The Exotic Odyssey

6D/5N Dzukou Valley Trek + Hornbill Festival

Destination Covered: Dimapur – Kohima: Hornbill festival (4N) – Dzukou Valley – Kohima (1N) – Dimapur

Best Time to Visit: Oct – Dec/ March – Mid June

Starting price: On request (+5% gst applicable as per Govt. tax rule)

Please note: The given itinerary is only for service starting from Dimapur and ends in Dimapur. For guest whose service requires/starts from Delhi/Kolkata/Guwahati and ends in Delhi/Kolkata/Guwahati, an extra 2 days will be added to the itinerary duration with an additional service charge.

Hornbill festival intro

The Hornbill festival of Nagaland is one of the biggest cultural extravaganza in the North east of India. In Nagaland, it is also called the ‘Festival of festivals’. This festival is held every year from 1-10 Dec. in Nagaland. The significance of this festival is to encourage inter-tribal interaction, to revive, protect and promote the richness of the Naga heritage and traditions.

The Hornbill festival takes place at the Naga Heritage village, Kisama, about 12Km from Kohima, the capital. During this event, all the tribes of Nagaland come together and take part to showcase the age-old rich tradition. For visitors, it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience the exotic folklore songs, dances and customs of Nagaland and the exotic food of the land.

This week-long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colorful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Also, rich display of traditional arts includes paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures. The warrior log drums, colorful head gear, the soulful war cry, the exquisite customs etc. all are simply remarkable. Delicious local cuisine and delicacies that are typical to each of the Naga tribes are served in their respective Morungs (Boy’s dormitory) along with the finest local rice beer.

The Hornbill festival has contributed significantly to enhancing the state’s tourism brand. The festival allows tourist to have an insight into the different tribes of Nagaland and also clearer understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Kohima night Bazaar

The Kohima night bazaar is also an interesting aspect of the Hornbill festival. The stretch of the Kohima main town comes alive for 10 nights with food, music, and fun. The street is lined up with various food stalls serving out some of the finest delicacies and its simply amazing walking through the buzzing street with glowing festive mood.

itinerary details

Upon arrival at Dimapur airport, Nagaland, our representative will meet and greet you at the airport and the drive to Kohima (3hrs approx). After a short briefing and check-In formalities at the accommodation, rest and freshen up. 

Later visit the WWII cemetery.

Overnight stay in Kohima

Meal Plan: Nil.

After breakfast, drive to Kisama heritage village- the festival venue. Experience the vibrant culture of the Nagas. Witness the traditional attire, exquisite customs and livelihood of the different naga tribes. Visit the morungs (boys dormitories) of each tribe. Check out the rich display of traditional arts such as paintings, wood carvings and sculptures. Enjoy some memorable photography.

Lunch @ the venue where you can savour the exotic local naga cuisine. Try the famous local rice wine called Zouthou. Ala carte menu (Self payment)

Later, way back, visit Phesama village in Jakhama.

Overnight stay in Kohima

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

After breakfast, a village tour to Kigwema village.

Later visit hornbill venue. Experience more of the colorful tradition. Visit art and crafts. Shop souvenirs.

Lunch at the venue.

Evening  visit the Kohima Night carnival.

Overnight stay in Kohima.

Meal Plan: Only  Breakfast.

After a very early breakfast around 06:30 AM, drive to Viswema –Dzukou trek point. Start trekking for about 3-4hrs. Explore the beautiful valley for few hours and then trek back to the pick-up point.

Pack Lunch on the way or at the valley.

Overnight stay in Kohima.

Meal Plan: AP – Breakfast + Pack Lunch + dinner

After breakfast, drive to Khonoma village- Asia’s first green village. Explore Angami tribes. Enjoy a guided tour of the village. Visit the ceremonial gates, morung, Khonoma fort, visit age group house, meet local craftsmen, and witness the weaving of shawls and cane basket making.

Lunch @ Khonoma local place

Post lunch, drive back to Kohima. Evening at own Leisure.

Overnight stay in Kohima.

Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch 

After breakfast, start early for departure. Our beautiful trip ends here. We drop you at the airport or railway station. Bid Adieu. Until we meet again for another adventurous trip with The Exotic Odyssey. Thank you for travelling with The Exotic Odyssey.

