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    Nagaland Travel Guide

    Naga hills — the Hornbill Festival, Dzukou valley trek and living village culture. Inner Line Permit required.

    Nagaland requires an Inner Line Permit for Indian citizens. It is reached via Dimapur airport (DMU) and is best visited October–April, with the Hornbill Festival at Kisama held in the first week of December.

    Gateway city

    Dimapur

    Nearest airport

    Dimapur (DMU)

    Permits: An Inner Line Permit is required for Indian citizens visiting Nagaland; foreign nationals must register with the local Foreigners Registration Office. Exemptions and procedures vary by district — confirm current rules with the Nagaland government before travel.

    About Nagaland

    Nagaland is hill country with 16 major tribes and some of the strongest living village culture in India. Kohima, the capital, is the base for the Dzukou Valley trek and the WWII war cemetery; Mokokchung is the Ao Naga heartland.

    The Hornbill Festival in the first week of December is the single biggest draw and books out months ahead.

    Best time to visit Nagaland

    October – April

    Dry and cool. December brings the Hornbill Festival at Kisama, near Kohima.

    May – September

    Monsoon; the Dzukou trek is slippery and leech-heavy.

    How to reach Nagaland

    • By air: Dimapur Airport (DMU), then about 3 hours by road to Kohima.
    • By rail: Dimapur is the only railway station in Nagaland.
    • By road: NH29 connects Dimapur and Kohima; Guwahati to Dimapur is a long day’s drive.

    Top attractions in Nagaland

    • Hornbill Festival, Kisama
    • Dzukou Valley trek
    • Kohima War Cemetery
    • Khonoma green village
    • Ao Naga villages around Mokokchung

    Base towns in Nagaland

    Kohima

    State capital, WWII war cemetery and the base for Dzukou Valley.

    Dimapur

    Nagaland’s rail/air gateway in the plains.

    Mokokchung

    Ao Naga heartland with traditional village councils.

    Where to stay & book with XTSY

    Base yourself at XTSY Travellers Hostel, Shillong

    Most Northeast circuits route through Guwahati and Shillong — a cheap, central base between legs.

    XTSY Travel custom Northeast itineraries

    Multi-state routes with transport, permits assistance and local partner stays.

    Talk to XTSY about logistics

    Transport, driver and stay planning for onward states from Meghalaya.

    Nagaland travel FAQs

    Do I need a permit for Nagaland?

    Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit. Foreign nationals do not need an ILP but must register with the Foreigners Registration Office. Verify current district-level rules before travelling.

    When is the Hornbill Festival?

    It is held annually in the first week of December at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, about 12 km from Kohima. Accommodation books out well in advance.

    What is the nearest airport to Kohima?

    Dimapur (DMU), roughly 74 km and about 3 hours by road.

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