Hornbill Festival Nagaland Tour
The Hornbill Festival Nagaland tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the state's vibrant tribal culture at its most celebrated event. Held annually near Kohima, the Hornbill Festival brings together traditional music, dance, crafts and cuisine from different Naga tribes in one vibrant cultural showcase. This tour offers a well-planned way to attend the festival while exploring key cultural and scenic highlights of Nagaland. With guided visits, organized travel and a comfortable pace, the itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience rather than conventional sightseeing.
Tour Summary
| Starting From | Guwahati / Dimapur | Ending at | Guwahati / Dimapur |
| No of days | 6 | Number of nights | 5 |
| Night stays at | Dimapur (1 night) Kohima (4 nights) | ||
What Is the Hornbill Festival?
The Hornbill Festival is Nagaland's most celebrated cultural event, bringing together the traditions of the state's many indigenous tribes in one vibrant showcase. Held annually near Kohima, the festival is named after the hornbill bird, which holds cultural significance for Naga communities and symbolizes heritage and identity. During the festival, different tribes present traditional music, dances, attire, crafts and rituals, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Nagaland's cultural diversity in a single setting. Alongside performances, the festival also features indigenous cuisine, local handicrafts, folk games and cultural demonstrations that highlight everyday tribal life. The Hornbill Festival is widely regarded as one of Northeast India's most important cultural festivals and is ideal for travelers interested in authentic traditions, heritage and community-based experiences.
Festival Highlights and Experiences
The Hornbill Festival offers a rich mix of cultural performances and immersive experiences that showcase the diversity of Nagaland's tribal heritage. Visitors can witness traditional dances, folk music and ceremonial displays performed by different Naga tribes, each presenting its unique attire, instruments and storytelling traditions. Cultural pavilions and village-style setups allow travelers to explore indigenous crafts, traditional homes and everyday practices that reflect tribal life. The festival also features local cuisine stalls serving regional dishes, giving visitors a chance to experience Nagaland's food culture alongside the performances. Interactive events, demonstrations and informal cultural exchanges make the festival more than just a spectacle, allowing travelers to engage meaningfully with local communities and traditions throughout their visit.
Itinerary of Hornbill Festival Batch A
Day 1: Nov 29, 2025: Guwahati - Dimapur
Arrive at Guwahati airport or railway station latest by 1:30 PM. Meet and greet our representative and start our road journey to the amazing land of Nagas, Nagaland. Reach Dimapur by late evening. Check-in to hotel and relax.
Dimapur, the gateway to Nagaland, is a lively mix of history, culture, and modern charm. Once the capital of the Dimasa Kachari kingdom, its ancient ruins still stand as reminders of a glorious past. The city also played a key role in World War II, serving as a base during the Battle of Kohima. Today, Dimapur blends bustling markets and urban life with heritage and nature. Top attractions include the 13th-century Kachari Ruins, Rangapahar Reserve Forest, Triple Falls, Diezephe Craft Village, Zoological Park, and Chumukedima viewpoint. For shopping, the vibrant Hong Kong Market and traditional tribal crafts are must-sees. With its unique history, natural beauty, and cultural richness, Dimapur is more than just an entry point — it's a destination worth exploring.
Day 2: Nov 30, 2025: Dimapur - Kohima
After breakfast, freshen up and start the journey towards Kohima. No tour to Nagaland is complete without going for village tours. The stories of Nagaland can be better heard from these iconic villages and the locals. We start our day by visiting two of the popular historic village of Khonoma and Dzuleke.
Tucked away in Kohima district, just 40 km from the city, Dzuleke is a hidden gem of Nagaland known as the 'Home of the Bison'. This tiny Angami village, with its serene valleys, crystal-clear streams, and vibrant biodiversity, offers travelers an offbeat escape into nature. Once a hunting ground, it is now a sanctuary for rare wildlife like Blyth's tragopan, barking deer, and even rainbow trout in its streams. Here, you can stay in cozy cottages, savor local dishes like fresh crabs with Binni rice, or test your spice limits with the fiery Bhut Jolokia chilli. Marked by ancient monoliths and scenic trails, Dzuleke is perfect for camping, photography, and laid-back picnics. This quaint eco-village promises a true slice of Nagaland's natural beauty and warm hospitality. We will unplug and slowdown in this hidden Naga Village - Dzuleke, surrounded by forests and farmland. No Wifi, No traffic- just misty hills, bamboo homes, and a vibe that stays with you long after you leave.
