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5N 6D Hornbill Festival Tour by Zikation
The Hornbill Festival, fondly called the “Festival of Festivals,” is Nagaland’s biggest cultural celebration held every year from December 1–10 at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Started in 2000, it honours the state’s rich tribal heritage, named after the revered Hornbill bird of Naga folklore. Over ten vibrant days, all Naga tribes come together to showcase traditional dances, folk music, indigenous games, crafts, food, and handlooms. Visitors can witness colourful performances, shop for unique handicrafts, taste authentic Naga cuisine, and soak in the festive spirit. More than just an event, the Hornbill Festival is a unifying celebration of Naga identity, preserving age-old traditions while welcoming the world to experience its culture, energy, and hospitality. 🎒 What to Pack? 👟 Footwear 🔹 Non-skid, comfortable shoes for the trek 🔹 Regular footwear for remaining days 🔹 Pair of lightweight slippers/sandals 🧥 Clothing 🔹 December will be quite cold (lower single digits) – carry enough warm clothes 🔹 Quick-dry warm lowers or track pants for the trek 🔹 Full sleeves T-shirts / Sweatshirts for the trek 🔹 Pair of thick woolen socks 🔹 Thermal body warmers (upper & lower) 🔹 Undergarments / Innerwear 🔹 Woolen cap / Sun-shielding hat 🔹 Rain jacket (just in case it rains) 🎒 Others 🔹 Day pack bag – recommended for the trek 🔹 Head torch / flashlight with spare batteries 🔹 Power bank (if your mobile/gadgets drain in a day) 🔹 Reusable water bottle (avoid buying plastic bottles) 🔹 Camera (optional) 🔹 Medicines (your regular ones + some basic emergency medicines) 📄 Documents 🔹 Government-issued address proof (Voter ID, Aadhaar, Driver’s License, Passport) 🔹 Passport-size photo (soft copy) 🔹 Inner Line Permit (we will arrange this once the tour is booked)
Itinerary
Day 1
📌NOV 29, 2025: ARRIVE GUWAHATI 🔹 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. 🍽️ Dinner included
Day 2
📌NOV 30, 2025: DIMAPUR – DZULEKE – KHONOMA – KOHIMA 🍽️ Breakfast at hotel. 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 villages – 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 rainbow trout. 🔹 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 chili. ⛺ 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 slow down here, 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. 🌙 Overnight at Kohima. 🍽️ Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 3
📌DEC 1, 2025: HORNBILL FESTIVAL DAY 1 🍽️ Breakfast at hotel. 🔹 Spend the whole day at the Naga Heritage Village, where the Hornbill Festival is celebrated. 🔹 The festival will be inaugurated today, and you get to witness it live! 🔹 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. 🏨 Overnight at Kohima. 🍽️ Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4
📌DEC 2, 2025: HORNBILL FESTIVAL DAY 2 🍽️ Breakfast at hotel. 🔹 Drive to the Hornbill Festival venue. 🔹 Spend another day at the festival and witness 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. 🏨 Overnight at Kohima. 🍽️ Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 5
📌DEC 3, 2025: TRIP TO PFUTSERO, KHEZHAKENO, CHIDA LAKE 🍽️ Breakfast at hotel. 🔹 Spend a beautiful day by visiting the villages and the natural beauty of Nagaland. 🔹 Start with Pfutsero, the coldest inhabited place in Nagaland and home to the Chakhesang tribe. It is also the village with the highest altitude in Nagaland. 🔹 At 7000 ft above sea level, Pfutsero turns into pink heaven in late November due to Cherry Blossom—keep your fingers crossed that it is still blossoming during your visit! 🔹 Begin 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, move to Khezhakeno, a beautiful village in Phek District of Nagaland. 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, drive to Chida Lake and enjoy a beautiful view devoid of the crowd. 🔹 After sightseeing and exploring, return to Kohima for the night. 🏨 Overnight at Kohima. 🍽️ Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6
📌DEC 4, 2025: KOHIMA SIGHTSEEING AND START OF DZUKOU VALLEY TREK 🍽️ Breakfast at hotel / homestay. 🔹 Checkout from the hotel / homestay. 🔹 Visit the World War II Memorial – Kohima War Cemetery, 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, visit the Cathedral. 🔹 After sightseeing and exploring, drive towards Guwahati. 🔹 Drop at Guwahati Airport by 5 PM. Please book the return flight after 7 PM. 🍽️ Breakfast included
Inclusions/Facilities:
✅ Stay at Kohima on twin/triple sharing basis. ✅ Pickup from Guwahati ✅ All local transportation in Nagaland as per itinerary mentioned above. ✅ Drop to Guwahati ✅ Breakfast and Dinner from hotels ✅ Inner Line Permit ✅ Local Trip Captain for entire tour, who can introduce you to the amazing culture of Nagaland ✅ Breakfast and dinner ✅ Pickup from Kohima, drop to Kohima ✅ Drop from Kohima to Guwahati
