5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Nagaland

Sunday, September 10: Exploring Kohima

Start your trip by exploring the capital city of Nagaland, Kohima. Begin your morning with a visit to the Kohima War Cemetery, a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought during World War II. Spend the afternoon at the State Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. In the evening, head to the local market to experience the bustling atmosphere and taste traditional Naga cuisine.

• Kohima War Cemetery: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1 hour
• Nagaland State Museum: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kohima Local Market: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours

Monday, September 11: Dzukou Valley Adventure

Embark on an exciting trek to Dzukou Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and abundance of seasonal flowers. Start your day early with a hike to the base camp from Viswema Village. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley as you trek to the famous viewing point. Spend the evening camping in the valley, surrounded by nature's tranquility.

• Trekking to Dzukou Valley: Guide fee - INR 500, Camping fee - INR 200, Time spent - Full day

Tuesday, September 12: Mokokchung Heritage

Visit the town of Mokokchung, known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. Explore the Ao Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Nagaland, in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Longkhum Village, known for its stone monuments and scenic views. Wrap up your day by experiencing a traditional Naga cultural performance in the evening.

• Ao Baptist Church: No entrance fee, Time spent - 1 hour
• Longkhum Village: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2 hours
• Naga Cultural Performance: Entry fee - INR 100, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, September 13: Wildlife Encounter in Intanki National Park

Explore the Intanki National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Begin your day with a jeep safari to spot various species of animals including deer, elephants, and birds. Take a leisurely walk through the park's trails to enjoy its natural beauty. In the evening, visit the nearby Dimapur city for some shopping and local street food.

• Intanki National Park: Entrance fee - INR 50, Jeep safari - INR 500 per person, Time spent - Full day
• Shopping in Dimapur: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Creme in Dimapur, where you can enjoy a range of freshly baked goodies and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try out the Hornbill Restaurant located in Intanki National Park, which offers a variety of local Naga dishes as well as Indian and Chinese cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit the Abiaka Restaurant in Dimapur, known for its authentic Naga cuisine. You can savor traditional dishes like smoked pork, bamboo shoot curry and Naga chicken curry. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Thursday, September 14: Cultural Immersion in Mon

Travel to the district of Mon to experience the vibrant culture of the Konyak tribe. Start your day with a visit to the Veda Peak, the highest point in Mon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Explore the village of Longwa, which straddles the India-Myanmar border, and interact with the local Konyak people. In the evening, witness a traditional Konyak dance performance.

• Veda Peak: Entrance fee - INR 50, Time spent - 2 hours
• Longwa Village: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2 hours
• Konyak Dance Performance: Entry fee - INR 100, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Khonoma Village, known for its eco-friendly practices and community-based tourism. Explore the Dzuleke Village, located amidst lush greenery and offering a peaceful experience. Engage with local communities, taste traditional cuisine, and learn about their traditional practices. These hidden gems provide an opportunity to experience Nagaland's cultural diversity while staying on a shoestring budget.

Check hotel and flight prices for your Nagaland trip here.