Khonoma, just 20 km from Kohima, is often called India's first “green village”. Around 700 years old, it is home to the Angami tribe and famous for its terraced farming, rich forests, and biodiversity—including the endangered Blyth's tragopan, orchids, bamboo, and even tigers and leopards. Historically, Khonoma is remembered for bravely resisting British forces between the 1830s and 1880, leaving a lasting mark on India's freedom struggle. In the 1990s, the villagers once again stood united—this time against large-scale logging—leading to the creation of community-led conservation practices.
After exploring these historic villages, and going through the scenic rice fields, we will drive towards Kohima. Check-in to a hotel or homestay and relax for the day.
Day 3: Dec 1, 2025: Naga Heritage Village / Hornbill Festival Venue
Spend the whole day at the Naga heritage Village, where the hornbill festival is celebrated. Explore the various Morungs (traditional monasteries) and know more about the culture of various tribes. Every tribe has a different culture, so make sure you visit all the Morungs and know more about them.
The Hornbill Festival kicks off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony that sets the tone for the celebrations ahead. As you step through the festival gates, you're welcomed into a world of color, rhythm, and tradition. Each Naga tribe proudly introduces itself through captivating folk dances, soulful songs, and engaging skits, offering a glimpse into their rich heritage. The energy of the day is infectious—drumbeats echo across the arena, costumes dazzle under the sun, and the performances tell stories passed down for generations. It's more than just an introduction; it's a grand invitation to immerse yourself in the cultural spirit of Nagaland. The ceremony is only the beginning, a teaser of the incredible experiences and festivities that continue to unfold over the following days. If there's one moment that captures the essence of the Hornbill Festival, it's this vibrant opening spectacle.
Day 4: Dec 2, 2025: Naga Heritage Village / Hornbill Festival Venue
Post breakfast, we will drive you to attend the Hornbill Festival. Spend another day at the festival where we will witness all the various acts and performances of all the different tribes of Nagaland. From the festival, we will drive you back to your stay in Kohima for the night.
Day 5: Dec 3, 2025: Trip to Pfutsero, Khezhakeno, Chida Lake
Spend a beautiful day by visiting the villages and the natural beauty of Nagaland. We start with our visit to Pfutsero, which is the coldest inhabited place in Nagaland and is also the home to the Chakhesang tribe. It is also the village with highest altitude in Nagaland. At an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level, Pfutsero turns into pink heaven in late November due to Cherry Blossom. Keep your fingers crossed, and pray that it is still blossoming when you visit there! Start your day with an easy hike to Glory Peak for breathtaking views, followed by a visit to the serene Pfutsero Baptist Church. A short drive away, Chida Post offers rolling green valleys and a picturesque lake on the Nagaland-Manipur border. Pfutsero isn't about checklists—it's about slowing down, soaking in the hills, and experiencing Nagaland's rustic charm.
Later, we move to Khezhakeno, which is yet another beautiful village in Phek District of Nagaland. It is a village steeped in history and legend. Known as the ancestral home of the Nagas, it once sheltered many tribes before they migrated across the Northeast. Today, it's home to over 4,000 people and draws visitors with its cultural heritage, scenic charm, and the serene Chida Lake. A local legend even speaks of a magical stone that could multiply paddy harvests. The village is easy to reach by car or state buses, and the best time to visit is October to April. With its blend of history, folklore, and natural beauty, Khezhakeno is a must-see for anyone exploring Nagaland.
Later, we drive to Chida lake, and enjoy a beautiful view devoid of the crowd. After sightseeing and exploring, we will drive you back to your stay in Kohima for the night.
Day 6: Dec 4, 2025: Kohima Sightseeing and Dimapur drop
Batch A
Today, after breakfast, checkout from the hotel / homestay. Visit the World War II Memorial. Yes, you read it right, India does have something to do with World War II. In the heart of Nagaland's capital, Kohima War Cemetery stands as a moving tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the Battle of Kohima (1944). Once a fierce battleground, this peaceful memorial now honours the courage and sacrifice of those who halted the Japanese advance into India. A visit here is both humbling and unforgettable - a place where history and heroism live on. Later, we will visit the Cathedral. After sightseeing and exploring, we will drive you to Guwahati and drop you at the Guwahati Airport by 5 PM.
