Hornbill Festival
Hornbill Festival
Fixed Departure Group Size:
Min Pax10 - Max Pax 20
- Package Details
Duration
6 Days/5 Nights
Tour Type
Customizable Tour
Trip Type
Cultural Exchanges, Festival
Activities
Exchange Ideas, Local Interaction
Nagaland – A Tapestry of Tribes and Traditions: Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, Nagaland is a captivating state known for its diverse indigenous tribes and rich cultural heritage. The land of the Nagas is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, where every tribe has its unique customs, dances, and folklore. One of the most celebrated events in Nagaland is the Hornbill Festival, a grand showcase of the state’s cultural wealth, held annually in December. This week-long extravaganza brings together various Naga tribes, offering visitors a remarkable opportunity to witness traditional music, dance, crafts, and cuisine. It’s a cultural immersion like no other, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Nagaland’s lush hills and pristine landscapes.
Note: Reach Guwahati by 11:00 AM on 5th December 2023 and fly out anytime on 10 or 11th December 2023. Contact us for suggestions for your flight/train bookings.
Itinerary
- DAY 1
Tuesday, 5 December 2023: Prepare for an adventure like no other as we whisk you away from the bustling Guwahati airport! After a hearty lunch, we embark on a journey to the enchanting land of Nagaland, specifically, the vibrant town of Kohima. Your night’s sanctuary awaits you in the serene embrace of Kigwema.
- DAY 2
Wednesday, 6 December 2023: Get ready to be part of an event that’s famous worldwide – the electrifying Hornbill Festival! Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and enjoy an evening in Kigwema that will leave you enchanted.
- DAY 3
Thursday, 7 December 2023: The excitement continues as we dive deeper into the Hornbill Festival, where tradition and modernity collide in a spectacle like no other. As the sun sets, follow the irresistible aromas to the bustling night market in the heart of Kohima city.
- DAY 4
Friday, 8 December 2023:
Our journey takes us to the rustic charm of Khonoma village and the untouched beauty of Dzuleke. When night falls, we return to Kigwema for a restful sleep under the starry Nagaland sky.
- DAY 5
Saturday, 9 December 2023: Today, we venture further to Tophema village, a picturesque 50 kilometers away from Kohima city. Later, we return to the Hornbill Festival to witness even more cultural marvels, ending the day in the cozy comforts of Kigwema.
- DAY 6
Sunday, 10 December 2023:
For the early birds, an optional morning exploration of Kigwema village awaits. Then, we bid a fond farewell, dropping you off either in Dimapur or Guwahati, with memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey through Nagaland! The tour ends here.
- Included
- Accommodation: Enjoy a comfortable stay for 5 nights on a triple sharing basis.
- Transportation: Travel in style in an AC Tempo Traveller as per the itinerary. Note that AC will be switched off in the hilly areas for a more authentic experience.
- Inner Line Permit: We've got you covered with the necessary permits for exploring Nagaland hassle-free.
- MAP Plan: Your meals are sorted with the Modified American Plan, which includes breakfast and tea from Day 2 to Day 6, as well as dinner from Day 1 to Day 5.
- Local Guidance: Our knowledgeable local guides will coordinate with different groups, ensuring you get the most out of your journey.
- Tolls and Parking: Don't worry about additional costs; tolls and parking fees are included.
- Excluded
- Food and Snacks: Any meals or snacks beyond what's mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.
- Alcohol: Please note that alcoholic beverages are not part of the package.
- Packaged Drinking Water: You'll need to provide your own packaged drinking water.
- Camera Charges: Any fees related to using cameras are not included.
- Activity Charges: Activities other than those specified in the itinerary are at your own expense.
- Tips and Personal Expenses: Feel free to tip for exceptional service or cover any personal expenses during your trip.
- Medication: Any required medications are not part of the package.
- Transport to Guwahati/Dimapur: The cost of reaching Guwahati or Dimapur by flights, trains, or buses is not included.
- Entry Tickets: Entrance fees to museums, monuments, and the Hornbill Festival are not covered.
- Contingency Costs: In the event of natural calamities or personal flight delays beyond our control, we will assist with alternatives, but any associated costs will be your responsibility.
- Need Customization? Contact Us
Have Any Question?
The eight Indian states that make up Northeast India are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. It is home to over 100 ethnic groups and a wide variety of cultures. Travel in the area is generally safe, however extreme caution is advised while visiting any of the area’s more remote spots. You may have a lot of questions regarding India’s North East as a traveller preparing to visit or currently living there. This section is here to help you with any questions you may have.
- Is a permit required for a trip to northeast India?
Permits are not required to enter Assam, Meghalaya, or Tripura. To visit Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland, you’ll need an ILP (Inner Line Permit).
