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Experience the vibrant culture, traditions and natural beauty of Nagaland with our Hornbill Festival Package in North East. Organised at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, the Hornbill Festival Nagaland is one of the most colourful cultural celebrations in Northeast India. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional Naga dances, music, costumes, local food, handicrafts and the rich heritage of different Naga tribes.
Our Hornbill Festival Tour Package is specially designed for travellers who want to enjoy the festival while exploring the beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions of Nagaland. During the tour, you can visit Kisama Heritage Village, enjoy traditional cultural performances, explore Naga Morungs, taste authentic Naga cuisine and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
The itinerary can also cover popular Nagaland tourist places such as Kohima, Kohima War Cemetery and Khonoma Village. Travellers looking for a little adventure can extend their Nagaland tour package to include Dzukou Valley and other scenic destinations in the region.
Mercury Tour Operator offers well-planned North East India tour packages, including customised Nagaland tour packages, Hornbill Festival group tours and private holidays. Our packages can be arranged with comfortable hotels, transportation, sightseeing and local assistance according to your requirements.
Whether you are travelling with family, friends or a group, our Hornbill Festival package in North East is a wonderful way to experience the colours, culture and traditions of Nagaland. Discover Hornbill Festival Kohima, explore Northeast India and create unforgettable memories with Mercury Tour Operator.
Experience colourful Naga tribal dances, traditional music, costumes and cultural performances at Kisama Heritage Village.
Explore traditional Naga Morungs, handicrafts, local food and tribal heritage at the heart of the Hornbill Festival Nagaland.
Discover the charm of Kohima, including the historic War Cemetery, local markets and beautiful hill views.
Visit the picturesque Khonoma Village and experience traditional Naga life, village walks and stunning mountain scenery
Taste traditional Naga food and explore locally made handicrafts, handlooms and souvenirs during your Hornbill Festival Tour.
Combine the festival with Nagaland's scenic landscapes and optional experiences such as Dzukou Valley, making it a complete Hornbill Festival Package in North East with Mercury Tour Operator.
Important Information Before Booking Your Hornbill Festival Tour
The Hornbill Festival Nagaland is a popular annual event and attracts travellers from across India and abroad. If you are planning to book a Hornbill Festival Package in North East, we recommend confirming your travel arrangements well in advance, especially during the peak festival dates.
Hotel rooms in Kohima and nearby areas become limited during the festival period, so early booking for Hornbill Festival tours is advisable. Vehicle availability can also be limited, and travel times may vary due to traffic, weather and local conditions.
The main festival takes place at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Festival entry tickets, local activities and other charges may be applicable as per the prevailing rules. The final programme and performance schedule are subject to the arrangements made by the festival authorities.
For a comfortable Nagaland Tour Package, travellers should carry comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and personal medicines. Weather in Nagaland can be cool, particularly in the mornings and evenings, and light rain or changes in weather may affect sightseeing.
Travellers choosing a Hornbill Festival Group Tour should follow the instructions of the tour coordinator and local guide. Sightseeing may be rearranged depending on traffic, weather, festival timings and local conditions.
At Mercury Tour Operator, we recommend booking your Hornbill Festival Tour Package early so that hotels, transportation and other essential services can be arranged smoothly. Final inclusions, exclusions, hotel category, vehicle type, festival tickets and applicable government charges will be clearly mentioned in the booking confirmation.
Please note: Festival dates, programmes, entry rules and local regulations may change. The latest information available at the time of booking will apply.
Hornbill Festival – How to Visit, Dates, Climate, Transport, Permits & Stay
The Hornbill Festival is held every year from 1st to 10th December at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. The Government of Nagaland has announced the 2026 Hornbill Festival dates as 1st to 10th December 2026.
If you are planning a Hornbill Festival Package in North East, it is advisable to book your hotel and vehicle well in advance, as accommodation and transport become busy during the festival period.
The easiest way to reach the festival is to travel to Dimapur, the main gateway to Nagaland, and continue by road to Kohima. Dimapur has the state's only airport and also has a major railway station. From Dimapur, tourists can take a private taxi, shared taxi or pre-arranged vehicle to Kohima.
For a comfortable Hornbill Festival Tour, most travellers prefer to arrange airport/railway station transfers in advance through a tour operator.
By Air
Dimapur Airport is the nearest airport to Kohima. Direct flights are available from Kolkata, while connections are available from other major Indian cities. From Dimapur, Kohima is reached by road.
By Train
Dimapur Railway Station is well connected with Guwahati and other parts of India. From the railway station, taxis are readily available for Kohima.
By Road
Kohima is connected by road with Dimapur and other parts of Northeast India. Private vehicles, shared taxis and tour vehicles are commonly used by tourists.
During the festival, local shuttle services may also operate between Kohima and Kisama, depending on the arrangements announced for that particular year.
Climate During Hornbill Festival
December is generally a pleasant and cool time to visit Nagaland. Mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, particularly around Kohima and Kisama, so tourists should carry warm clothes, a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
The festival involves considerable walking, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Indian tourists may require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland. The permit can be applied for online through the official Nagaland ILP portal or through designated authorities. Requirements and procedures can change, so travellers should check the latest rules before travelling.
Foreign nationals may have different entry requirements, including applicable Protected Area Permit/registration requirements depending on nationality and current regulations. These should be checked before booking.
