Mountains and festivals of Nagaland and Manipur

MOUNTAINS and FESTIVALS of NAGALAND & MANIPUR

Tour - 21 days

About NAGALAND & MANIPUR

Nagaland is wedged between Assam in the west and Myanmar (Burma) in the east. It is about half as large as the Netherlands and, with around 2 million inhabitants, relatively thinly populated. Nagaland is quite mountainous, the highest mountain reaching 3840m (Mt. Saramati). But most of the state is between 500 and 2000m, and thus endowed with a climate in which virtually anything will grow. The main crops are rice (especially mountain rice), corn, millet, pulses, tobacco, oil seeds such as mustard, sugarcane, potato, and bamboo.

A significant part of the Nagas still live of shifting cultivation. This is a form of agriculture wherein every so many years a new piece of forest is burnt down, then tilled for some time till the soil is exhausted, and left for another piece of land. The government is trying to discourage this highly unsustainable form of farming, and encourage alternatives, such as orange and pineapple cultivation.

Region

Assam & Arunachal Pradesh
(India)

Best Time

Feb-April &
Oct-Dec

No. Of Days

21 days, 3 days trekking

Trip Character

Jeep tour with walks & short trek

Sleeping Altitude

65 - 1630 m

Trek Character

Camping trek
Level: 2

Price

INR XXX/ $ XXX

ABOUT THIS TOUR

The far-eastern states of Nagaland and Manipur are due outside the tourist circuits. Manipur is even India’s least visited state. Thať’s not because there is nothing to see. The mountains are lush green thanks to abundance of rain and harbor some very fine subtropical forests and supreme mountain vistas.

The Nagas, though once upon a time fierceful warriors and even head-hunters, a tradition that lives on in a peaceful manner in their culture, are known for their hospitality. Originally adhering to animistic beliefs, these days most people of Nagaland and Manipur have been converted to Christianity, though in Manipur Hinduism has rooted as well.

During festivals the vibrant ancient cultures of the Nagas and Manipuris come to live in war and harvest dances performed in utterly exotic and colourful costumes. Each of the 45 tribes of Nagaland and Manipur has its own different traditional wear and dances.

On this trip we visit two of the most colourful and well-organised festivals of the Northeast: the well-known Hornbill Festival in Kohima (Nagaland) and the much less know Sangai Festival in Imphal (Manipur). The latter is named after a rare species of marsh-dwelling deer found only in Manipur.

In between the festivals we visit remote villages and do a number of walks that will get you well of the beaten track. This includes a three-day trek up to Mt. Saramati, Nagaland’s tallest mountain (3841) from where you get good views of neighbouring Myanmar.

The tour ends at Jorhat in Assam, where we visit the small but beautiful Gibbon Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve best known for its rar and endangered Hoolock Gibbons, an ape species native to Assam and Bhutan. From Jorhat you fly back to Delhi.

YOUR custom-made TRIP

The tour described here, as well as the other ones on our website, are mainly meant as suggestions. We would be happy to offer you a travel proposal that fully meets your personal demands and expectations. That means that you choose where you want to go, what level of accommodation and type of transport you want and what activities you prefer.

Please let yourself be inspired by this and other trips on our website and then drop us a line (or call us) to explain your travel wishes. We will be happy to help you put together the perfect trip. You can reach us over e-mail, Messenger, Whatsapp or mobile phone.

EXTENSIONS & VARIATIONS

Apart from the tour as described here, you could consider the following add-ons and changes:

Do a more challenging trek instead of the Mehao Lake and Namdapha treks. For instance, the Baily Trek.
If trekking is not your cup of tea we can show you some of the beautiful mountain forests, off-road villages and majestic views of the Himalayas on day walks

