6 Days Itinerary for Hornbill Festival : Best Tour Plan for Hornbill Festival 2024

The perfect 6-day itinerary for attending the Hornbill Festival 2024 in Nagaland. This itinerary blends the festival’s cultural experiences with local sightseeing, adventure, and culinary delights.

Are you ready to dive into the heart of Naga culture?

Day 1: Arrival in Dimapur & Transfer to Kohima

• Morning: Arrive at Dimapur Airport or Railway Station. From here, a scenic drive (about 3-4 hours) takes you to Kohima, the state capital.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel or homestay. Kohima offers everything from luxury hotels to cozy local stays.
• Evening: Take a short tour of Kohima Market to get your first taste of Naga cuisine and handicrafts. Grab a bite at a local café and sample dishes like pork with bamboo shoots or smoked meat.

Travel Tip: Book your accommodations in advance, as the festival draws in a large number of tourists.

Day 2: Explore Kohima & Hornbill Festival Kick-Off

• Morning: Visit the Kohima War Cemetery, a serene reminder of the soldiers who fought in WWII. It’s a beautiful spot to reflect and soak in the history.
• Afternoon: Head to the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, where the Hornbill Festival takes place. Immerse yourself in the colorful opening ceremony, featuring tribal dance performances, traditional music, and the energetic war dance.
• Evening: Attend the Night Carnival in Kohima, where you can enjoy street food, music, and local crafts. The festive vibe here is electric!

Pro Tip: Take lots of photos during the opening ceremony—those vivid costumes and energetic performances are Instagram gold!

Day 3: Traditional Naga Culture & Food Exploration

• Morning: Return to the Hornbill Festival grounds for more cultural performances. Don’t miss the log drum beating event, a spectacular display of traditional Naga music.
• Afternoon: Explore the Handicrafts Bazaar at the festival, where you can buy exquisite Naga shawls, beadwork, wood carvings, and bamboo products. Enjoy a traditional Naga lunch at one of the food stalls—try the fermented soybean chutney (Axone or Akhuni)or smoked pork.
• Evening: Experience the Hornbill International Rock Concert, one of the biggest rock music events in India, featuring both local and international bands.

Foodie’s Delight: Don’t leave without trying Zutho, a traditional rice beer, and Axone, a fermented soybean dish.

Day 4: Village Excursion & Local Life

• Morning: Visit Khonoma Village, a short drive from Kohima, often called Asia’s first “green village” due to its eco-conscious agricultural practices. Explore its terraced farms, traditional homes, and meet the locals to learn about sustainable farming.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a local lunch in the village,
• Evening: Head back to Kohima for the night. If time allows, stroll through the State Museum to learn more about Naga tribes, their history, and their crafts.

Tip: Khonoma’s peaceful landscapes are perfect for landscape photography.

Day 5: Explore the Natural Beauty of Nagaland– Dzukou Valley Trek

• Morning: Early start for a day trek to the stunning Dzukou Valley. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Dzukou Valley is a paradise for nature lovers. The trek takes about 4-5 hours, and the breathtaking views make it worth every step.
• Afternoon: Pack a picnic and enjoy a serene afternoon in the valley
• Evening: Enjoy camping, bonfire and music.

Nature Tip: Dzukou Valley is particularly beautiful during the early morning light—perfect for drone shots or panoramic photography.

Day 6: Final Day at Hornbill Festival & Departure

• Morning: Head back to the Hornbill Festival for your final day.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Dimapur for your onward journey or stay a little longer to soak in Nagaland’s unique charm.
• Evening: Catch your flight from Dimapur or spend the night in Dimapur if you plan to extend your stay in Nagaland.

Farewell Tip: Don’t forget to exchange stories and pictures with fellow travelers before you leave! The friendships you make at Hornbill often last long beyond the festival.

Additional Travel Tips:

1. Getting Around: You can hire taxis in Kohima or rent a car with a driver for more convenience. Roads can be steep and winding, so it’s best to travel with someone familiar with the terrain.
2. Carry Cash: While Kohima has ATMs, cash is still the preferred payment method, especially at markets and local stalls.
3. Stay Warm: December is cold, so pack warm clothes. Layers work best as the weather can shift from chilly mornings to warmer afternoons.

This 6-day itinerary offers the perfect mix of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the beauty and uniqueness of Northeast India, attending the Hornbill Festival 2024 is the perfect way to do it. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Nagaland!