Are you looking for a Nagaland travel guide and tips to plan your trip?
If Yes, this page is dedicated to you.
As of March 2025, I have visited Nagaland 11th times on different occasions for adventure, treks or cultural experiences.
About Nagaland
Nagaland is one of the eight states in Northeast India.
It consists of 17 Districts – Dimapur, Kiphire, Kohima, Longleng, Meluri, Mokokchung, Mon, Peren, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Noklak, Shamator, and Tseminyu.
A total of 18th ethnic groups live in Nagaland. The major 15 Naga ethnic groups are – Angami, Ao, Chakeshang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, Zeliang. Garo, Kachari and Kuki are the 3 other ethnic groups living in Nagaland.
You might know Nagaland for two reasons:
→ Firstly, for the Dzukou Valley Trek
→ Secondly, for the Hornbill Festival.
But, Tourism in Nagaland is much more than these two experiences.
The diversity of Nagaland enables you to experience the culture of its different Naga ethnic groups uniquely.
Each of the 18 Naga ethnic groups speaks their dialect and language. They speak with each other with the help of a common language called “Nagamese”.
Nagamese, the lingua-franca, in Nagaland, is a mix of other languages like Assamese, Hindi, Nepali, and their local dialects.
In Nov 2024, I was interviewed by Trip101.com, A Singapore-based travel media platform to share my experiences and travel tips on Nagaland.
You can watch the Interview on Nagaland below –
Treks in Nagaland
In 2016, I visited Nagaland for the first time. It was for the trek to the highest peak of Nagaland – Mount Saramati.
Next, I visited it in 2019 for my Backpacking Trip with 4 friends to Dzukou Valley Trek.
In 2020, I went for the Mount. Japfu Trek with my local Angami Naga friend Kezha.
I have done these 3 treks in Nagaland and have been to Dzukou Valley 7 times.
→ You can read This List of Treks in Nagaland
I’ve shared about other treks there.
1. Mount Saramati Trek
→ Read this detailed travel guide on Mount Saramati Trek
I’ve shared my personal experience, added travel tips and answered all the FAQs and tips for doing the Saramati Trek in the article.
2. Mount Japfu Trek
→ Read this detailed Travel guide on Mount Japfu Trek
The climbing trail of Japfu Peak is somewhat similar to Mount Saramati Trek but the latter is harder.
You can read my experience of the trek along with the travel tips and all answered FAQs of the Japfu Peak Trek
3. Dzukou Valley Trek
Read about my First Dzukou Valley Trekking Experience. I wrote the articles in two parts –
→ Four Souls One Paradise – Dzukou Valley Trek Via Jakhama (Part i)
It includes the trek to the Dzukou Valley Campsite.
→ Cosmic Tales at Dzukou Valley (Part ii)
Part ii of the trek includes the trekking experience of staying at the Dzukou Valley for the next 3 days.
Here’s an interesting story behind the name of Dzukou Valley:
Watch the video below to know the Best Time to Visit Dzukou Valley:
Cultural Trip in Nagaland
Nagaland is the land of Festivals. Home to 18 ethnic groups, each speaking different dialects and languages, and practising different cultures, the cultural trip to Nagaland is a must.
1. New Year Celebration in Kigwema
In December 2021, I stayed with my local friend in Kigwema, went on a road trip to Kapamodzu Peak and explored Dzukou Valley with his Local Friends.
In January 2022, I climbed Mount Temiphu with another local friend named Metevizo, whom I met on Dzukou Trip in 2019.
The trail to Mt. Temiphu was similar to Dzukou Valley till the Highest Viewpoint on the Viswema Trail.
I celebrated my Birthday by trekking to Mt. Tempfii and then we ran to Dzukou Valley the very same day.
2. Dimapur Travel Guide
After returning from Kohima in January 2022, I spent 2 days in Dimapur and explored the town.
→ Read this Detailed Guide on Things to Do in Dimapur in One Day
3. Hornbill Festival in Kisama
I attended the Hornbill Festival for 3 days in 2023 and 9 days in 2024.
I’ll write and publish a detailed article on the Hornbill Festival very soon.
Meanwhile, Watch this video I made when I participated in the traditional dance of the Khiamniungan Nagas in their Morung –
In 2023, my friend Amita Chhorigia Negi, a YouTuber from Himachal Pradesh, was in Nagaland from Nov 30th to December 15th.
Her efforts to document the culture and tribes in India in the most authentic way are praiseworthy.
Watch these two videos she shared on her YouTube Channel – Tribal Girl :
4. Jakhama Village Exploration
Amita (Tribal Girl) stayed at the Day Dream Nest Homestay in Jakhama run by Metevizo’s Family.
Here’s a video where she shared her experience of staying and exploring Jakhama –
5. Longwa Village in Mon District
also visited Lonwga Village in the Mon District of Nagaland.
Watch the video below about her experience of meeting the last Headhunters of Nagaland –
6. Hebamlo Cultural Meet
In January 2025, I visited the Peren District of Nagaland to attend the 2nd edition of the Hebamlo Cultural Meet.
The festival is an initiative of 3 individuals (Responsible Tourism Fellows of Green Hub India), and the local Zeme Naga Village community to preserve and promote their way of life through sustainable tourism.
You can watch this video, where I joined their Zeme Traditional Dance – also called Hornbill Dance :
I’ll be publishing the Hebamlo Cultural Experience article very soon.
This Nagaland Travel Guide Page will be updated from time to time based on my future trips and new articles published.