ITINERARY

Day 1: Delhi / Kolkata ✈︎ Manipur
From Delhi you arrive by flight at Imphal, the capital of Manipur. You will be received by your guide and driver and taken to your hotel. Later you can visit Ima Market (Mothers Market) where Manipuri women sell all kinds of wares. Altitude 785m.
Day 2: In and around Imphal
Today you visit the famous floating lake of Loktak, amazingly formed larest lake of North East. Next will visit the nearby Keibul Lamjao national park where the rare ‘Sangai’ live. These deer forage on the floating vegetation and they are called dancing deer because of this manouvring act. The festival you are attending in Imphal is named after this animal. Altitude 790m.
Day 3: In Imphal, attending the Sangai Festigval
In the morning you can visit the popular Shree Govindaji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, WW II cemeteries of both the allied and Japanese forces, and Kangla Fort. After this, you’ll attend the Sangai Festival. Altitude 785m.
Day 4: Imphal - Ukhrul (3 h)
In the morning we drive to Ukhrul, northeast of Imphal. After lunch at the hotel we’ll explore this small town on foot, visiting the local market, and make a short walk through rural areas outside town. Altitude 785 → 1880m.
Day 5: In Ukhrul, walk to Siroy Peak
After a short drive to a small village called Khangkhui Khullen, we’ll walk up to Siroy Peak (2835 m). It is a long day walk (23 kms up and down) but you can turn around half way. Even then you’ll enjoy good views of Myanmar. Altitude 1880 → 1850 → 2835 → 1850 → 1880m .
Day 6: In and around Ukhrul
Today we’ll visit some villages in the surroundings of Ukhrul inhabited by Tangkhul Naga, the main inhabitants of the area. Altitude 1880m..
Day 7: Ukhrul - Imphal(3 h)
Today you return to Imphal. Altitude 1880 → 790m.
Day 8: Imphal - Kohima (5 - 6 h)
We drive north to Kohima crossing the Manipur-Nagaland border at Mao, In the afternoon we explore the market of Kohima. Altitude 785 → 1440m.
Day 9: In Kohima / attending the Hornbill Festival
If you are in Kohima during one of the first ten days of December, today you’ll witness the spectacular Hornbill Festival. Else, we’ll take you to picturesque Khonoma village. Altitude 1440m.
Day 10: Kohima - Khonoma - Kohima (2 h)
In the morning visit beautifully green Khonoma village. This village is picturesque, very well preserved and its inhabitants have decided to declare the forest area near the village a protected bird sanctuary. If the Hornbill Festival is on. you can spend the afternoon at the festival. Altitude 1440 → 1620 → 1440m.
Day 11: Kohima – Meluri (6 - 7 hr)
Today, we are heading east towards Meluri. Small part of the way will be through northern Manipur. Late afternoon you can take a walk around Meluri, and maybe chance upon Chakhesang tribesmen wearing traditional attire. Overnight at a simple government lodge. Altitude 1440 → 1630m.
Day 12: Meluri - Pungro (4 hr)
Driving northeast we reach Pungro town. The area is inhabited by people of the Yimchunger and Sumi tribes, both Naga tribes. Overnight at the New Tourist Lodge. Altitude 1440 → 1620 → 1440m.
Day 13: Pungro – Thanamir (5 -6 h)
Starting early today, after a short distance we stop at the village of Salumi where a short walk takes us to a large natural cave. Driving on we reach the settlement of Thanamir (2050 m) where we disembark and our trek starts. We can stretch our legs while the porters pitch our tents. Overnight in tents. Altitude 1440 → 1620 → 1440m.
Day 14: TREK Thanamir – Water Point (10 km/ 3 - 4 hr walking)
From Thanamir we gradually trek through half-open country of lush green fields, pastures and remnant forests to a place called ‘Water Point’ (2700 m) negotiating with a trek of roughly 5 hours. Overnight in tents. Altitude 1440 → 1620 → 1440m.
Day 15: TREK Water Point – Mt. Saramati – Water Point (20 km/ 7 hr walking)
Today you’ll climb Mt Saramati (3841 m) and afterwards return to camp at Water Point. Distance is roughly 10 km, altitude gain almost 1150m. Mt. Saramati is a ’walkable mountain.’ Most of the climb is gradual but some sections are steep. On a clear day you get fascinating views of Nagaland and the ‘Myanmar section’ of Nagaland. Overnight in tents. Altitude 1440 → 1620 → 1440m.
Day 16: TREK Water Point – Thanamir & car to Pungro (10 km/ 3 hr walking & 4 hr drive)
We walk down to Thanamir, where we board the vehicles and drive back to Pungro. Altitude 1440 → 1620 → 1440m.
Day 17: Pungro - Tuensang (5 - 6 hr)
Today’s drive is through villages of the Yimchunger and Chang tribes. We will stop at some of their villages and feel their way of life. Overnight at local government lodge. Altitude 450 → 1375m
Day 18: Tuensang - Mokokchung (4 hr)
In the morning we will visit a Chang village near Tuensang and then proceed to Mokokchung, visiting another Chang village on the way. Overnight at Mokokchung Tourist Lodge. Altitude 1370 → 1325m.
Day 19: Around Mokokchung (4 hr)
After a number of ‘driving days, today, there will be some walking again. We’ll visit Mopungchuket village, where you can see the traditional morong (community building where the young men sleep) and then proceed to climb a watch tower. In the afternoon we visit the village of Longkhum, an Ao Naga bastion during the tribal wars era which boasts of many head hunting relics. If you are in Mokokchung during the first three days of May you can witness the Moatsu Festival. Altitude 1325m.
Day 20: Mokokchung – Jorhat (4 hr)
We descend to Jorhat in Assam. On the way we visit Gibbon Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve with a large population of Hoolock gibbonsan ape species endemic to Assam and Bhutan. While exploring the jungle on foot with a forest guard we will try to spot other animals available there like great and pied hornbill, giant squirrel, and even wild elephants. Altitude 1325 → 65m.
Day 21: Jorhat ✈︎ Delhi
Early morning you are being transferred to Jorhat Airport for the flight to New Delhi. It depends on the timing of your international flight whether you will need an overnight stay in Delhi. In the latter case we can arrange this for you. Altitude 65 → 220m.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

