good to know

What time does the trip start and end?

The arrival on Day 1 has to be a maximum of 12:30 pm. The group will depart from the airport by 1:00 pm at the latest. Any arrivals post that (due to timings/flight delays), will have to get to destination 1 at their own expense. We highly recommend flying in a day prior if the flights don't match this timings. The trip ends at Dimapur Airport or Station at 10:30 am. Flight out can be anytime post noon.

What type of properties are we staying at?

We'll be staying at simple homestays in Jakhama for the first 5 nights, followed by a well run guesthouse/hotel on the last night.

Room Sharing

Rooms are shared on twin sharing basis. In case you are a solo traveller, you will be paired up with another solo traveller of the same gender.

How much money to carry?

While most of your expenses are taken care in the trip cost, an additional Rs. 1,000 per day (Upper limit) would be more than enough for all your expenses.

How do I get the ILP?

Relax! We got your back for that. We will get your Inner Line Permit made and is included in the package.

Are there vegetarian food options at Nagaland and at Hornbill Festival?

Vegetarians do not need to worry. While a lot of the local delicacies are meat-based, with the influx of tourism there are multiple vegetarian options at all places. You must also try out the seasonal fruits and vegetables in the region.

What are the events at the Hornbill Festival?

The exact schedule of the festival is usually released by the third week of November. You can expect to see a lot of music, local food, local alcohol, and most importantly the hospitality of the Nagas while at the festival

#cultural

#mountains

#adventure

#trekking