Nagaland - a mystical land fabled for its ferocious tribes, living amongst verdant mountains. Home to sixteen major tribes, the state offers a fascinating cultural vista of the various Naga communities. The Headhunters trail is our signature trip, transporting you to the hinterlands of Northern Nagaland on the Indo-Myanmar, to explore the unique traditions of the Konyak tribe.
Till the turn of the last century all the Naga tribes practiced headhunting. Taking heads of enemies not only proved the valour of a man, but also ensured prosperity for the family.
The last and probably the most ferocious tribe to give up on headhunting were the Konyaks, residing in the Mon district of Northern Nagaland. Even today we can meet elders (the last generation) with tattoos on their chest and face, indicating their headhunting heroics. On the headhunters trail we will walk to remote villages, in our attempt to understand and gather the stories that weave the past into the present culture of the Konyak tribe
- Day 1: Dibrugarh
- Pickup from Dibrugarh airport and drive to your hotel . In the evening you can go for a walk on the banks of the Brahmaputra river . O/n at a hotel
- Day 2: Dibrugarh to Mon 121 kms; 6 hours
- After breakfast drive to Mon , in Northern Nagaland. Mon is the capital of the Konyak tribes who were feared headhunters and culturally the most interesting Naga tribe. Even today you can see many elders with tattoos on their face and chest, indicating their bravery as head hunters.
- The road condition is not very good , but is quite scenic as it passes through verdant hills. O/n at a hotel
- Day 3: Mon – Hongphoi - Longwa
- In the morning we drive to Hongphoi village, one of the last few remaining villages with a headhunter as the Ang (local king). Walk around the village, after which we pay a visit to the Ang’ house. Over here we will have our first interaction with the tattooed headhunters, getting mesmerised with their stories of valour.
- By afternoon we continue our journey to Longwa , a unique village which literally sits on the fence of India and Myanmar. In the evening walk around Longwa , absorbing the vibrant village vibes. O/n at a homestay
- Day 4: Longwa
- Wear your explorers’ hat, as we set of for a walk towards the Myanmar side, getting mesmerised by the cloud puffed valleys and stunning vistas. Later in the day we walk around the village, visiting some local artisans . Continue on the narrow village roads to the house of the Ang , the chieftain of many surrounding villages. The magnanimous house, ornated with animal skulls has many stories to tell. Over here we will interact with the village elders, listening to their animated stories of the days gone by. O/n at a homestay
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- Day 5: Longwa to Shenghah Chingnyu trek
- Bid farewell to Longwa as we set out on a six hour trek to the village of Shenghah Chingnyu. The route will take us through some secondary forests and jum fields, giving us an opportunity to see and learn about shifting cultivation. O/n at a homestay in Shenghah Chingnyu
- Day 6: Shenghah Chingnyu
- This little know village is probably the most fascinating one in Mon district. We will walk to the house of the Ang , a traditional long house adorned with hundreds of animal skulls. After being regaled with stories of yore we continue exploring the village on foot. The walk will also us to absorb the day to day life and culture of the Konyaks. O/n at a homestay in Shenghah Chingnyu
- Day 7: Shenghah Chingyu to Dibrugarh 143 kms; 7.5 hours
- With fond memories we bid a farewell to the warm hearted Konyaks, before commencing our return journey to Assam . O/n at Dibrugarh Club House or similar
- Day 8: Dibrugarh
- After breakfast drop to Dibrugarh airport