Manipur Culture

Manipur, the name itself means the land of gems is one of the smallest states of North East India with the total area of 22,327 square kms. Ancient historical records reveal that the history of Manipur dates back to the 9th c , but the recent history dates back to 1762 when then king Raja Jai Singh joined hands with the British through a treaty to get rid of an invasion from Myanmar. Manipur is very rich from the cultural point of view and has given birth to an indigenous form of cultural dance namely Manipuri which is based on appreciating the life of Lord Krishna where the dancers perform wearing a very special attire with showing very delicate hand movements. The most prominent tribe of Manipur is Meithei who are largely Hindus. Women have a very special status among the Meiithei tribe and trade and all other important activities are controlled by them.

Imphal

Imphal is a very pleasant little city. One can stroll around on one’s own accord and visit, for instance, the Imaa Market. “Imaa” means “mothers” in Manipuri. The market is almost entirely populated by women, about 3000 of them. The supply of goods is huge. It ranges from textiles and traditional clothing to flowers and pottery. This is also an excellent place to pick up souvenirs, and a photographers’ delight. The Kangla Fort, located in the heart of the city, is Manipur’s main cultural-historical landmark. It is a vast complex of palaces, temples and ponds. Most of the buildings date from the time of King Khagemba (1597-1652 A.D.). After repelling a Chinese attack he learned the art of stone baking from the Chinese soldiers taken prisoner. He used this to build a large wall (against the next invasion of the Chinese).

Loktak Lake

Loktak lake, India’s largest fresh water lake is a beautiful spot. There are floating villages in the lake along with circular fishing ponds, many of which are naturally formed. Loktak lake is approximately covering an area of 40 square miles and it is the source of the river of Manipur. It is noteworthy that the river flows south through the valley into Burma where it merges with the Myittha river. Boating on the lake can give one a glimpse of its unique natural beauty. Part of Loktak Lake is protected under the name Keibul Lamjao National Park. This park is home to the very rare and endangered sangai deer, locally known as ‘dancing deer’ because it manages to walk over the floating vegetation of the lake. As is does so, the bobbing of the floats gives the deer a seemingly dancing way of walking.

SANGAI FESTIVAL

The Sangai Festival is a nine-day event showcasing the Manipuri culture, folk dances and especially the dance art called Meitei Dance, which is a devotional classical form of dance. The festival is named after the sangai, the ‘dancing deer’ that lives in Keibul Lamjao National Park. Another attraction at the festival are indigenous fashion shows by young boys, girls and couples wearing tribal costumes and dances based on the traditional forms but modified in a more contemporary, often surprisingly sexy manner.

Walk to Siroi Peak

Mount Siroi, locally known as Shirui Kashung, stands at 2835 m. It is the highest peak in the area and many locally important rivers originate on its slopes. It is located 18km from the town of Ukhrul, which itself is a 82 km drive from Imphal. The walk up the mountain involves a stiff climb of almost 1000m and is rather long as well (18km up and down). But if one leaves early, it can definitely be done in a day. Most of the walk is over grassy slopes with little if any protection from wind and rain, so it’s best done in fair weather. The mountain and its surroundings are home to the Shirui (Siroi) Lily (Lilium Mackliniae), a plant first discovered by the British Botanist F. Kingdon-Ward in 1946. The local name of the flower is Kashong Timrawon, which is also the name of the local protective spirit. The lily blossoms between mid-May and early June.

The Mithun

When traveling in Arunachal Pradesh sooner or later you will see a strange kind of ‘cow’ by the side of the road. This is the mithun or gayal, a cross-breed between domesticated buffalo and wild gaur. The latter is a large and exceptionally muscular wild bovine that roams the last undisturbed forests of India. The gaur is a browser, adapted to foraging in the forest and eating leaves. Crossing the wild, hard to domesticate gaur with the easier to handle buffalos – that require grass, which is less available in forested areas – made a lot of sense for the forest-dwelling Idu. As the mithuns are mainly kept for meat, they can roam freely in the forest till it is time to face the music. The latter happens mainly in the form of sacrificing to the gods at one of the many festive occasions, such as religious festivals, marriages and funerals.