Please book the return flight after 7 PM.
Batch B
We will start to a village called Viswema, and then drive along a muddy patch to reach the starting point of the trek to Dzukou Valley. The initial part of the trek is quite steep, and takes anywhere between 1-2 hours to reach the peak. After that, it is a flat trek for 5-6 km to reach canteen / dormitory. After admiring the beauty of the valley, we retire early for the day, as we have a long day tomorrow.
Day 7: Dec 5, 2025: Dzukou to Kohima
Batch B only
We start our day early to explore Dzukou Valley. Spend enough time at the valley before coming back to the dormitory. After exciting exploration of Dzukou, we start our trek back. Later in the day, we drive back to Kohima. Check-in to a hotel / homestay.
Day 8: Dec 6, 2025: Kohima to Dimapur
Batch B only
Today, after breakfast, checkout from the hotel / homestay. Visit the World War II Memorial (Yes, you read it right, India does have something to do with World War II. Visit the place with us and know more about it). Later visit the Cathedral. Later, drive to Dimapur and then to Guwahati. Reach Guwahati by 5 PM. Please book the return flight after 7 PM.
Optional Dzukou Valley Trek Extension
Travelers looking to add an adventure element to the Hornbill Festival Nagaland tour can opt for a trek to Dzukou Valley. Known for its rolling hills, seasonal flowers and panoramic landscapes, Dzukou Valley offers a scenic contrast to the cultural experiences of the festival. The trek is available as an optional extension and is suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level. Including Dzukou Valley allows visitors to combine Nagaland's cultural celebrations with one of its most scenic natural experiences, making the journey more diverse and rewarding.
Is Vegetarian Food available in Nagaland?
Yes, vegetarian food is available though the options are very limited. The vegetarian food may not completely satisfy your taste buds, but the experiences you will get during this tour outshines the lack of variety in vegetarian food.
How good is non-vegetarian food in Nagaland?
Well the answer depends on individual taste. If you are a foodie, and like to taste all kinds of meat, Nagaland gives you wide variey of options. You will be surprised by the wide range of meat the locals eat, and you get to taste all of them at the festival venue.
If your diet restricts yourself to chicken and fish, you may not find the food that exciting. The taste of Nagaland food is quite different when compared to rest of India. Even the regular chicken and fish dishes may or may not suit your taste buds.
Who Is This Hornbill Festival Tour Ideal For?
Travellers interested in rich cultural heritage
Photographers and videographers - You will get a lot of content
Solo travellers - you will end up making a lot of friends with the locals
Small groups
Couples
Travellers interested in indigenous traditions
Best Time to Take the Hornbill Festival Tour
Hornbill Festival is organised by Nagaland Government usually from Dec 1 to 10. This is the best time to visit Nagaland
We do have customised tours as well as group tours to Nagaland during this time.
Weather will be pleasant during day time, but nights can get really cold
Important Information for Hornbill Fesetival Tour
Both Batch A (with above itinerary) and Batch B will travel together from Nov 29 to Dec 3. On Dec 4th, Batch A will go back to Guwahati, whereas Batch B will go to for the trek. Batch B will reach Guwahati on Dec 6th.
Nagaland is not a regular tourist place. So, you may not find all the facilities you are otherwise used to.
There may be occasional power cuts, sometimes can extend to 1-2 days as well. Usually, during Hornbill Festival, the power cuts are rare.
Many hotels / homestays have very minimum options for breakfast. Bread and egg / omelet are the most common breakfast options available.
If you are a vegetarian, the food options are limited (but will be available everywhere). Prepare yourself for having rice, roti, dal for majority of the tour!
There is no power at Dzukou Valley. Please carry a power bank if you want to charge your gadgets.
There is no mobile signal at Dzukou Valley. Please inform your loved ones that you will not be reachable for one day.
At Dzukou Valley, there are not many options for food. Basic food (rice, dal, Maggi, and basic non-veg items) only would be available.
Only shared washrooms are available at Dzukou Valley (Indian Toilets). There will be no flowing water. Visitors need to carry water from the tank nearby (10-20m) on their own.
Only registered guides are allowed to enter the kitchen premises. Ask your guide if you want to eat something (from the options available), and he get it for you.
