Hornbill Festival Nagaland Tour With Dzukou Valley Trek

Day 1: Arrival at Dimapur, Khonoma Village Walk, drop at Kisama Hornbill Village

• The trip starts at Dimapur Airport & Railway station in the noon.
• Our first stop is at the entrance of Kohima, the capital town of Nagaland.
• A journey of about 1 hour from Kohima will take us  to the green village – Khonoma. We will Go on a beautiful village walk over here. If lucky, we will be treated with a beautiful sunset across the hill with sky changing colors.
• We will then move towards the happening village of Kisama – the mystic piece of land that showcases rich culture, architecture and practices of The Nagas.
• Say bye to our Dimapur/Khonoma Driver who will drop us at the camp.
• Check into our Hornbill Camp located at a beautiful location and just 1.5 Km from the Hornbill arena.
• Refresh and give a visit to the festival arena by walk.
• Finish delicious Dinner served at our stay and take a good night’s rest.

Day 2: First day at Hornbill Festival – Heritage Arenas & Performances

• The Kisama Heritage village is the venue of vibrant Hornbill Festival that happens every year from December 1 to 10.
• After a fulfilling Breakfast, we will walk down to the Heritage village where all the action takes place (There is no need of vehicle for Hornbill).
• Explore Bamboo pavilions, Idols, Museum, Morungs which are the arenas for the tribes to learn and display different skills like archery, arts, crafts and even headhunting!
• Wake up the foodie in you. Taste authentic delicacies of Nagas, different kinds & colors of Rice Beer.
• A day outing at the Hornbill Festival is truly an exhilarating experience once cannot forget.
• We will walk back to the Camp after finishing our Dinner.
• Take good rest in the tents.

Day 3: Second Day at Hornbill – Cultural Performances & Musical Festival

• After breakfast we will walk to Kisama Heritage Village one more time.
• Get thrilled with magnificent performances by different tribes that form the heart of Naga culture.
• We will do shopping, buy souvenirs for family/friends and celebrate festival along with thousands of people coming from all across the world.
• Evenings are equally exciting & with musical performances from different bands across North East & Foreign bands.
• There are a variety of food options around Hornbill arena to tickle our taste buds.
• Snooze for the night in your assigned tents.

Day 4: Dzukou Valley: Trek to Fairy Land, Camping

• Today we shall go on a guided trek to the heavenly Dzukou valley.
• We will give a wake up call around 5AM, and our Dzukou cab driver will be at our stay before 7AM in the morning. It takes about 30 mins of journey to the base point of the trek.
• The initial part of the trek, around 2 hours of the mountain slope, is steeply surrounded by rain forest. The locals have done a great job in maintaining the sanctity of the trail.
• Once we hike up the mountain, a completely new world appears in front of our eyes. Tens of rolling hills carpeted by dwarf bamboo trees welcome trekkers with a captivating views.
• This remaining part of trek of about 2 hours through the valley to our base camp is relatively easy but long. The beauty of the valley will make trekkers forget everything else.
• We will reach base camp located at a magnificent setting and drop our bags in the tents once our care taker pitches the tents.
• After having late Lunch at the camp, we shall explore a Helipad and trek down the Dzukou valley to reach breathtaking grasslands, pristine rivers & floating clouds that act as a crown to the majestic mountain peaks.
• We shall finish the trek by late evening.
• Gear up for an extremely cold night with warm clothes like thermals, monkey caps, thick sweaters & woolen socks.
• Weather permits, locals may even light a bonfire.
• Good night inside the cozy tents.

Day 5: Trek back to Earth, Kohima Cathedral, stay at Dimapur.

• Today after early Breakfast & Tea, we shall do return trek along the hills, and finally hike down the rainforest of the mountain slope to reach back to Viswema village, the base point where our Dzukou cab driver will be waiting to pick us.
• Journey back to the camp, relax for a while, gather luggage.
• Start our journey back to Dimapur via Kohima town.
• We will stop by at Kohima Cathedral that also offers a grand view of Kohima town.
• After 4 nights of camping stay, we will dearly wait for the warmth of the cozy stay at Dimapur homestay/guest house.
• Your body asks for rest after 2 days of trek and exploration.
• Finish Dinner, have a tight sleep.

Day 6: Drop at Airport, Return journey!

• Good morning Nagaland, one last time during the trip, until we return back.
• All the outgoing flights are scheduled around afternoon time from Dimapur Airport.
• We will drop you well ahead of time, and good bye for now!

Inclusions:

• Travel (Dimapur to Dimapur)
• Stay for 5 nights (Camping 4 nights, Rooms 1 night)
• 5 Breakfasts (Veg)
• 2 Dinners (Veg & Non veg)
• Hornbill Festival entry fees (multiple times)
• Dzukou Trekking & Camping Fees
• Local guide & Porter for Dzukou Valley Trek
• Guide for Khonoma village walk
• Campfire(s)
• Trip Captain(s)
• A unique cultural and offbeat experience of the most untouched state Nagaland.
• GST (yes, we are honest like that!)

Exclusions:

• Lunches, 3 Dinners
• Any kind of insurance, activities, shopping, party, medical, misc. expenses that are not in inclusions
• Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay on account of flight cancellation/delays, bad weather, traffic-congestion/roadblocks, political disturbances and/or any factors beyond Organizers’ control.

About Trip:

1. This trip involves basic facilities in terms of food, travel, and stay without any luxury, whatsoever.
2. This is a group trip with shared model. It may not suit everyone – especially for those expecting privacy and luxury. It best suits for people who wish to socialize.
3. Please do not book this trip if you are not okay with above points.

Travel:

Starting points:

• Dimapur Railway station: 11:30 AM on Day-1
• Dimapur Airport: 11:45 AM on Day-1

Drop points:

• • Dimapur Airport: 11 AM on Day-6
  • Dimapur Railway station: 09:30 AM on Day-6

Local Travel in Nagaland:

• Local Travel by Sumo/Innova/Eeco or similar tourist vehicles.
• Usually we use multiple vehicles during the trip.
• No vehicle needed for Kisama Heritage Village (Hornbill) exploration as our camp is close to arena.

How to reach Dimapur by Train:

• Book a flight to Guwahati (much cheaper than Dimapur flight).
• Take a morning train to Dimapur – just 5 hours of journey.

Stay:

1. Total 5 Nights on sharing basis
2. Kisama: Camping for 3 Nights
   > 2 sharing tents
3. Dzukou Valley: Camping for 1 Night
   > 2/3 sharing tents
   > Common washrooms by Dzukou association
4. Dimapur: Homestay/Guest house for 1 Night
   > Multi sharing basis.