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Festival Tour in Tribal City Nagaland

First week of December brings colors of festivity to the already vibrant Tribal City of Nagaland in form of Hornbill Festival. This cultural extravaganza celebrated in the capital Kohima, witnesses an enthusiastic participation from various tribes with the sole purpose to inspirit, conserve and uphold the sumptuousness of great Naga legacy.

Abode to 16 prime tribe cults, the land of Naga has a great cultural history which has contributed majorly to its popularity. The name "Hornbill" is derived from the name of a bird that has a special mention in the myths of the state's tribes. The tribal fiesta brings together the varied tribal sects of Nagaland by virtue of its performances and exhibitions. You can't catch a better way to explore the traditional art and culture of Nagaland other than Hornbill Festival that is marked by heart winning traditional dance performances and musical concerts. The fun and merriment which includes fascinating programs like folk songs and dances; religious ceremonies; sports; games; food; display of paintings, sculptures and wooden carvings continues for almost a week. This one week can't get better as the festive spirit of Naga people is unbeatable during the season of Hornbill, all raising the spirit of the participants and the audience!

Day 01: Arrive Dibrugarh - The Tea City of India
On your arrival at Dibrugarh in the North East Indian state of Assam, you will be received by our representative who will transfer you to your pre booked hotel. Nurtured by the exquisite Brahmaputra River, Dibrugarh is the major gateway to the three tea producing districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sibsagar which contribute 50 % to the total of India's Assam tea production. For this the city has been rightly sobriquet as the Tea City of India.
Check in at the hotel and relax in the comfortable rooms. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Later in the evening you can visit the local market to get familiar with the environment and the people of the city.
Overnight will be at the hotel.

Day 02: From Dibrugarh Drive to Mon
Early morning breakfast will be followed by a drive to Mon the northernmost district of Nagaland situated at a distance of 180 km. Bordered by Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Myanmar to its north, west and east respectively this small district is home to Konyak Nagas. The most conspicuous feature of this region is that you get to see tattooed faces wearing feathers that separate Konyak Nagas from other tribes. Owing to their inborn talent, Konyaks are great artisans and accomplished craftsperson which is reflected by excellent wood carvings, machetes (daos), head brushes, headgear, guns, gunpowder, necklaces, etc. which can be found everywhere in the district. Visit a traditional Konyak house. They still adorn their houses with skulls, elephant tusks, hornbill beaks and wooden statues.
En route you will pay a visit to Wakching village - an archetypal Konyak inhabitation. Here you can visit Angh's House. Anghs are hereditary chiefs who rule Konyak. You will spend overnight at the hotel at Mon.

Day 03: Expedition to Shangnyu-Langmering-Chui
After early morning breakfast, you will be driven to Shangnyu village which is ruled by chief Angh. This prominent village of the district houses an exquisite wooden monument with intricate carvings of human beings, creatures etc. The monument is raised to a height of 8 feet with breadth of 12 feet. It is believed to be built by divine angels. In front of Angh's Palace one can find rare and exquisite memorial stones.
Post lunch you will be driven to Langmering to witness head hunting trophies. Real essence of the tribal tour to Nagaland is restored by a visit to Chui Village (Basti). The main attraction of village is Angh's Mansion and traditional houses built in typical Konyak signature style. the way natural beauty of this place inspires you can't be described in words. Later, you will come back to Mon for overnight stay.

Day 04: Longwa- Single Village Two Nations
After a traditional breakfast, proceed for an exciting full day trip to one of the biggest and most interesting villages of Nagaland - Longwa Village. As the village bestrides an international periphery, Angh's house is divided in two parts. One half of the Angh's house lies within Indian Territory, while the other half falls under control of Myanmar. However the main power is in the hands of Angh and the village Council Chairman. You will be amazed to know that Angh ruling the village has 60 wives!
All in all, experience a traditional, beautiful and rustic life in the tribal village of Longwa. Come back to Mon for overnight stay.

Day 05: Drive to Tuensang
Early morning breakfast will be followed by a 150 km drive to the easternmost district of Nagaland - Tuensang. Proud possessor of undulating hills, exquisite gorges and vistas, Tuensang was one of the three districts that were formed at the time of state formation. The present diminished condition of the district is because of three districts Mon, Longleng and Kiphire which have been carved out from the original district. The main indigenous tribes of this district are Chang, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimchunger and Phom.
Spend your overnight at Tuensang.

Day 06: Excursion to Noklak
After a delicious morning breakfast, you will proceed for a fun filled excursion tour to the border village of Noklak in Eastern region of Nagaland. The indigenous habitat of this village is the Khiamniungan Tribe. Besides the colorful tribal culture, this district exhibits excellent cane work and handicraft artifacts. One can also found the remnants of slat roofing in this region.
Come back to Tuensang for overnight stay.

Day 07: Tuensang to Mokokchung
Morning breakfast will be followed by a 115 km drive to Mokokchung - a picturesque town in Nagaland. The prime cultural and intellectual center of the state, it is inhabited by the Ao people renowned for their colorful dances and great zeal for celebrations. Mokokchung was one of the first Naga Hills where in the later part of 19th century Assam Rifles, led by the British, established their outposts.
Spend your overnight at Mokokchung.

Day 08: Drive to Touphema
After early morning breakfast embark an exciting drive of 115 km to Touphema en route visiting Lothas tribal village. Known for their vibrant dances and songs, the tribal sect Lothas have many tales related to their migration. In the past, Lothas used to practice headhunting but with the advent of Christianity in their lives they gave up this practice. The famous esteemed shawls that belong to Lothas sect are Opvuram for women and Longpensu for men.
Overnight will be at Touphema.

Day 09: Drive to Kohima
On the morning of ninth day after breakfast you will drive to Kohima, the hilly capital of Nagaland, India. Raised to 1444 km above sea level, Kohima is a picturesque town. Both historically and culturally this town has contributed as golden chapters to the book called India. Kohima houses a huge graveyard for the Allied war dead which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Grab on an opportunity to visit the Kohima village known as Bara Basti. Home to Angami tribes, Kohima village is known for its great customary wooden gate ornamented with the horns of buffalo which indicate the bravery of the Angamis. State museum exhibits some of the most varied yet fascinating features of Naga tribal life. The items on display include ancestral weaponry, status pillars and customary Naga costumes and jewelry. Also visit sales emporium and Cathedral.
Overnight will be at Kohima.

Day 10: Sightseeing at Khonoma
After a delicious morning breakfast, set out for a full day expedition tour to Khonoma village located 20 km from Kohima. Home village of father of Naga nationalist Movement - Angami Phizo, the Khonoma provided shelter to numerous villages in past. The popular Khonoma gate is believed to be the site from where British infiltrated into Naga Hills. Carved out of the hill slopes, the majestic terraces flaunt 20 varieties of rice. Khonoma is renowned for the uncultivated supervision of its alder trees, which offers stability to nature in the contiguous areas.

In 1998, Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) was set up by the ecologically aware people of Khonoma village to conserve the Blyth's Tragopna, an endangered pheasant of the State. At present, owned and managed by the Village Community of Khonoma, this place is ideal for adventure freaks as well as for those interested in studying nature.
Later in the evening, the excursion will head towards the colorful Bazaars of the region. Enjoy shopping; interact with the local tribes etc. Overnight will be at Kohima.

Day 11: Back to Dimapur
On eleventh day after morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Dimapur railway station by our representative. Finally, it's time to bid farewell to the Naga city and its colorful legacy!