Nagaland
Land of festivals and tribes — Hornbill, Dzukou Valley and green villages.
At a glance
Ideal duration
4–6 days
Best season
Oct–May (Hornbill: 1–10 Dec)
Nearest airport
Dimapur
Nearest railhead
Dimapur
Inner Line Permit
Required (ILP)
Main languages
English, Nagamese & tribal tongues
Overview
Nagaland is a mountainous state of proud tribal cultures and vivid festivals. Kohima hosts the famous Hornbill Festival each December, the Dzukou Valley draws trekkers, and Khonoma is celebrated as India's first green village.
Best Time to Visit
October to May; the Hornbill Festival runs 1-10 December, and June-July brings the Dzukou lily.
How to Reach
Dimapur has the state's airport and railhead; Kohima is about 2.5 hours away by road.
Permit Requirements
Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Indian visitors; we assist online.
Top Attractions
- • Kohima
- • Kisama (Hornbill)
- • Dzukou Valley
- • Khonoma
- • Touphema
- • Mon (Konyak)
- • Dimapur
Local Cuisine
- • Smoked pork with bamboo shoot
- • Axone (fermented soybean)
- • Galho
- • Sticky rice
Festivals
- • Hornbill Festival
- • Sekrenyi
- • Moatsu
- • Aoleang
Things to Do
- Experience the colour and music of the Hornbill Festival at Kisama
- Trek to the flower-strewn Dzukou Valley
- Visit Khonoma, India's first green village, with its terraced fields
- Meet the tattooed Konyak elders of Mon, the former headhunters
- Trace WWII history at the Kohima War Cemetery
Know Before You Go
- An ILP is required for Indian visitors — we arrange it online before you arrive.
- Book early and expect higher prices around the Hornbill Festival (1–10 December).
- The Dzukou trek is moderate but steep in places — carry water, layers and decent shoes.
- Cash is king outside Dimapur and Kohima; stock up before heading to the villages.
Packages for This Destination
Nagaland Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Nagaland?
Yes, Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit, which we arrange online. Foreign nationals must register with the authorities on arrival.
When is the Hornbill Festival held?
The Hornbill Festival runs every year from 1 to 10 December at Kisama, near Kohima. Book accommodation well in advance for those dates.
How many days do I need in Nagaland?
About 4–6 days covers Kohima, Khonoma and Dzukou; add more time to reach the Konyak villages of Mon in the far north.
How do I reach Nagaland?
Fly or take a train to Dimapur, then drive roughly 2.5 hours up to Kohima. Guwahati is the larger gateway for the wider region.
Do your Nagaland tours start from Dimapur?
Yes. All our Nagaland tours start with a pickup at Dimapur airport or railway station, about 2.5–3 hours by road below Kohima.
Is Nagaland safe for tourists?
Nagaland's main tourist areas — Kohima, Khonoma, Kisama and Dzukou — welcome many domestic and international travellers, especially during the Hornbill Festival. As with any trip, check current travel advisories before you go; we keep our guests updated on local conditions.
Often Combined With
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