Nagaland Tribal Experience

• HORNBILL FESTIVAL: This trip is specially recommended during Hornbill Festival (December 1–10). All 16 tribes of Nagaland gather at Kisama Heritage Village for 10 days of dance, music, indigenous games, and tribal cuisine. Book at least 3–4 months in advance as accommodation prices spike significantly during this period.
• Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for all visitors to Nagaland. We handle the paperwork, apply online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in or through Nagaland House offices. A valid government photo ID is required.
• Foreign nationals require an additional Protected Area Permit (PAP); PAP restrictions are relaxed during Hornbill Festival (December 1–10).
• Dimapur (DMU) is the only civil airport in Nagaland. Direct or connecting flights are available from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
• For the Dzükou Valley trek, light rain gear and trekking shoes are essential in summer. The trek is moderate, approximately 3–4 hours ascent.
• Nagaland is a dry state, alcohol is restricted. Carry personal supplies if required.
• Best seasons: October–November for pleasant weather; December for Hornbill Festival; June–August for Dzükou Valley wildflowers.

• The trip starts and ends at Dimapur Airport (DMU) / Dimapur Railway Station. Flights and trains are not included, so you can book the fare that suits you; we fit the first and last day around your times.

• Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size.
• We send the written itinerary and price, with your hotels and homestays named.
• You book with a deposit by bank transfer; the balance is due before you travel.

₹32,000 per person for 2 travellers, ₹24,000 for 4 and ₹19,500 for 6. The price covers your stays, the private car and driver, and pick-up and drop at Dimapur Airport (DMU) / Dimapur Railway Station; the full list of what is and is not included is on this page.

Yes, the Inner Line Permit is mandatory for all Indian nationals visiting Nagaland. It is a government-issued travel document required under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, designed to protect the state's indigenous communities. You can apply online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in or through Nagaland House offices in major cities. ClearEast Trip handles the entire ILP application process on your behalf as part of your package, all you need to provide is a valid government photo ID and passport-size photographs.

Nagaland is at its most spectacular from October to March. October and November offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies ideal for sightseeing and trekking. December is peak season for the Hornbill Festival (December 1–10), when all 16 tribes convene at Kisama Heritage Village, book three to four months ahead as hotels fill up quickly. June to August brings the Dzükou Valley wildflowers, including the rare endemic Dzükou Lily, making it rewarding for trekkers willing to manage occasional rain.

The Hornbill Festival is held annually from December 1 to December 10 at Kisama Naga Heritage Village, 12 km south of Kohima. Known as the Festival of Festivals, it brings together all 16 major tribes for cultural performances, indigenous games, traditional cuisine, and crafts showcases. This itinerary is available all year, but December departures are tailored specifically for the festival. Given extremely high demand during this window, we strongly recommend booking at least three to four months in advance.

Dimapur Airport (DMU) is the only civil airport in Nagaland. Direct or one-stop flights are available from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati; Guwahati is often the most convenient hub. Alternatively, Dimapur is connected by train to Guwahati and other major cities. From Dimapur, ClearEast Trip provides private vehicle pickup and drives you to Kohima in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours along National Highway 29 through rolling Naga hills.

Nagaland is safe for tourists and widely regarded as one of the most welcoming destinations in Northeast India. The state sees very low crime rates and its communities are known for extraordinary warmth toward visitors. What makes Nagaland genuinely special is its unparalleled tribal diversity,16 distinct tribes, each with its own language, textile tradition, and ritual life, alongside powerful WWII history at the Kohima War Cemetery, dramatic highland trekking near Japfu Peak, and a culinary tradition unlike anything else in India.

Message us on WhatsApp at +91 90360 21836 with your dates and group size. We answer your questions first, then confirm your seats with a deposit by bank transfer. The Inner Line Permit is arranged by us from your ID documents. For most dates, 4 to 6 weeks ahead is comfortable; for the Hornbill Festival window (December 1 to 10), start 2 to 3 months ahead, Kohima accommodation genuinely runs out.