nagaland - of tribes and valleys. introduction is this...
TRANSCRIPT
Capture the splendor of Nagaland and the local tribal culture. Experience the
Hornbill Festival. Trek to the stunning Dzuko Valley.
Nagaland - Of Tribes and Valleys.
7 Days, 5 night camping; 1 night guesthouse, 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
Introduction Is this holiday for you? Are you up for a holiday where you discover a whole new region and its culture? If you are, then this holiday will be on top of the list. The Hornbill Festival will leave you amazed with the dances, songs and food of the local tribes. The stunning views of the rolling hills of Dzukou valley are a sight to behold. The rich primeval beauty of this state will astound you and leave you asking for more! We will inculcate yoga, pranayama and powerful meditations as the schedule allows.
Retreat Itinerary DAY 1: LAND AT DIMAPUR. DRIVE TO KOHIMA. We will be picked up at the Dimapur Airport and a single group transfer at a fixed time will be provided to our campsite near Kohima. The journey will take us at least 3 hours or more depending on the traffic. Evening is at leisure and we can either stay at the campsite or head to Hornbill Festival for a sneak peek. ACCOMMODATION : Camping. MEALS : Dinner included DAY 2: EXPERIENCE HORNBILL FESTIVAL . After breakfast, we leave for Kisama Heritage Village, the venue for Hornbill Festival, which is 10-‐12 kms from Kohima. The day is usually when the cultural shows take place in the festival. Lunch and snacks can be procured from the various stalls serving some delicious local dishes. In the evening, we head back to Kohima for the carnival in the city. After an early dinner, we head to the music concert venue. We call it a night with the end of the music show and head back to our campsite. ACCOMMODATION : Camping. MEALS; Breakfast & Dinner included
DAY 3: EXPLORE KOHIMA & KHONOMA VILLAGE. We wake up easy and after breakfast, will leave for Kohima market to explore the city. After that our vehicles will take us to Khonoma Village & Dzuleke village (if time allows). Estimated to be around 700 years old and spread across 123 sq.km, the village is known for its terraced farming and agriculture. The village has traditional houses of the Angami Tribe. After strolling and exploring through the village, we head back to our campsite. If you're not tired, we can go to the Hornbill venue to take in the last night of this amazing holiday. Evening is at leisure. ACCOMMODATION : Camping MEALS : Breakfast & Dinner included NAGALAND EXPERIENCE DAY 4: LEAVE FOR DZUKOU VALLEY VIA VISHWEMA VILLAGE. We should be fully energized today with proper breakfast for our trek to Dzukou Valley. We will leave our big bags at the campsite, and only take our day bag with the necessary items we need for the night stay at the camp. We will then head to the village of Vishwema, 30-‐40 minutes drive away, and drive up to the trekking point. The approach to the valley is a bit steep and in dense forest till we reach the Dzukou Point where we get our first glimpse of the bamboo clad hills of Dzukou. A 3-‐4 hour trek in the rolling valley of Dzukou will take us to our camp for the night. The walk is stunning and we will stay in the dormitory in the state run guesthouse in the Valley. This is also a way to support the state government and local employment in the region. Meals will be provided as available in the kitchen of the guesthouse. Spending a night under the star filled sky in this landscape is an experience to remember. It will be quite cold at night, so don't forget to pack your warm clothes. ACCOMMODATION: Guesthouse in Dzukou Valley MEALS : Breakfast, lunch, dinner included TIME : 3-‐4 hrs walking(7-‐8 kms) DAY 5: TREK BACK TO JAKHAMA VILLAGE. DRIVE BACK TO CAMPSITE. You can get up early morning, and leave for a walk in the valley which is a great chance to see crystals frozen on the leaves of the bamboo shoots and some birds! After breakfast and taking in the morning views of the Valley, we pack up and head back via a different route to Jakhama Village. We meet up with our vehicles and head back to our campsite to rest. The evening is at leisure and you can head to the Hornbill festival venue for dinner. ACCOMMODATION : Camping MEALS : Breakfast, lunch, Dinner included TIME : 2-‐3 hrs walking( 7-‐8 kms) DAY 6: EXPERIENCE HORNBILL FESTIVAL We will head back to the Hornbill festival venue for the day. Don't forget to take the picture you had not clicked or taste a dish that you had missed the previous day. ACCOMMODATION : Camping MEALS : Breakfast & Dinner included
