Embark on a captivating journey of discovery through Nagaland – state of the headhunters. Spectacular landscapes & 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 & colourful tribes, explore Ahom Dynasty temples, Kachari Kingdom ruins & more!
Nagaland is a state in the far north-eastern part of India. It borders the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam to the north, Burma to the east and Manipur to the south. The state capital is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur. Agriculture is the most important economic activity inNagaland. Principal crops include rice, corn, millets, pulses, tobacco, oilseeds, sugarcane, potatoes and fibres. Other economy boosters are forestry, cottage industries, insurance, real estate and tourism.
Inheriting its name from the Kachari word 'Dimasa' after the river which flows through it, Dimapur is a burgeoning urban town. Popularly referred to as the 'Gateway to Nagaland', Dimapur is one of the most commercial and important cities in the State. Nagaland's only railhead, the city is a crucial trading center. Rendered with an alluring historical past, it is home to the remnants from the Kachari dynasty.
Mokokchung is a pretty town with none of the big-city drawbacks of Kohima. The Ao Nagas, once known for the practice of headhunting, belong to these parts. The villages of Ungma and Longkhum are interesting excursions.
Dimapur – Kohima. Arrive at Dimapur.
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.
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.
Khonoma – Tuephema. On day 4 we drive to Tuephema, another Angami tribal village where we spend the following 2 nights. Tuephema 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 is.
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.
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.
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 Burma. 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
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.
This morning we say our goodbyes and everyone fly to their respective destinations.