Destination Covered: Dimapur – Kohima: Hornbill festival (4N) – Dzukou Valley – Kohima (1N) – Dimapur
Best Time to Visit: Oct – Dec/ March – Mid June
- Starting Point: Dimapur airport/ Railway station
- End Point: Dimapur airport/ Railway station
- Customization: Available on request
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
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Dimapur Airport or Railway Station. From here, enjoy a scenic drive through the hills to Kigwema Village (approx. 4 hours) — one of the oldest and most picturesque Angami Naga villages, rich in heritage and nestled close to the Hornbill Festival grounds.
En route, we stop by the historic Kohima War Cemetery, a beautifully maintained memorial dedicated to the soldiers of WWII.
After arriving in Kigwema, check in at a traditional Naga homestay and experience the hospitality and charm of local village life.
Highlight: Scenic drive, WWII cemetery, Naga homestay experience
Meals: NIL
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village, where 17 major Naga tribes come together to showcase their traditions, rituals, and attire. Witness stunning performances — from fierce warrior dances and folk songs to indigenous games and storytelling.
Explore traditional morungs (tribal huts), interact with artisans, and sample traditional Naga dishes like smoked pork, bamboo shoot curry, and local rice beer. This is a sensory journey through Nagaland’s soul.
Highlight: Cultural performances, tribal cuisine, morung visits
Meals: Only Breakfast
Another day to enjoy the colors and excitement of the Hornbill Festival. Dive deeper into tribal craftsmanship, explore stalls selling handwoven shawls, bamboo and woodwork, beaded jewelry, and other ethnic products. This is a great opportunity for souvenir shopping and supporting local artisans.
Highlight: Naga crafts, shopping, festival photography
Meals: Only Breakfast
After an early breakfast, gear up for a full-day trek to the Dzukou Valley — one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in Northeast India. Perched at 2,438 meters, the valley is famous for its rolling green hills, natural caves, and seasonal flowers like the rare Dzukou lily.
The moderate trek (6-7 hours round trip) rewards you with panoramic views and a breath of fresh Himalayan air.
Highlight: Dzukou Valley trek, scenic photography, picnic lunch
Meals: Only Breakfast. Pack lunch during trek which will be paid by guest directly at the homestay.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Khonoma, India’s first green village and a model of community-led forest and wildlife conservation. This 700-year-old village has a storied past, including resistance against British rule, and is known for its stone-paved alleys, fort-like architecture, and eco-conscious lifestyle.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through its terraced fields, dense groves, and traditional houses. Later, we drive to Dimapur for the night.
Highlight: Eco-village walk, heritage sites, local stories
Meals: Only Breakfast
After breakfast, we drop you off at Dimapur Airport or Railway Station. Leave with memories of the Hornbill’s colors, Naga hospitality, and the natural wonders of Nagaland.
Highlight: Departure with cultural and scenic memories
Meals: Breakfast only
5% GST included
Land transportation from start to end of the itinerary (Tempo Traveller – 15 seater)
Accommodation on a double/ triple-sharing basis in selected homestays
All sightseeing as per the itinerary, including entry fees, tolls, and taxes
Permits
Local guide
Meals: Only breakfast
Airfare/train tickets to and from the starting point
Travel insurance
Any personal expenses incurred during the tour
Meals not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions”
Extra items such as laundry, phone calls, camera fees, and shopping
Alcoholic, aerated, or other beverages
Anything not clearly mentioned under “Inclusions”
Costs arising due to changes in itinerary or extended stays caused by weather, health issues, roadblocks, or other unforeseen circumstances.
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.
- 20% 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.