Meal Plan: Only Breakfast

  • Land transportation from start to end of the itinerary. Vehicle type Innova/or similar Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
  • All sightseeing mentioned as per itinerary – Entry, toll, and taxes.
  • Permits
  • Local guide (English speaking).
  • First aid.
  • All meals that are mentioned included in each itinerary.
  • International flight tickets.
  • +5% GST applicable as per Govt. rule
  • Travel insurance.
  •  Visa
  • Any personal expenses occurring during operational tours and any extra meal ordered.
  • Meals not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
  • Any extra – laundry, phone calls, camera fees and shopping.
  • Any kind of beverages – Alcoholic and aerated drinks.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
  • Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary or stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks or any factors beyond control.

All bookings are handled by The Exotic odyssey. In order to confirm the tour booking –

  • A deposit of 50% of the total amount of the booking must be paid either by bank transfer or credit card within 7 days of the issuance of the booking confirmation. If the payment is not received within this time, the booking may be cancelled without notice.
  • The remaining outstanding 50% balance is to be paid 30 days prior the departure of the tour by bank transfer or credit card payment.
  • A delay in the payment of the balance may result in the cancellation of the booking and the company is not responsible for any charges incurred.
  • 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 30 days before the start of the trip.
  • 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made between 15-30 days before the start of the trip.
  • No refund i.e., 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 0-15 days before the start of the trip.
  • In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such circumstances, the operator will try their best to provide an alternative feasible. However, a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
  • All cancellations are strictly subjected to the cancellation policies mentioned on the website.
  • The guest must carry photo identification like Passport, Voter ID Card or Driving License IN ORIGINAL at the point of check in at the hotel and for Inner line permits
  • The Exotic Odyssey does NOT have any HIDDEN CHARGES.
  • If someone asks for extra money during the journey, Please inform us. We will not be responsible if you pay the amount without our knowledge and consent.
  • Booking will be confirmed only after receiving the advance payment.
  • There is no star category hotel available in all places. However, we provide the best possible option as per your tour category.
  • Credit Cards / Traveler’s check are not freely accepted in many places.
  • We advise you to check the temperature/weather of the places you are going to visit, and bring necessary clothes accordingly.
  • Woollen clothes, Jacket, Raincoat/Umbrella etc. are advisable to carry according to weather conditions.
  • Any extra breakfast for kids which is not mentioned has to be paid directly by guest as per the hotel policy.
  • The normal check-in time for a hotel is 12 PM, and normal check-out time for a hotel is 11 AM. However, this is subjected to change as per the hotel policies. The timing of meals and/or inclusions of a certain hotel room are as per the hotel policies.
  • Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellations of flight/trains, political disturbances, cause of natural phenomenon, other force majeure, etc. will not be accommodated in the cost.
  • Consumption of alcohols and other intoxicants are at your own cost. We request you to be very minimal with such activities during your trip.
  • The vehicle for sightseeing is available on an itinerary basis only, and will not be on disposal unless some cases of emergencies.
  • Price will vary according to the number of people in the tour.
  • The tour will be taking place through Eco-friendly, exotic local destinations. We kindly do not encourage littering the local sites and campsites.
  • We encourage you to carry water bottle which can be refilled, so that we prevent uses of plastic water bottles which only increases the waste disposal.
  • Kindly conduct courtesy and respect towards cultures and traditions at all the destinations you visit.
  • We encourage you to always be a responsible traveler wherever you go.
  • The Exotic Odyssey is not responsible for acts of God or force majeure events, sanitation problems, lack of medical care, weather conditions, strikes and other labor activities, acts of terrorism, acts of war (declared or undeclared), quarantines, embargoes, blockades, criminal activities or any other act or event beyond the direct control of The Exotic Odyssey; and, not responsible for the additional costs for stay and/or meal and/or other expenses incurred by the consequence of such unfortunate events.
  • Thank you & wishing you happy holidays with The Exotic Odyssey.
Please note, the inner line permits (ILP) are to be fill in only by Indian Nationals. Foreigners are exempted.
Foreign (International) Tourists

In a bid to boost tourism, the North East states of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland all scrapped the requirement for Foreign Visitors to apply for a Protected Area Permit (RAP, PAP) on the 1st Jan 2011.

So for travel to Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, permits are not required for foreign passport holders.

Arunachal Pradesh – Visitors still require permits.
Sikkim – Visitors still require permits.

This relief is not applicable to citizens of Pakistan and China who still require permits to visit Nagaland.

Foreign tourists will still need to register themselves at the nearest local Police station upon their arrival to Nagaland.

 Domestic (Indian) Tourists

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian (Domestic) tourists entry into Nagaland.

 Exception: Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries will require prior approval from the Ministry of Home affairs before entering the state.

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