Where to Stay – Hotels & Homestays
During the Hornbill Festival, Kohima is the most popular base for tourists. Hotels, guesthouses, lodges and homestays are available in Kohima and in areas closer to Kisama and Kigwema.
For tourists who want to stay close to the festival venue, Kigwema and the Kisama area can be convenient choices. Homestays can also offer a more local experience and an opportunity to enjoy Naga hospitality.
Some accommodation options around the Kisama/Kigwema area include:
Nagaland Tourism also recognises the importance of homestays and guest accommodation for handling seasonal tourist demand.
Best Way to Plan Your Hornbill Festival Trip
For a hassle-free Nagaland Tour Package, we recommend combining the Hornbill Festival with Kohima sightseeing and places such as Khonoma Village. Travellers with additional time can also include Dzukou Valley or other destinations in Nagaland.
With a properly planned Hornbill Festival Package in North East, your accommodation, vehicle, local sightseeing and festival visit can all be arranged together, making the journey more comfortable and convenient.
Arrive at Dimapur Airport and meet your representative before starting your Nagaland tour towards Kohima. The drive takes around 1½ to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
On the way, we will stop for lunch and can take short breaks at local roadside organic stalls, where you can see and purchase locally grown products. En route, we pass through Piphema, a small village with historical importance associated with the Battle of Kohima in 1944.
On arrival in Kohima, check in to your hotel or homestay and relax. Kohima is the perfect base for exploring the Hornbill Festival Nagaland and the surrounding cultural attractions. Overnight: Kohima
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to a local market and the Kohima War Cemetery, one of the important historical attractions of Nagaland.
Later, proceed to Kisama Heritage Village, the main venue of the famous Hornbill Festival. Spend the day experiencing the colourful traditions of Nagaland through Naga tribal dances, traditional music, beautiful costumes and cultural performances.
Take time to explore the traditional Morungs, handicraft stalls and local food counters. You can also shop for traditional Naga handicrafts and souvenirs. Lunch at the festival venue gives you a chance to taste authentic Naga cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit Phesama Village and enjoy the peaceful village surroundings before returning to Kohima. Overnight: Hotel/Homestay, Kohima
After breakfast, visit Kigwema Village and get a closer look at traditional Naga village life. The visit offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the local lifestyle, traditional houses and beautiful hill surroundings.
Later, return to Kisama Heritage Village and spend the rest of the day enjoying the Hornbill Festival Tour. Discover more of Nagaland's tribal culture, traditional performances, music, handicrafts and local traditions. Lunch will be at the festival venue.
In the evening, experience the lively Hornbill Night Carnival in Kohima. The streets become full of families and friends enjoying local food, music, shopping and delicious barbecue. It is one of the most enjoyable experiences of a Hornbill Festival Package in North East India. Overnight: Hotel/Homestay, Kohima
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey back to Dimapur, which takes approximately 3 hours.
On reaching Dimapur, proceed to the airport for your onward flight.
Your Hornbill Festival Nagaland Tour comes to an end with wonderful memories of the colourful culture, traditional lifestyle and warm hospitality of Northeast India.
Airport/railway station transfers and sightseeing by comfortable vehicle as per the itinerary.
Hotel or homestay accommodation in Kohima on a twin/double-sharing basis.
MAP Plan – Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel/homestay.
Services of a local English-speaking guide from Day 1 to Day 3.
Nagaland ILP charges and assistance included for eligible domestic travellers.
Entry fees to the sightseeing places and regular festival venues mentioned in the itinerary are included.
Special event tickets: Concerts, fashion shows, music events, premium seating, special programmes and other separately ticketed Hornbill Festival events are not included.
Lunches and any meals other than those specifically mentioned under MAP.
Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, shopping, tips and telephone calls.
Camera/video charges, wherever applicable.
Any additional sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Flight/train tickets to and from Dimapur.
Any increase in government taxes, permit charges, entry fees or other mandatory charges after booking.
Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions.
Experience the colourful Hornbill Festival, Naga culture, traditional dances, local food and the scenic beauty of Kohima in a memorable 3 Nights / 4 Days getaway.
The Hornbill Festival is Nagaland’s biggest cultural celebration, showcasing traditional Naga dance, music, food, handicrafts and local traditions.
The festival is generally held from 1st to 10th December every year at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima.
The main festival venue is Kisama Heritage Village, around 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland.
The easiest way is to reach Dimapur by flight or train and continue by road to Kohima. From Kohima, Kisama can be reached by taxi or arranged tour vehicle.
Visitors can enjoy Naga tribal dances, traditional costumes, music, Morungs, local food, handicrafts, cultural performances and other festival activities.
A 3 Nights / 4 Days Hornbill Festival package is suitable for experiencing the festival along with basic Kohima sightseeing. Longer trips can include Khonoma, Dzukou Valley and other parts of Nagaland.
Indian visitors generally need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland. Requirements should be checked according to the latest government rules before travel.
Tourists can stay in Kohima hotels, guesthouses and homestays. Accommodation near Kisama and Kigwema is also available, subject to availability.
December is generally cool and pleasant, with chilly mornings and evenings. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended.
Yes. Mercury Tour Operator can arrange Hornbill Festival tour packages including accommodation, transportation, meals, sightseeing, local assistance and applicable permits as per the selected package.
Enjoy the colourful Hornbill Festival Nagaland, featuring traditional Naga dances, music, cultural performances, local food and handicrafts at Kisama Heritage Village.