Kohima

Kohima, situated on wooded hilltops at about 1450m, is the capital of Nagaland. Visiting the city is worthwhile for several reasons. Its main claim to fame are the fierce battles which took place in 1944 during World War II between Japanese troups invading from Burma (Myanmar) and Allied British-Indian troops. The latter eventually gained the upper hand. The battle is often referred to as the ‘Stalingrad of the East,’ because Kohima is the point of the furthest Japanese advance into British India. Kohima’s kept War Cemetery with the graves of 1400 Allied soldiers is a sobering place. A very well appointed war museum in Kisama, outside Kohima, brings this defining point in Indian history to life. It is situated at the same grounds where each year in December the spectacular Hornbill Festival is held (see next highlight).

HORNBILL FESTIVAL

The Hornbill festival is an indigenous, exotic, extraordinary event organised by the State Directorate of Tourism every year from December 1st to 10th. The festival is intended to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the Naga heritage. At this festival, one can see a fascinating melange of different Naga cultural displays all at one place. The festival is also a tribute to the hornbill, a bird most admired by the Naga people for its qualities of alertness and grandeur. The feathers of the hornbill (these days mock feathers, not taken from real birds) adorn the traditional tribal headgears. Local handicrafts and handlooms are on display at the festival, as well as organic fruits and vegetables. Stalls with an array of tempting Naga dishes help to lure food lovers as well.

Khonoma

The small village of Khonoma is peculiar in many ways. Home to the fierse Angami tribals, it managed to repel attacks by the British in 1847 and 1879. Thus, its main claim to fame is that it was never conquered. These days, its main draw is the beautiful traditional looking village with its green terraced rice fields, herbal trees, flowers, pomelo trees, squash gourd vines and megaliths, against the back-drop of densely forested hills. The inhabitants of Khonoma predominantly live of agriculture and, like all Nagas, used to be passionate hunters. However, in a rare case of communal ecological awareness, in 2001 they gave up all hunting and declared an area of 2000 hectares near the village a conservation area. Now known as the Tragopan Sanctuary, bird watchers often visit this forest to spot the Blyth’s Tragopan (a rare pheasant) and 200 other bird species.

MELURI

Meluri is a small town halfway on the road between Kohima and Kiphire/ Mt. Saramati. It is surrounds by deep-green mountains that rise well above 2000m. The area is inhabited by the Pochury tribe, who are known for their excellent hunting skills. Meluri is best known for its interesting rock formations. Near Meluri you can also visit two picturesque lakes, Dzudu and Shilloi Lake. The latter fallsonm the way to Pungri. These lakes were believed to have supernatural powers, the locals avoided visiting them in the past. These days, however, Shilloi Lake is quite a popular with tourist for its scenic beauty and for angling. Zanibu Peak (2426m), near Dzudu Lake, offers good views of a large part of Nagaland.

TREK to MOUNT SARAMATI

Mt. Saramati is Nagaland’s highest peak, as well as the highest peak of the Northeast outside Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated on the border with Burma (Mayanmar) and stands at 3826m. The trek takes 3 days from Thanamir. On day 1 and 2 you camp at a place called Water Point (2700m). From here you ascend the top on day 2. On a clear day grandiose views of both Indian and Burmese Nagaland (in Chin State) are the reward. The trek takes you through the different altitudinal zones of subtropical evergreen forest, temperate forest and alpine shrub vegetation with its accompanying flora and fauna.

TUENSANG

P.M.

MOKOKCHUNG

Mokokchung is the centre of a district of about 1615 km2 located south of Jorhat in Assam. The area is mainly inhabited by the Ao Nagas, with a population of about 230,000 people one of the most important Naga tribes. The Aos were the first among the Nagas to convert to Christianity. This began in 1872, when the American Baptist missionary Edwin W. Clark visited the area. Early exposure to Western influences also brought Western education and changes in agricultural practices and lifestyle which other Nagas adopted much later. However, the Aos’ main form of agriculture is still the old slash and burn (also called jhum or shifting cultivation). Wet rice, millet, maize and Job’s tears (Coix seeds) are the main grains, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, chilis, pumpkins and various ‘green leaves.’

Moatsu FESTIVAL

If you happen to be in the Mokokchung area at the beginning of May (1-3) it is very worthwhile to attend the Moatsu Festival. This is the annual festival of the Aos, in which they celebrate after having done all the hard work of clearing the land (in the case of shifting cultivation), ploughing, sowing and planting. But is also a general celebration of the advent of spring and saying prayers to the gods asking for a successful harvest. Dances depicting cheerful, everyday themes alternate with war dances reminiscent of the illustrious headhunting era.

Gibbon Sanctuary

Less than an hour’s drive from Jorhat is the Gibbon Sanctuary. This is a relatively small but beautiful protected area where the very rare Hoolock gibbons live, along with wild elephants and many species of forest birds. The Hoolock gibbons belongs to the great apes and only occurs in Assam and Bhutan. Chances to see the Hoolocks here, as they swing from branch to branch, are very good, especially early morning. You can visit the park on foot, accompanied by a park ranger. You’ll see many birds as well, and if you are lucky, a heard of wild elephants will cross your path!