Nagaland Hornbill Tour

Morning: Wildlife Safari in Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park has two safari’s – one over Jeep and the other over an Elephant. There are 2 sessions when these safari’s are conducted, one being early in the morning while the other being in the afternoon. So consider a shorter Jeep Safari in a different range (like the Eastern Range) for varied landscapes and different animal sightings, or a quick visit to the Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park. Return to your accommodation for breakfast and check-out (around 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM). The road journey from Kaziranga National Park (Assam) to Kohima (Nagaland) is approximately 220 - 240 km and takes around 5 to 7 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions, especially the hilly section near Kohima.  Arrive in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, and check into your hotel or homestay. Relax after the long drive. Depending on your arrival time and the festival schedule, you might explore the local market or head to Kisama in the evening, as there are often cultural performances and a night market/carnival during the festival days. Overnight stay at Kohima.

Enjoy your breakfast and we will start our journey toward Kisama Heritage Village.

• Cultural Performances: The central focus is the main arena where various Naga tribes perform spectacular traditional dances, folk songs, and ritualistic enactments. Each performance is a vibrant display of unique costumes, headgear, and war cries, offering a glimpse into their history and customs.
  
• Exploring the Morungs (Tribal Huts): You can visit the authentic traditional huts (Morungs or Youth Dormitories) built for each of the major Naga tribes. This is where you can interact with the tribe members, see their unique architecture, weapons, artifacts, and often be invited for local hospitality like rice beer (Zutho or Thutse).
• Food Stalls: A paradise for foodies! Try authentic Naga cuisine like smoked pork with bamboo shoot, various local curries, and sticky rice.
• Handicrafts and Handlooms: Shop for souvenirs, including intricate beaded jewellery, traditional Naga shawls, bamboo products, and wood carvings.
• Shows and Competitions: You might catch things like the Naga King Chili Eating Competition, traditional archery, or indigenous games

• World War II Museum: Take a break from the festivities to visit the museum within the complex, which documents the Battle of Kohima.

Evening/Night Events (Often shift back to Kohima town or a dedicated music venue):

• Hornbill Music Festival/Rock Contest: The evenings are often dominated by music, featuring rock bands from Nagaland and other parts of India, making for a lively atmosphere.
• Night Carnival: Many stalls and festivities often continue at the Night Carnival held in Kohima town, offering more shopping and food opportunities under the stars.

It's a full day of immersion in Naga culture, from ancient traditions in the morning to contemporary music in the evening! Overnight stay at Kohima.

Based on past schedules, a typical Day 4 is characterized by:

1. More Cultural Extravaganza: The main arena in Kisama will feature morning and afternoon sessions of cultural performances. These are a different set of tribes or different dances from the tribes that performed on previous days, showcasing the full diversity of Naga folk songs, war dances, and traditional rituals. Look out for:
   • Warrior Dances and Folk Songs from tribes like the Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, Ao, or Pochury.
   • Indigenous Games Demonstrations like the traditional belt-making demonstration or other unique sporting displays.
2. Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship (Possible Event): The Naga Wrestling Championship, a very popular and fierce traditional sport, is often held around Day 4 or Day 5 of the festival. This is a major highlight that draws huge crowds.
3. Exploring the Morungs: The Morungs (traditional tribal huts) will be open and vibrant. It's a great time to:
   • Taste Authentic Naga Cuisine: Each Morung offers its own tribe's specialty, often featuring smoked meats (especially pork), bamboo shoot dishes, and the local rice beer.
   • Interact with the Tribes: Engage with the performers and tribe members to learn more about their unique customs and artifacts.
4. Other Ongoing Activities:
   • Shopping: Stalls selling traditional Naga handicrafts, shawls, jewelry, and artifacts.
   • Exhibitions: The WWII Museum, Art Corner, and Hortiscape exhibitions will be open.
   • Night Carnival: If you're heading back to Kohima town in the evening, the Night Carnival will be in full swing with food stalls, live music, and general festive atmosphere.

Enjoy the sheer energy and vibrant traditions of the Festival of Festivals! Overnight stay at Kohima.

The Dzukou Valley Trek is a popular excursion often combined with the Hornbill Festival, as the valley is a beautiful, serene destination near Kohima. After breakfast we will leave for Dzukou Valley, The most common routes start from Viswema Village, In early December, the weather is usually very cold, with clear skies, frosty mornings, and a different kind of desolate beauty as the wildflowers (which bloom in the summer/monsoon) are not in season.
You camped overnight in the valley's trekkers' hut, this is your best time to fully descend into the main valley floor. You will witness the iconic rolling hills, the unique Dzukou lily stalks (though not blooming in December), the crisscrossing frozen streams, and the panoramic views.

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the rolling, misty hills of Dzukou Valley from the Trekkers' Hut or a nearby viewpoint. This is often described as the highlight of the trip, especially with the morning frost in December. Walk down into the main valley floor to explore the unique landscape of low bamboo grass, crisscrossing streams (possibly frozen or partially frozen in December), and the distinct Dzukou Lilies (though they will not be in bloom). Have a basic breakfast (usually instant noodles or bread/eggs) at the Trekkers' Hut, pack your belongings, and prepare for the descent. Begin the trek back down. You will likely take the same route you used to ascend (either via Viswema or Zakhama). The descent is quicker but can be tough on the knees, especially the steep stair section near the starting point. Arrive back at your accommodation near Kohima or the Kisama Heritage Village (the Hornbill Festival venue). Time for a hot bath and rest! As you are already in the area, you could end the day by visiting the Hornbill Night Carnival in Kohima town, which offers food, shopping, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Have breakfast at your homestay/hotel and ensure you are ready to check out and travel by 9:00 AM. Visit the poignant Kohima War Cemetery. This beautifully maintained site honors the soldiers who died in the "Battle of Kohima" (April 1944). The famous inscription, "When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today," is a powerful, must-see historical moment. Begin the 2.5 to 3-hour drive from the hills of Kohima down to the plains of Dimapur. Explore the ancient historical site of the Kachari Ruins. These remnants of the 10th-century Kachari Kingdom, particularly the mysterious, mushroom-domed stone pillars, are a fascinating piece of North East Indian history. If time permits, take a short drive to the nearby Diezephe Craft Village. This village is famous for the expertise of its craftsmen in wood carving, bamboo, and cane work, offering a great spot to buy authentic Naga handicrafts and souvenirs. Experience the lively atmosphere of the Hong Kong Market or New Market in Dimapur. This is the commercial heart of Nagaland, a great place to pick up everything from local spices and pickles to clothing and electronic goods. Enjoy dinner in Dimapur, perhaps trying some Naga cuisine. Overnight stay at Dimapur.

As you begin your journey back to Guwahati, take a moment to savor the memories. After breakfast will check out from hotel. Since you'll be traveling from Dimapur back towards Guwahati (about a 5-6 hour drive, or a quick 4-5 hour train ride), here's a plan to make the most of your last morning before heading off: Reflect on the festive spirit of the trip. Go through your photos and videos from the past 7 days. Jot down your favorite moments or the most impactful experiences you had.
It's been a great journey! Safe travels back to Guwahati.

Note: Minor adjustments or enhancements to the itinerary can be made on the fly—depending on group interest, weather, or crowd levels—to ensure a truly bespoke and enjoyable experience for all. Book your flight / train after 06:00pm or next day.