Nagaland Hornbill Festival Tour 2025 - 9 Nights / 10 Days

4N Guwahati Kohima 4N Mokokchung 1N Jorhat

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” Hornbill Festival is the beating heart of Nagaland, a living celebration of its tribes, traditions, and timeless heritage. Every December, the Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour, rhythm, and aroma as all Naga tribes gather to perform their dances, display crafts, and share their fierce yet warm culture with the world.

This 10-day journey takes you beyond the festival to explore Nagaland’s soul, from the green hills of Khonoma, Asia’s first eco-village, to the misty valleys of Mokokchung, the cultural centre of the Ao Nagas, and further east to Longwa, the mystical village that straddles India and Myanmar.

With Kohua Heritage’s curated experience, every day is immersive, with guided village walks, talks with tribal elders, heritage exploration, and local feasts where rice beer and smoked meats flow freely. You’ll witness the legendary headhunters of Mon, sit with the Angh (village chief) whose palace stands on two nations, and discover how Nagaland’s warrior past now thrives in sustainable living and cultural pride.

From the echoes of war memorials in Kohima to the chants of the Konyaks in Longwa, the journey blends adventure, reflection, and human connection, the essence of Northeast India.

Itinerary

This tour covers Asia’s first Green Village, Khonoma and the World War II Cemetery in Kohima. Additionally, it offers guided tours of Ao Naga villages in Mokokchung.

Day 1: Guwahati - Kohima−

Arrive in Guwahati and meet our Cholan Tours representative in Guwahati, then embark on your scenic drive to Kohima, Nagaland’s capital. The journey winds through Assam’s lush tea gardens and foothills before climbing into Nagaland’s cloud-kissed terrain. Arrive at your hotel or homestay in Kohima and relax after the long yet beautiful drive. Overnight stay in Kohima.

Day 2: Hornbill Festival Opening Ceremony+

After breakfast, head to the Kisama Heritage Village for the grand opening ceremony of the Hornbill Festival 2025. Watch as all Naga tribes gather in traditional attire, performing age-old dances and rituals to drums, chants, and warrior cries. Savour authentic tribal food and explore vibrant stalls selling handcrafts, ornaments, and smoked meats. Return to Kohima for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Hornbill Festival Immersion+

Spend another full day at the festival grounds, where the atmosphere is electric with performances, games, and food. Witness war dances, log drum beating, bamboo pole climbing, and folk songs, each telling a story of pride and unity. Visit the Kohima Cathedral in the evening for a panoramic view of the glittering city. Overnight in Kohima.

Day 4: Kohima - Khonoma - Kohima [Guided Tour]+

After breakfast, visit the historic World War II Cemetery, a solemn tribute to the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kohima. Then continue to Khonoma Village, Asia’s first “Green Village.” Take a guided walk through its terraced fields, eco-houses, and community forests while learning about the Angami tribe’s sustainable practices. Return to Kohima by evening. Overnight stay.

Day 5: Mokokchung+

Leave Kohima after breakfast and drive to Mokokchung, a picturesque hill town and cultural centre of the Ao Naga tribe. The route passes rolling hills, forests, and charming hamlets. Arrive by evening and check into your lodge. Enjoy a hearty Naga dinner and unwind. Overnight in Mokokchung.

Day 6: Guided Village Tour+

Spend the day exploring nearby Ao Naga villages, Longkhum, Ungma, Mopungchuket, and Mokokchung village itself. Each has its own legends, crafts, and communal life. Walk through narrow alleys lined with thatched houses, meet artisans, and hear stories of ancestral warriors and clan traditions. Return to Mokokchung for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Mokokchung - Longwa (Mon District)+

Today, journey to the remote frontier of Longwa Village, home of the Konyak tribe, once known for its headhunting traditions. The drive is long and rugged but deeply rewarding as landscapes change from misty hills to raw wilderness. Check into a rustic Naga homestay and immerse yourself in village life. Overnight in Longwa.

Day 8: Longwa Local Exploration [Guided Tour]+

Meet the last surviving headhunters whose tattooed faces tell tales of valour. Visit the Angh’s (village chief’s) house, which famously straddles the India-Myanmar border, one side in each country. Sip tea with the Angh and walk to the border pillar marking the divide. Spend the evening enjoying a bonfire and tribal hospitality. Overnight in Longwa.

Day 9: Longwa - Jorhat+

After breakfast, begin your return journey toward Assam. Drive through pristine hills and river valleys, arriving at Jorhat by late afternoon. Explore a few Ahom-era monuments if time permits, and enjoy your final dinner in the Northeast. Overnight stay in Jorhat.

Day 10: Jorhat - Guwahati - Departure+

Begin your final journey back to Guwahati, driving through Assam’s countryside and tea estates. Arrive by evening and bid farewell to your group, carrying home memories of tribal rhythms, colourful festivals, and the indomitable spirit of Nagaland.