Hornbill Festival, Kaziranga & Dzokou Valley
+7
Price
Overview
Embark on a soul-stirring adventure with Wandering Souls as we take you on a captivating journey through the hidden gems of Northeast India. This trip is a perfect blend of culture, wildlife, and trekking—crafted for those who seek to explore the unexplored. From the vibrant festivities of the Hornbill Festival to the wild wonders of Kaziranga and the tranquil beauty of Dzukou Valley, this adventure promises memories to last a lifetime.
Kaziranga National Park
Get ready for a wild adventure in Kaziranga, home to the world’s largest population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Experience thrilling jeep and elephant safaris as you traverse through lush grasslands, spotting tigers, wild elephants, and a wide array of bird species in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hornbill Festival
Dive into the heart of Naga culture at the renowned Hornbill Festival, where vibrant traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine come to life. Known as the "Festival of Festivals," this 10-day cultural extravaganza brings together all Naga tribes, offering a rare glimpse into their diverse customs and heritage.
Dzukou Valley
End your trip with a trek to the mesmerizing Dzukou Valley, a hidden gem nestled between Nagaland and Manipur. Known for its undulating green meadows, stunning seasonal flowers, and peaceful landscape, Dzukou Valley is a trekker’s paradise, offering panoramic views and an unforgettable sense of serenity.
Join us for this unique blend of culture, wildlife, and adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
Travel Suggestions
- Please ensure that you arrive in Guwahati no later than 11 AM, as we will be departing from the airport by 12 PM on Day 1.
- If you’re arriving in Guwahati by train, please arrange to meet us at Khanapara, which is 10 km from the railway station. It will take approximately 45 minutes to reach the pickup point.
- For your return journey, book a flight departing from Guwahati on or after 10 AM on 8th December.
Included/Excluded
- Stay in comfortable, clean, and hygienic Dormitories/Homestays on triple sharing basis
- Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 8
- Dinner from Day 1 to Day 6
- Sleeping Bags Or Bedsheet & mattress at Dzokou Valley Dormitory
- Internal travel during the trip in Chevrolet Enjoy/Sumo/Swift Dzire
- Group Pickup & Drop from Guwahati Airport
- Experienced trip leaders.
- Wandering Souls Merch
- Memories of a lifetime
- Personal expenses
- Lunch on all Days
- All activities separately opted for
- Wildlife Safari Expenses
- Entry to the International Music Festival
- Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions/strikes, resulting in flight delay or any other form of transport.
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions
Tour Plan
Day 1- Arrival in Guwahati; Drive to Kaziranga National Park (4-5 Hours)
- Arrive at Guwahati airport, where we will warmly welcome you.
- Begin a scenic road trip through the vibrant rural landscapes of Assam. Pass by traditional homes, each with its own fishpond, giving you a glimpse of the local lifestyle.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch en route, as the journey transitions from the warm plains to the cool, refreshing air near Kaziranga National Park.
- On arrival at the homestay, unwind and relax amidst the tranquility of nature after a day of travel.
Day 2 - Wildlife Safari & Drive to Kohima (260 km)
- Embark on an early morning jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot one horned rhinos, elephants, and more in their natural habitat.
- After the thrilling safari, enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on a scenic 8-hour drive to Kohima, Nagaland.
- The journey takes you from Assam’s flatlands to the winding roads of Nagaland’s hills, with stunning views as you ascend to 4,000 feet.
- Arrive at your homestay in Kigwema, just minutes from the Hornbill Festival, and settle in for a restful night after a day filled with adventure.
Day 3 - Immerse in the Vibrance of the Hornbill Festival
- After breakfast, dive into the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s grand cultural extravaganza. Reach the festival grounds by 10 am to catch the day’s full schedule of performances.
- Watch the 16 Naga tribes showcase their colorful dances, music, and customs, each adorned in vibrant traditional attire.
- Explore the Morungs, which are replicas of Naga homes, and sample unique tribal delicacies. Snap pictures with locals in their traditional garb, and experience the warm hospitality of the Naga people.
- Enjoy a light lunch, try the famous Naga rice beer, and in the afternoon, visit the WWII Museum to learn about Nagaland’s role in the war.
- End the day with a traditional musical performance, before returning to the homestay for a cozy night by the fire.
Day 4 - Dive Deeper into Naga Culture & Festival Delights
- Fueled by excitement from Day 1, dive into more of the festival’s vibrant activities. Depending on the schedule, explore cultural performances you missed and attend events happening in nearby villages or Kohima.
- Spend time at the bustling festival market, where you can buy colorful handwoven Naga garments, crafts, and souvenirs.
- By evening, settle into the adventure of camping under the stars. Enjoy a night around the campfire with fellow travelers, swap stories, and experience a side of the festival that few get to see.
- Sleep in cozy sleeping bags inside your tents, surrounded by the cool night air of Nagaland’s hills.
Day 5 - Dzukou Valley Trek (5-6 Hours)
- Rise early to catch the sunrise as it paints the sky in hues of orange and red. Pack light for your trek to Dzukou Valley, known for its undulating hills and serene meadows.
- After a light breakfast, drive to the starting point of the trek. The first hour is a steep climb through dense forests, gradually giving way to sweeping views as the landscape opens up.
- The next few hours involve a more relaxed walk through rolling hills, surrounded by a green carpet of grass and mist. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you approach the Dzukou Dormitory, perched on the edge of the valley at 9,000 feet.
- Rest and enjoy a simple meal, then hike to the best spot for watching the sunset. Capture stunning views for your travel memories before settling in for the night at the dormitory, bundled up against the chilly mountain air.
Day 6 - Explore Dzukou Valley & Return to Kohima
- Wake up early to witness a frost-covered valley bathed in the golden light of dawn. Trek deeper into the valley to explore icy streams and hidden caves, where adventure awaits at every turn.
- After a quick breakfast, start your descent, retracing your steps through the hills. The return trek is easier, and you’ll have more time to take in the breathtaking scenery.
- Arrive back at the base village, and drive to your homestay in Kohima. Freshen up, rest, and enjoy a hot meal.
- In the evening, visit Kohima’s night carnival, a lively market filled with street food, games, local crafts, and more. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere before heading back to the homestay for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7- Kohima Sightseeing & Drive to Guwahati
- Enjoy a relaxed morning at the homestay, savoring a leisurely breakfast.
- Before leaving Kohima, visit the historic World War II Cemetery, a solemn reminder of the region’s wartime history.
- Begin the 9-hour drive back to Guwahati, traveling through scenic hills and valleys.
- Check into your hotel in Guwahati for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 8 - Back to Home
- After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time to explore Guwahati or shop for local souvenirs.
- Bid farewell to the Northeast as we drop you at the airport for your flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of this diverse and captivating region.
Calendar & Prices
Things to Carry
- Identity Proof
- Durable/Reusable Water Bottles
- We will be sending you a details list of what to bring and what not to once you register
FAQs
We will be mailing you the details once you register and creating a whatsapp groups 2 weeks before the tripWhat is the best time to visit the Hornbill Festival?
The Hornbill Festival is held annually from December 1st to 10th in Kohima, Nagaland. Our trip is scheduled to coincide with the festival to ensure you experience its vibrant celebrations in full swing.How physically demanding is the Dzukou Valley trek?
The trek to Dzukou Valley is of moderate difficulty. The initial hour involves a steep ascent through forested terrain, followed by a relatively flat walk. The entire trek covers around 12 km and takes approximately 5-6 hours. While it’s manageable for beginners, a basic level of fitness is recommended.
Can I come alone?
Yes, many of our participants are solo travellers.
Is it safe for a female solo traveller?
It is completely safe for a female solo traveller as our representatives will be there with you all the time. Moreover, most of our events have 60% female participation.
What if I have a medical emergency?
We will carry first aid kit with us. The coordinators will be first aid certified. If the problem increases, we will quickly get you to closest medical attention possible.
What is the stay like for this trip?
Stay in comfortable, clean, and hygienic Dormitories/Homestays on triple sharing basis
- Kaziranga and Kohima: Yes, you will have cellular connectivity in most parts of Kaziranga and Kohima. Major telecom networks like Airtel, Jio, and BSNL usually work well in these areas, though the signal may vary in remote spots.
- Dzukou Valley: Cellular connectivity is very limited or nonexistent during the trek and at the dormitory in Dzukou Valley. It’s best to inform your friends and family in advance that you may be unreachable for a day or two during this portion of the trip.
We will be having our Breakfast & Dinner at our stays. Lunches we will have locally during our road trip and sightseeing trips.
Will there be opportunities to shop for souvenirs?
Yes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to shop for traditional Naga handicrafts, garments, and souvenirs during the Hornbill Festival. There are also shops at the local markets in Kohima.
What is the group size for this trip?
We keep our group sizes small and intimate, typically between 6-15 travelers, to ensure personalized attention and a better overall experience.
What will be the weather like?
In early December, the weather throughout the trip will be generally cool and pleasant, but you should be prepared for varying temperatures.
- Kaziranga will have mild daytime temperatures around 15-25°C, with cooler mornings and evenings around 10-15°C
- Kohima and the Hornbill Festival will be cooler, with daytime temperatures ranging from 12-18°C, and colder nights between 5-10°C.
- Dzukou Valley, being at a higher altitude, will be the coldest, with daytime temperatures between 8-15°C and night temperatures dropping to as low as 0-5°C.
Disclaimer
- We require atleast 7 participants to go ahead with the event, in an unlikey case where we dont get the required number, the trip will be converted to a private trip.
Payment
Payment Options:
- UPI - wsouls@ybl
- NEFT - A/C No.: 046110100000183 || IFSC: NKGS0000046 || A/c Name: Wandering Souls || Type: Current || Branch: NKGSB NERUL, NEW BOMBAY
- Online through payment gateway - Click Book Now (3.5% transaction charges)
Payment Terms:
- You can book you seat by paying ₹10000 advance
- The remaining amount has to be paid 2 weeks before the trip start date
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation done by participant prior to 30 days of the Event, 50% of the advance amount will be deducted
- If cancellation done by participant between 15 to 30 days of the Event, 100% of advance amount will be deducted
- If cancellation done by participant between 7 to 15 days of the Event, 50% of whole trip amount will be deducted
- If cancellation done by participant within 7 days of the Event, 100% of whole trip amount will be deducted
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