The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland (Group Tour)

  Named after the respected and revered Hornbill bird, and held in the beautiful hills of Kohima, the festival is a time of merry making and colorful extravaganza, where all the tribes of Nagaland participate. During this time, there are tribal performances and ceremonies, display of ethnic crafts, sports, food fairs and games. A few highlights are – Traditional Naga Morungs, exhibition of arts and crafts, food stalls, flowers shows, display of herbal medicine, fashion shows, beauty contest, traditional archery and wrestling, local games, musical concert, elaborate dances, and folk songs.

In this tour, you’ll get an elaborate glimpse of the people and culture of Nagaland. You’ll get to meet the tribes, interact with them, visit their villages and be blown away by their charming hospitality and friendliness. And not be mention, all the fun of the festival, where you’ll be participating in drinking, eating, singing, dancing and merrymaking. There is also a visit to Mokokchung which is the fascinating town of the Ao Naga Tribe.

Itinerary

December 2
After pick-up from Dimapur Airport, drive to Khonoma Village (2 hours) which is an historic Angami Tribe village famous for two Angami-British wars fought during 1847 and 1879. The village feels very traditional with flowering areas, pomelo trees, squash gourd vines as well as megalith monuments. Overnight will at a village home-stay.

December 3
Khonoma was the first village to ban hunting and logging, and turning into a green village. With the mission of ‘Green Khonoma”, the people of Khonoma have created a model village for eco and rural tourism in Nagaland which they are rightly proud of.

A small nature sanctuary (Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary), managed by the village itself, is one of the few places where the Blyth’s Tragopan can be seen, a rare pheasant indigenous to the area. Undertake a trek to this sanctuary for good birdlife and peaceful nature, and trek to nearby villages.

December 4
After breakfast, leave for Kohima (1-2 hours) at a height of 1,444 meters. Spend the day visiting WW2 War Memorial, museum which display Naga heritage and culture , arts and crafts emporium and local markets. Overnight will be at a clean and comfortable hotel/homestay/campsite.

December 5, 6
You’ll be proceeding to Kisama Heritage village which is the venue of the Hornbill Festival, to participate and witness the festival. In the afternoons, visit nearby tribal villages. Overnights in Kohima.

December 7
After breakfast, drive to the hill-town of Mokokchung, (6 hours), home to the fascinating tribal Ao Nagas. En-route visit a village belonging to the Rengma Tribe where you’ll get to interact with them and visit their houses. Stay will be at a guesthouse with basic amenities.

December 8
Spend the morning visiting the villages of Impur, Aliba and Mopungchuket. Witness the everyday life of the Ao Tribe and get to interact with them. Later in the afternoon, visit Ungma, the largest of all Ao Naga villages. Observe the traditional lifestyle of the people. 

December 9
After early breakfast, drive to Jorhat Airport for a return flight (4-5 hours).

Included

All transport in a private vehicle, all meals, all accommodations on twin sharing basis, English speaking tour leader, entry fee at tourist places, all sightseeing, government service taxes, mineral water.

Not included

Airfares, personal expenses, Indian Visa, camera charges wherever applicable.

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