Unleash the Wild Spirit – Celebrate the Hornbill Festival

Overview

Experience the vibrant and untamed beauty of Nagaland at the Hornbill Festival, a dazzling showcase of tribal culture, warrior traditions, and electrifying festivities! Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” this week-long celebration in December brings together Naga tribes in a riot of colors, dances, music, and indigenous games. For adventure seekers and culture lovers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Northeast India’s most iconic event.

Dive deep into the heart of Nagaland’s legendary Hornbill Festival, explore misty tribal villages of the Konyak warriors, and embark on thrilling safaris in Kaziranga National Park—home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros! This 10-day adventure takes you from the vibrant cultural explosion of Kohima to the untamed wilderness of Assam, ending in Guwahati with memories of a lifetime.

Xplore Incredible India ensures an immersive experience—stay in tribal villages, savor fiery Naga cuisine, witness thrilling warrior performances, and explore misty hills and lush forests. Let us guide you through an unforgettable Naga odyssey!

Highlights

Deep Tribal Culture – Hornbill Festival, Konyak & Ao Naga villages.
Wildlife Thrills – Kaziranga’s rhinos & jungle safaris
Seamless Travel – Expert drivers, flights, and comfy stays.
Authentic Stays – Homestays, eco-lodges, and jungle resorts

Day 01 :

Arrival in Dimapur → Transfer to Kohima

Land at Dimapur Airport, the gateway to Nagaland.
Scenic drive to Kohima (3-4 hrs) through rolling hills.
Check into a traditional homestay or eco-lodge.
Evening at leisure—explore Kohima War Cemetery and local markets.
Dinner: Taste fiery Naga cuisine (smoked pork, bamboo shoot curry).

Day 02 & 3 :

Hornbill Festival Immersion in Kisama

Full days at Kisama Heritage Village for the Hornbill Festival:
Witness tribal dances, warrior chants, and drum performances.
Explore Morungs (tribal huts) showcasing handicrafts and weapons.
Enjoy Naga wrestling, archery, and indigenous games.
Evening bonfire with folk music & cultural shows.
Optional: Night market visit in Kohima for local crafts.

Day 04 :

Khonoma Village – Asia’s First Green Village

Guided tour to Khonoma, a sustainable Angami tribal village.
Trek through terraced fields and ancient forests.
Learn about tribal conservation efforts and history.
Return to Kohima for a relaxed evening

Day 05 :

Kohima → Mokokchung (Ao Tribe Heartland)

Drive to Mokokchung (5-6 hrs), home of the Ao Naga tribe.
Enroute, stop at Jotsoma village for panoramic views.
Check into a local guesthouse/homestay.
Evening walk through Mokokchung town, interact with locals.

Day 06 :

Mokokchung – Ao Tribal Villages Exploration

Guided tour to Ungma & Longkhum villages:
See traditional Ao wood carvings & handlooms.
Visit century-old monoliths and sacred sites.
Taste Ao-style smoked meat and local rice beer.
Return to Mokokchung for overnight stay.

Day 07 :

Mokokchung → Longwa (Konyak Tribal Land)

Drive to Longwa (6-7 hrs), crossing rugged hills.
Enter the land of the Konyaks—former headhunters with tattooed faces.
Visit the Angh’s (chief’s) house, which straddles the India-Myanmar border!
Explore blacksmith workshops and hear warrior legends.
Overnight in a basic guesthouse in Longwa.

Day 08 :

Longwa → Mon (Konyak Cultural Tour)

Morning village walk to meet tattooed elders.
Visit Shangnyu Village (ancient wooden artifacts).
Drive back to Mon town (1.5 hrs).
Explore local markets for handicrafts.
Overnight in Mon.

Day 09 :

Mon → Kaziranga National Park

Early drive to Jorhat (5-6 hrs).
Fly to Kaziranga (or continue by road ~3 hrs).
Check into a jungle resort.
Evening jeep safari (optional) or riverside sunset.

Day 10 :

Kaziranga Safari → Guwahati Departure

Sunrise elephant/jeep safari (spot rhinos, tigers, wild buffalo).
Drive to Guwahati (5-6 hrs).
Evening Brahmaputra River cruise (or Kamakhya Temple visit).
Airport drop for departure.

FAQs

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Do I need a permit to visit Nagaland?

Yes! Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). We assist in obtaining these.

What’s the best time for this trip?

December (Hornbill Festival dates) is ideal. Kaziranga is best from November to April (when grasslands are dry).

How are the road conditions?

Nagaland roads are hilly & winding—comfortable SUVs are used. Travel times are longer than distances suggest.

Is this trip suitable for solo travellers?

Yes! Small groups & solo travelers are welcome. Homestays ensure cultural immersion.

What should I pack?

Essentials:

– Warm clothes (December is chilly).

– Comfortable trekking shoes.

– Rain jacket (possible showers).

– Power bank (remote areas have limited electricity).

How is the food? Any dietary restrictions?

Naga food is spicy! (Smoked meats, bamboo shoot dishes). Vegetarian options available but limited. Inform us in advance for special diets.

Is Kaziranga safari guaranteed to see rhinos?

99% chance! Kaziranga has the world’s highest rhino density. Tigers are rare but possible

Can I extend my trip to Meghalaya or Arunachal?

Yes! Popular extensions:

– Shillong & Cherrapunji (2-3 days).

– Majuli Island (2 days).

– Tawang (4-5 days, needs extra permit).

Unleash the Wild Spirit – Celebrate the Hornbill Festival

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