Nagaland is a land of legends, fierce warriors, mystical mountains, and 16 proud tribes, each with its own dialect, customs, and cuisine. Hidden away in the far northeast of India, this state offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the country. From the misty heights of Dzükou Valley to the soulful villages of Mon and Khonoma, this curated 7-day Nagaland itinerary takes you through both popular spots and off-the-map treasures.
The Ultimate 7-Day Nagaland Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Kohima – The Cultural Heart Of Nagaland
Things To Do:
- Start with a visit to the Kohima War Cemetery, built in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives during World War II.
- Explore the Nagaland State Museum, which gives you a vivid introduction to all 16 major tribes through displays of weapons, jewellery, and ceremonial attire.
- Wander through Kisama Heritage Village, where the famed Hornbill Festival is held—each tribal hut showcases distinct traditional architecture and customs.
What To Eat:
- Start simple with Galho, a warm rice stew cooked with seasonal greens and chunks of smoked pork—perfect comfort food.
- Try Smoked Pork with Axone, a robust dish made with fermented soybeans—sharp in aroma but addictive in taste.
- Also, sample bushmeat sausages, wild herb chutneys, and local dry fish curries.
- For snacks, try sticky rice cakes wrapped in leaves, often sold at street corners.
Where To Stay:
- Hotel Japfü is centrally located, with well-kept rooms, good Wi-Fi, and traditional decor. The in-house restaurant also serves local cuisine.
- The Heritage by Heirloom, Kohima is a premium boutique stay housed in a colonial-era building, known for its warmth, antiques, and gorgeous hill views.
Average Cost:
₹2,700 per person (Stay excluded)
Day 2: Dzukou Valley – The Valley Of Flowers
Things To Do:
- Take an early morning drive to Viswema or Zakhama village, your base for the trek to Dzukou Valley. Dzukou Valley lies right along the border of Nagaland and Manipur, and the valley is actually shared by both states.
- Trek through pine forests and narrow trails for 4–6 hours to reach the scenic highland valley covered with seasonal blooms like lilies, aconitum, and rhododendrons.
- You can choose to stay overnight or hike back the same day, depending on fitness and time.
What To Eat:
- At the valley rest camp, expect simple meals like Maggi with eggs, boiled vegetables, or rice with chutney and boiled eggs.
- Carry bamboo shoot pickles, bananas, protein bars, and refillable water bottles.
- For your trek, pre-order a packed tribal lunch (smoked meat, sticky rice, and dry sabzi) from homestays in Viswema.
Where To Stay:
- Dzukou Valley Rest Camp offers basic dormitory-style shelters with sleeping bags and home-style meals cooked on woodfire stoves.
In Viswema:
- Dzueke Homestay is a charming eco-stay nestled in a village known for its Mithun conservation and sustainable practices.
- Lisem Homestay offers trekking support, packed meals, and hot showers with amazing valley views.
Average Cost:
₹1,800 per person (Stay excluded)
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Day 3: Touphema Village – Live Like A Local
Things To Do:
- Drive to Touphema, a model Angami Naga village built for cultural tourism, located about 40 km from Kohima.
- Dress in traditional wear, join locals in cooking, weaving, and folk singing.
- Take walks in the nearby paddy fields or relax by the bonfire at night while listening to village tales.
What To Eat:
- Start your culinary experience with a full Angami-style thali, featuring flavourful dishes such as bamboo shoot pork curry, wild mushroom stir-fry, yam chutney, and a variety of seasonal greens that reflect the region’s bounty.
- To complement your meal, try the locally brewed rice beer, traditionally served in bamboo mugs and lovingly prepared by villagers using age-old techniques.
- To finish on a sweet note, indulge in local treats like millet pancakes and smoked honey-glazed bananas, both offering a warm, rustic taste of Naga hospitality.
Where To Stay:
- Touphema Tourist Village Cottages are built in traditional Naga architectural style with comfortable beds, basic amenities, and communal dining spaces.
- Run by local families, Angami Homestays offer immersive experiences like millet wine brewing and spear-throwing lessons.
Average Cost:
₹2,200 per person (Stay excluded)
Day 4: Mokokchung – Land Of The Ao Nagas
Things To Do:
- Begin your day with a scenic drive to Mokokchung, a lively hill town that serves as the cultural heartland of the Ao Naga tribe.
- Once you arrive, head to Longkhum Village, dramatically perched on a ridge, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views and captivating legends of eagle warriors who were believed to have once soared through these skies.
- Afterwards, explore Ungma, one of the oldest Ao Naga settlements, where traditional Morung houses, age-old customs, and oral histories offer a deep insight into the tribe’s way of life.
- Later in the day, make your way to the Mokokchung town viewpoint, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset as it casts a golden glow over the rolling green hills—a perfect end to your day of discovery.
What To Eat:
- To begin your meal, try Anishi Pork, a beloved local delicacy where pork is slow-cooked with dried yam leaves, resulting in a rich, earthy, and umami-packed flavour.
