Every December, Nagaland throws open its doors for the Hornbill Festival — ten days when all 16 major Naga tribes gather at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. It is the single best way to experience Naga culture in one place.
When it happens
The festival runs from 1 to 10 December every year. The opening days are the most vibrant, but crowds and accommodation demand peak then — book six to nine months ahead.
What to expect
Traditional dances, log-drum ceremonies, indigenous games, a chilli-eating contest, craft bazaars, folk music and the famous morungs (tribal huts) where each tribe hosts visitors with food and rice beer.
How to plan it
- Fly/train to Dimapur, then ~3 hours to Kohima
- Inner Line Permit required for Indian nationals (TripTrix arranges it)
- Combine with Khonoma village and the WWII War Cemetery
- Evenings: the Kohima Night Bazaar and music concerts
TripTrix builds festival packages with confirmed stays and local access — talk to our trade desk for December departures.
Ready to plan this trip?
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