DAY 7: DEPARTURE DAY. LEAVE FOR DIMAPUR. An early breakfast will be laid out and a fixed departure for Dimapur, which is a 2-‐3 hour drive. The transfer will leave early and we would suggest you take an afternoon flight from Dimapur for your onward journey. MEALS: Breakfast included Holiday Information What’s Included • Local guide • Airport transfers as described • All land transport involved in the itinerary • All accommodation as described • Meals as per the Meal Plan • All permits and entrance fees in the itinerary • All costs are applicable for twin share • Tents and sleeping bags for camp night What’s NOT Included • Travel insurance • Visas • Some meals as per the Meal Plan • Airport transfers other than those described • Tips for local staff including the local guide and drivers • Miscellaneous expenses -‐ drinks and souvenirs etc. • Personal camera equipment • Personal gear • Flights and airfare MEALS Meals will be a mix of local and comfort food. Breakfasts will consist of bread, cheese, honey, jams, fruit, tea and Nescafe along with eggs, paranthas, etc. We have deliberately not included lunches and dinners during the first few days so that you pick and choose what you want at the Hornbill Festival. Each tribe will be serving its own favorite and popular dishes. No better opportunity to get a fill of the spices of the 'Wild East'. A warning: Naga food is famous for its hot cuisine and fiery dishes. Any dish which has 'Raja Mirchi' should be approached with caution! As we want to keep plastic use to a minimum we will try and use plastic bottles as less as possible. Hot lunches will be provided as and when we can. Vegetarians can be catered for. Joining Arrangements & Transfers A single group transfer will be arranged from Dimapur Airport to the hotel in Kohima. This transfer will meet the arrival of the flights in the afternoon. At the end of the trip there will be a single group transfer from the campsite to Dimapur Airport early morning. This transfer will be after breakfast on Day 7 of the trip itinerary
Accommodation During this trip the group will spend 5 nights in camping near Kisama village and 1 night in Dzukou valley guesthouse. All accommodation is allocated on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. A Typical Day Day will start with a hot cup of tea served to you at around 8.00 am. At around 8.30 a.m. breakfast will be under way and by 10.00 we should be ready for the day. The first days will be spent attending the Hornbill experience and witness the cultural juggernaut of Nagaland. There are plenty of food stalls serving food from different tribes. General Information Preparing For Your Trip This is not a trekking holiday except the day of trekking to Dzukou Valley. The trail in itself is not that hard as there is clear gradual trail that we have to follow to the camping spot. However, getting some additional exercise never hurt anybody. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. Come with an open mind and leave with a bag full of memories. Group Leader & Support Staff An experienced, English speaking local guide will lead the group. In addition during the trek, other local guides who will support the crew. Baggage Allowance During the trip taxis will carry your baggage. However, we would advise you to pack two bags, a duffel with all your warm clothes (max. 15 kgs) and a day bag, which you can carry with yourself for the camping experience. Traveling light will also make transiting airports a much more pleasant experience for you. Altitude This holiday does not involve much physical activity at altitude barring the trek to Dzokou Valley which is roughly at 2440m. Keep yourself hydrated in addition to eating and resting well. Any health related issues should be immediately discussed with the crew. Climate Nagaland has largely monsoon climate concentrated between May and October. Therefore we usually advise to visit Nagaland from October to March though rains can never be ruled out. In December, the maximum temperature rises to 14°C and falls down to 4°C usually. However, the temperature at Dzukou valley does go below 0°C and requires down jacket, gloves and thermals. Therefore, please pack woolen options. COST INR 34,500 per person on twin share basis. GST @ 5% is additional
Equipment List The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. You Must Bring The Following Items: • Hiking boots • Trainers • Thermals (up and down) • Sandals • Sleeping bag liner • Socks • Underwear • Trekking trousers • Shorts • T-‐shirts or similar • Fleece jacket or warm jumper
• Sunhat • Warm hat • Sunglasses •Warm gloves • Small padlock (to lock trek bag) • Daypack minimum 40 litres • Back pack/Duffel -‐ Min 80 litres • Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry)
• Head torch and spare batteries • Wash bag and toiletries • Small towel • Antibacterial hand wash • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.) • Water bottles 1 Litre x2 • Warm jacket (down)
• Basic First Aid Kit including: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, and re-‐hydration salts (Dioralite). PS: Please carry your authorized government identity proof with you.