- Alongside the main dish, enjoy traditional side dishes such as pickled wild chillies, boiled fern leaves, and sticky rice gently steamed inside hollow bamboo, giving it a subtle smoky aroma.
- To end your meal on a comforting note, sip on a hot cup of black tea infused with lemongrass or ginger, a soothing way to wind down after a flavourful Naga feast.
Where To Stay:
- Whispering Winds Resort offers scenic, quiet, and spacious rooms overlooking the valley.
- Hotel Metsuben is an affordable option right in town with clean rooms, local meal options, and warm hospitality.
- Ao Homestays are ideal for those wanting to stay with local families, participate in storytelling evenings, and try their hand at traditional weaving.
Average Cost:
₹2,400 per person (Stay excluded)
Day 5: Mon – The Konyak Warrior Land
Things To Do:
- Start your journey into Nagaland’s Mon district, a region not only known for its dramatic landscapes but also famed for the Konyak Nagas, a tribe with a rich and intense history. Historically renowned for their headhunting traditions, the Konyaks carry a legacy that is still visible today in their customs, stories, and craftsmanship.
- Next, make your way to Longwa Village, one of the most intriguing places in the region, where the Angh (village chief) lives in a house that uniquely straddles the India–Myanmar border.
- As you explore further, take time to observe traditional gun-making, detailed wood carving, and ceremonial halls decorated with skulls and animal horns—a striking reminder of the tribe’s warrior past. If you’re fortunate, you may even meet one of the last surviving tattooed Konyak warriors, whose facial and body tattoos tell powerful stories of bravery, battles, and honour.
What To Eat:
- Feast on dry smoked b**f, king chilli chutney, and steamed pumpkin leaves.
- Try black sticky rice pudding sweetened with wild honey for dessert.
- Ask for a taste of Opok Yu, a mild millet-based rice beer often served during feasts.
Where To Stay:
- Helsa Cottage in Mon is clean, eco-friendly, and known for its outdoor dining area and views.
- Longwa Homestays lets you sleep in traditional wooden homes, often decorated with tribal artefacts, and wake up to local drums and foggy hills.
Average Cost:
₹2,300 per person (Stay excluded)
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Day 6: Tuensang – Offbeat And Authentic
Things To Do:
- Begin your journey in Tuensang, where you’ll experience the unique cultural blend of the Chang, Sangtam, and Yimchunger tribes.
- Next, head to Chilise and Noklak villages, both well-known for their shamanic traditions, tribal dances, and beautiful terraced farms. As you continue exploring, you’ll get a closer look at the cultural heritage and farming practices that have been passed down through generations in these remote communities of Nagaland.
- Afterwards, take time to browse the village markets in Noklak and Chingmei, where you can shop for hand-woven tribal shawls and handmade jewellery. Here, local artisans from the Sangtam and Yimchunger tribes display stunning beadwork, backstrap-woven textiles, and traditional ornaments made from bone, brass, and wood.
What To Eat:
- Try fermented yam curry, salted fish with mustard greens, and local nettle soup.
- The Sangtam-style roasted pork wrapped in leaves is slow-cooked and incredibly tender.
- Enjoy wild pear pickles and bamboo shoot rice.
Where To Stay:
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Tuensang Circuit House is a government-run guesthouse with clean rooms, basic facilities, and a quiet, safe location. The staff are friendly and helpful. It’s a good option for a short stay; just make sure to book in advance through local contacts.
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Community Guesthouses, run by local NGOs or villages, offer simple rooms, homemade Naga food, and a warm, personal experience. Many include local guides who can show you around and share tribal stories and customs.
Average Cost:
₹2,000 per person (Stay excluded)
Day 7: Pfutsero And Khonoma, Nagaland
Things To Do:
- Visit Pfutsero, the coldest town in Nagaland, perfect for leisurely walks through flower-laden paths and visiting local farms.
- End your journey at Khonoma, India’s first “green village,” known for its environmental conservation and warrior legacy.
- Take a guided heritage walk, try your hand at paddy terrace farming, and explore the ancient defence structures built to resist the British.
What To Eat:
- At homestays, enjoy seasonal herbal teas, pan-fried Naga potatoes, and chicken cooked with bamboo shoots and raja mircha.
- Try soulful millet porridge, sun-dried tomato chutney, and wild mushroom curries.
- Alongside traditional meals, many homes also make their own butter and soft cheese, using rich milk from hill cows.
Where To Stay:
- EcoStay Khonoma offers solar-powered cottages run by locals with beautiful views of the forest and rice fields.
- Dovipie Inn in Pfutsero has clean rooms with warm blankets, hearty meals, and excellent local coffee.
Average Cost:
₹2,500 per person (Stay excluded)
This 7-day itinerary through Nagaland promises a deep dive into tribal traditions, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich flavours. It’s perfect for those looking to go off the beaten path and experience the heart of northeast India.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva