Hornbill Festival & Dzükou Valley Escape
Experience Nagaland at its most vibrant — colourful tribal traditions, traditional Naga Morungs, folk dances, indigenous cuisine, music, handicrafts and the spectacular landscape
Overview
Experience Nagaland at its most vibrant — colourful tribal traditions, traditional Naga Morungs, folk dances, indigenous cuisine, music, handicrafts and the spectacular landscapes of the Naga Hills, combined with an unforgettable adventure into Dzükou Valley.
A Premium Cultural, Festival & Himalayan Highland Experience.
Route: Dimapur • Kohima • Kisama • Dzükou Valley • Khonoma.
The Hornbill Festival is a 10-day cultural celebration organised by the Government of Nagaland at Kisama Heritage Village. The festival brings together Naga tribes through cultural performances, handicrafts, food, music, indigenous sports and adventure activities.
Highlights
Itinerary
1
DIMAPUR → KOHIMA — Gateway to the Naga Hills
Distance: Approx. 74 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 2.5–3 Hours | Overnight: Kohima
Upon arrival at Dimapur Airport / Railway Station, meet our representative and begin your scenic journey towards Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
As you leave the plains of Dimapur behind, the landscape gradually transforms into lush green hills, winding mountain roads and beautiful Naga settlements.
En Route Experience: Local village life, Mountain landscapes, Indigenous vegetable & fruit markets, Scenic viewpoints, Photography stops.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.
Stay: Kohima | Meal: Dinner
2
KOHIMA → KISAMA — Hornbill Festival Experience Day 01
Distance: Approx. 20–25 KM round trip | Travel Time: Approx. 1–1.5 Hours driving + Festival
After breakfast, begin your first full day of the Hornbill Festival.
Start with a visit to Kohima War Cemetery, followed by a short exploration of Kohima before proceeding towards Kisama Heritage Village.
KISAMA HERITAGE VILLAGE — Located approximately 10–12 km from Kohima, Kisama is the principal venue of the Hornbill Festival. The Heritage Village features traditional Naga tribal houses known as Morungs, each reflecting the architectural and cultural identity of different Naga communities.
HORNBILL FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: Traditional Naga tribal dances, Cultural performances, Traditional costumes, Indigenous games, Handloom & handicrafts, Naga cuisine, Local products, Music & cultural programmes, Tribal Morungs, Photography opportunities.
The official festival programme also includes village walks, cultural exchange, food festivals, arts & crafts and adventure activities.
Spend the day enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Kisama. Return to Kohima in the evening.
Stay: Kohima | Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
3
KISAMA & KIGWEMA — Hornbill Festival: Culture, Music & Night Carnival
Distance: Approx. 25–35 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 1–2 Hours driving + Festival activities
After breakfast, proceed towards Kisama for another full day of the Hornbill Festival.
Before or after the main festival programme, explore Kigwema Village, where traditional Naga village architecture and local lifestyle provide a deeper understanding of the region.
EXPERIENCE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF HORNBILL: Traditional tribal performances, Indigenous music, Traditional costumes, Authentic Naga food, Handicrafts & handlooms, Indigenous games, Tribal photography, Hornbill Music Festival.
EVENING — Hornbill Night Carnival: Return to Kohima and enjoy the colourful Night Carnival, with food stalls, local products, music and a lively evening atmosphere.
Stay: Kohima | Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
4
KOHIMA → VISWEMA / DZÜKOU VALLEY — The Adventure Day (Where the Clouds Rest)
Road Distance: Approx. 25–30 KM to the trek approach | Trek: Full-day hiking experience | Trek Time: Approx. 5–7 Hours depending on route, pace & weather | Overnight: Kohima
Today is the most adventurous day of the tour.
After an early breakfast, drive towards the Dzükou Valley trekking approach, traditionally accessed from the Viswema side.
DZÜKOU VALLEY TREK — At approximately 2,452 metres / 8,045 feet, Dzükou Valley lies amidst the mountains of Nagaland and Manipur. The valley is famous for rolling green meadows, seasonal wildflowers, bamboo vegetation, streams and dramatic mountain landscapes.
WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE: Mountain trekking, Bamboo forests, Rolling grasslands, Seasonal flowers, Natural streams, Mountain viewpoints, Dramatic cloud formations, Photography, Peaceful wilderness.
TREK NOTE: Dzükou is a moderate-to-demanding outdoor experience, not a normal sightseeing excursion. The actual trekking duration can vary significantly depending on weather, trail condition, fitness level and the selected route. Comfortable trekking shoes, drinking water, light snacks, rain protection and warm clothing are strongly recommended.
After completing the trek, return to the vehicle and proceed back towards Kohima.
Stay: Kohima | Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
5
KOHIMA → KHONOMA → KOHIMA — Green Village, Nature & Naga Heritage
Distance: Approx. 40–45 KM round trip | Travel Time: Approx. 2–3 Hours driving + sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed towards Khonoma, one of Nagaland most beautiful traditional villages.
Khonoma combines history, traditional culture and nature conservation with spectacular mountain scenery.
KHONOMA VILLAGE — Explore: Traditional terraced fields, Naga traditional houses, Forest landscapes, Village architecture, Mountain viewpoints, Village walking experience.
The village provides an opportunity to experience the slower pace of traditional Naga life.
Enjoy a leisurely village walk and interact with the local environment before returning to Kohima.
Stay: Kohima | Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
6
KOHIMA → KISAMA — Final Hornbill Festival Experience
Distance: Approx. 20–25 KM round trip | Travel Time: Approx. 1–1.5 Hours driving + Festival
After breakfast, proceed for your final full-day Hornbill Festival experience.
FESTIVAL DAY — Use this day to explore anything you may have missed during the earlier festival visits. Spend time at the various tribal Morungs, interact with artisans, taste local food and enjoy the final cultural performances.
SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES: Naga handicrafts, Handwoven textiles, Traditional accessories, Bamboo products, Local food products, Tribal artwork.
Return to Kohima in the evening.
Stay: Kohima | Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
7
KOHIMA → DIMAPUR — Journey Home with Memories of Nagaland
Distance: Approx. 74–80 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 3–3.5 Hours
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey towards Dimapur.
The final drive takes you through the beautiful Naga hills before descending towards the plains.
On arrival at Dimapur Airport / Railway Station, transfer for your onward journey.
TOUR ENDS — With the colours of Hornbill, the silence of Dzükou and the warmth of Naga hospitality.
Meal: Breakfast
What's Included
Inclusions
- Accommodation in selected hotels / resorts
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- Private vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- Dimapur Airport / Railway Station pickup & drop
- Kohima–Kisama transfers
- Khonoma sightseeing
- Dzükou Valley trekking approach transfer
- Driver allowance, fuel & parking
- Applicable road taxes
- Nature Nest Holidays tour assistance
Exclusions
- Flight / Train tickets
- Hornbill Festival entry tickets, if applicable
- Dzükou Valley trekking / guide / local guide charges, where applicable
- Camping equipment / overnight camping
- Lunch & personal meals
- Monument / museum entry fees
- Personal expenses
- Camera / photography charges, wherever applicable
- Additional sightseeing
- Adventure activities
- Any cost arising from weather, landslide, road closure or unforeseen circumstances
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Documents & Permits
Permit Information
Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Nagaland. Check the official Tourism Nagaland website for the current ILP portal before departure.
Important Notes
Hornbill Festival 2026: The official Tourism Nagaland website currently lists the festival for 1–10 December 2026 at Kisama.
Dzükou Valley: This is an outdoor trekking experience. The valley is at around 2,452 m, and trail conditions can vary. Guests should be physically prepared for a long mountain walk.
Festival Transportation: During Hornbill Festival, traffic around Kisama can be heavy. The official festival has previously operated shuttle services between Kohima and Kisama, so the final transportation plan should be adjusted according to the official arrangements announced for the travel year.
Permit: Nagaland official tourism website provides the current Inner Line Permit (ILP) portal and tourism contact information; permit requirements should be checked before departure.
Cancellation Policy
As per Nature Nest Holidays cancellation policy.
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