PRIVATE TOUR: Embark on a captivating journey of discovery through Nagaland - state of the headhunters. Spectacular landscapes and tribal villages abound in India's remote & contiguous north eastern state. Experience a life far removed from our own where you will encounter Naga warriors, Ang chiefs and colourful tribes, explore Ahom Dynasty temples, Kachari Kingdom ruins and more!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Dimapur
Dimapur - Kohima. Once you arrive at Dimapur airport you will be met and transferred by road to Kohima for the night.
Overnight: Kohima | Dinner
Kohima Sightseeing
Kohima - Khonoma. This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. The main tribe in the area are the Angami but there are also both the Rengma and Zeilang tribes here too. The village also has a World War II memorial which is well worth a visit. The state museum of Kohima is a great place to learn more about the Naga tribes and their unique ways of life.
Later on we drive to Khonoma Village where we begin our 2 night stay with a local tribal family.
Overnight: Khonoma | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Khonoma Tribal Village
This morning we take a walk around the village and learn about different aspects of their lives and what makes them unique. The Angami Naga is known to be the last bastion of the Naga warriors and there are a number of memorial stones that celebrate their achievements.
The village also has a very interesting water system where the water is piped long distances using bamboo. This village is very iconic in that it is surrounded by green rice terraces.
Overnight: Khonoma | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Touphema
Khonoma - Touphema. On day 4 we drive to Touphema, another Angami tribal village where we spend the following 2 nights. Touphema has a number of chalets built in traditional Angami fashion and guests will be greeted with superb Angami hospitality. There are guided walks to go on to nearby peaks and paddy fields. We have the opportunity to visit local homes and gain a fascinating insight into the wonderful myths, legends and stories of the Angami people. There is also a museum displaying traditional jewellery, clothing and other artefacts.
Overnight: Touphema | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Mokokchung
On the morning of day 6 we take a drive to Mokokchung. On the way we stop at Wokha which is the district headquarters of the Lotha Nagas. The Lothas are famed for their splendid colourful dancing and singing. After a visit here we head onto Mokokchung for the next 2 nights.
On day 7 we awaken in the village of the Ao Naga tribe. The majority of this tribe are Christians and have been since about the 19th century and they are one of the most literate tribes of all the Nagas. We also take a visit over to the small village of Mopunchukit. Despite its size Mopunchukit has an informative museum and a church in the village.
The last stop of the day is to the village of Longkhum. Longkhum is a hill top village once used as the battle ground for the infamous head hunters. It is commonly believed by the Ao Nagas that the spirits of dead people are manifested in the local eagles that nest here. They also recommend that visitors come through the village twice as the first time one’s soul is often left behind.
Overnight: Mokokchung | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Tuensang
Mokokchung - Tuensang. After breakfast on day 8 we drive to Tuensang, the largest district of Nagaland, which borders Myanmar in the east. Located in the foot hills of Mount Saramati - the highest peak in Nagaland, Tuensang is a region of outstanding natural beauty with lush valleys and rugged hills. The main Naga tribes of the region are the Chang, Yimchunger, Khiamungan, Sangtam and Phom Nagas, each with their own colourful dress and rich cultural heritage.
The following day, discover the fascinating tribal villages of Tuensang. In this region mithuns (a cross between a water buffalo and a cow) can often be seen wandering in the surrounding forests. The highlight of the day is seeing the giant monoliths in Longtrok village.
Overnight: Tuensang | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Mon
Tuensang - Mon. This morning we depart on our journey to the last of our tribal villages. The district of Mon is both the most northern and the most eastern of all the districts in the Nagaland. It is home to the Konyak Nagas who are by far the largest in numbers of all the different Nagas and also the most recognisable. They have tattoos all over their face and hands and as a tribe are famous for their muzzle loading guns. The Konyaks are the only part of the Naga tribes that use the institution of village Angh (hereditary chief).
On our second day in the village we take a visit to the chief’s house in Shangnyu village. Moving on we pop into Longwa, this is the biggest village in Mon and stretches across into neighbouring Myanmar. The Angh of this village has jurisdiction on both sides of the border.
Our third day continues on from the second with more exploration of the local villages.
Overnight: Mon | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3
Jorhat
Today is our final road journey and we take it to Jorhat. Jorhat quite simply means two markets, back in the 18th century there were two markets on either sides of the Bhogdoi River which flows through Jorhat.
Overnight: Jorhat | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jorhat
This morning we say our goodbyes and everyone is transported to the airport for their flights.
Breakfast
Extend your stay
If you'd like to extend your stay, we offer a variety of hotels, short stays and add-ons for you to choose from. Please read our best places to visit or best things to see each month for suggested places to visit on your holiday. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.
For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our travel guide.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.
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