Exclusions:
❌ Airfare / flight tickets, train tickets (to reach Guwahati / Dimapur and return), bus tickets etc. ❌ Lunch, snacks, beverages ❌ Camera / mobile / drone fee, locker fee or any entry fee / charges at places mentioned in the itinerary. ❌ Mandatory guide fee at certain places ❌ Any personal expenses at hotels or outside ❌ Shopping, entertainment rides etc ❌ Any adventure activities ❌ Anything not mentioned in “Inclusions” ⚠️ Important Points 🔹 Nagaland is not a regular tourist place – you may not find all the facilities you are used to. 🍽️ Food & Meals 🔹 Many hotels / homestays have very minimal options for breakfast. Bread and egg / omelet are the most common options available. 🔹 We will ensure you have better variety of breakfast during the tour. 🔹 If you are a vegetarian, food options are limited (but will be available everywhere). Just let us know, and we will arrange it in the included meals. 🔹 For lunch, prepare yourself for basic meals like rice, roti, and dal. 🎉 Fun Stuff 🔹 When in Nagaland, try the King Chilly / Ghost Pepper / Bhut Jolokia – famous for its spice level. 🔹 It was once labelled the spiciest chili in the world by Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 (later superseded by two other varieties). 🔹 Don’t try eating it raw! Believe us, just don’t 😅 🔹 When talking to the locals, ask about their favourite food – you’ll be amazed by the variety of meat they eat! 📜 Terms & Conditions 🛡️ Safety 🔹 Travellers are responsible for their own safety. 🔹 Travellers are responsible for their belongings. 🔹 Zikation is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal belongings, sickness, contracting a disease, accidents, injuries, or death either during or after the tour/trek. 🩺 Health Conditions 🔹 Travellers must be transparent about any health issues. Certain tours/treks require physical fitness – please consult your doctor if unsure (especially for high-altitude or sea travel). 🔹 A doctor’s certificate may be mandatory for certain tours/treks. If the traveller cannot provide the certificate, they will not be allowed to join, and no refunds will be given. 🔹 Tour leaders/coordinators may ask a traveller to discontinue the trek/tour in case of illness or vulnerability (e.g., high-altitude sickness, sea sickness). Evacuation or hospitalization, if required, must be borne by the traveller. 🔹 No refunds will be given if the traveller cannot continue with the tour due to health issues. 🌧️ Unforeseen Issues 🔹 Itinerary changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, heavy rains, landslides, restricted entry, traffic conditions, protests, or rallies. All efforts will be made to cover planned spots, but changes may happen. The decision of the tour/trek lead is final. 🔹 Any additional costs due to sickness, weather, traffic delays, cancellations, or rescheduling of transport (flight, train, bus, ferry/cruise) must be borne by the traveller. 🔹 Zikation is not responsible if the traveller misses onward transport (flight, train, bus) after the tour ends, irrespective of the reason. Any additional rescheduling expenses must be borne by the traveller. 📍 Itinerary 🔹 Travellers may explore extra places on their own if time permits. 🔹 If a traveller cancels a visit to a planned spot during the tour, no refund will be given. 🔗 External Services 🔹 Zikation partners with third parties (accommodation, travel, food, guides, coordinators, entertainment, etc.). Zikation is not responsible for disputes or concerns arising from these services. 🔹 Any extra services availed must be settled directly by the traveller. 📄 Documents 🔹 Every traveller must carry valid original documents (Government ID, Address Proof, Vaccination Certificates, Medical Certificates, etc.), as mandated by the state/country of travel. Failure to carry required documents will result in being unable to continue the tour, and no refunds will be given. 🔹 Soft copies may be accepted in some places, but originals are strongly recommended. 🔹 The decision of the tour/trek coordinator is final, and all travellers must abide by it. 🚫 Code of Conduct 🔹 Strictly avoid illegal activities, eve-teasing, or physical/sexual assault. Any such activity will result in immediate abandonment of the accused, blacklisting from Zikation, and no refunds. 🔹 Blacklisted individuals will not be allowed to travel with Zikation in the future. ✅ Policy Acceptance 🔹 By making a payment (partial or full) for the tour, the traveller(s) automatically accept all the above terms and conditions on behalf of themselves and any others included in the booking.