While an Inner Line Permit is not required to visit Sikkim, select areas of Sikkim such as Menmecho Lake, Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, and Kupup in the east do. In the north, you’ll find Chopta, Chungthang, Lachung, Thangu, Yumesamdong, Yumthang Valley, Lachen, and Gurudongmar Lake. - Do I need to hire another second car to visit Tawang’s Bum La Pass/International border?
Yes, as well as few other places of North East India, it is necessary to hire native vehicles that are licensed to travel that area. - Do you provide organised group excursions in Northeast India?
Yes, look into fixed-date group excursions and sign up for the latest news and discounts. - What is the conditions of the roads in North East India?
Few states can claim to have good roads. Many areas of the north-eastern states’ roads are in poor condition; expect some bumpy rides along the way. - What is the weather like in the northeast part of India?
The region experiences a monsoon environment, with severe to extremely heavy rainfall occurring in months of June to September. The main source of rain is the southwest monsoon, with June being the wettest month. - Is there vegetarian food in the northeast?
vegetarian food is available throughout North East India, particularly in larger cities such as Shillong, Tawang, and Guwahati.
The variety and availability of vegetarian meals may be limited in smaller areas. - What kind of clothing and accessories should we pack for our trip to Tawang and Shillong?
The climate of North East India is hot and humid, with plenty of rain. Forestland makes up a large portion of NorthEast India’s land reserve. Warm clothing should be brought at all times of the year. - What are the most popular hike & trek trails in Northeast India?
Rhododendron Trekking, GoechaLa, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking, Dzongri – Goechala Trekking, Dawki Trekking, Mechuka Trekking, Ziro Trekking, Sandakphu Trekking, Cave paths, The Dzüko Valley Trekking, and so on. - Do we see snow when we visit Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim?
Yes, Snow can be seen in Gangtok, Katao, and Bomdila in Sikkim, and Tawang, Mechuka Valley, and other locations in Arunachal Pradesh. - When is the best time to travel to Northeast India?
The months of March to June are thought to be the ideal for visiting the North East. These are perfect days for discovering the cultures, trails, and witness this lovely region, as they are always flowering. - When does the Kaziranga National Park open to the public?
During the monsoons, Kaziranga National Park will be closed; however, following the monsoons, it will reopen. There are no set dates available. Locals are the only ones who can make changes. It is therefore preferable to visit during the non-monsoon season. - What about sanitation, access to toilets, and open defecation in North East India?
North East India is a very good and healthy area to visit because of its cleanliness, hygiene, and elimination of open defecation.
100% of the package amount is to be paid to confirm the booking. Note that the availability may change any time based on demand. Post your payment as per the condition & email confirmation from us is to be treated as final. Early check-in is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
While we respect your decisions for any unforeseen event where you have to cancel, we would recommend you choose our deferred trip option. You can actually park your paid amount with us for a future dated trip as per below conditions.
You cancel before 60 days or more in advance.
You have to choose & finalise the next trip you would like to take up within the next 2 months of when you decided to cancel.
You will have only one such chance to be accommodated. After that if you decide to cancel, the regular cancellation rules apply.
Also, you cannot choose a shorter amount trip than the one you had picked earlier.
ILNE must receive notification of cancellation of services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons, only in mail. At the time we receive your mail for cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows:
- If cancelled 90 days or more in advance, cancellation fee is 15% of the package amount.
- 30% of the package amount if cancelled 89 – 60 days in advance.
50% of the package amount if cancelled 59 to 6 days in advance.
Last 5 days entire amount will be forfeited. (note : if amount paid is less 100%, remaining balance needs to be paid)
In case of partial cancellation ILNEI reserves the right to decide the conditions of refund depending upon the logistics of the trip.!
In case required group size is not reached, ILNE has the right to cancel the trip & you will receive the “trip amount” in voucher (only within the next 10 days)
In any cash refunds from ILNE to guests, the transaction fees incurred for online banking services (usually 4%) would have to be borne by the guests.
For any worst case scenario for which ILNE will not have any direct control (natural calamitities-snowstroms, thunderstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes or unexpected political bandh, unrest, curfew, loal riots, govt. orders), and if ILNE needs to cancel the trek/tour, ILNE would issue voucher for full amount paid which can be used to redeem our next upcoming treks within the next one year.
ILNE is not responsible for any natural or man made calamities and accidents occurring due to the negligence of the guests & while on trek/tour, any expenses incurred by guests are to be borne by the guests themselves. Though we will ensure your utmost safety by suggest you alternatives.
- Carry your ids, Inner Line Permits (if any)
- Carry enough warm clothes to keep your self warm. Carry an umbrella, rain coat, etc.,
- Respect the local cultures. Don’t play loud music
- The sun sets early in NorthEast India. So be prepared to wake up early & sleep early
- Customised treks & instructions would be provided & you will always be accompanied by professional certified outdoor guide during your treks/hikes
- Talk to us for any specific queries before embarking on your NorthEast travel