Headhunters Trail
Our signature trip transporting you to the hinterlands of Nagaland on the Indo-Myanmar, exploring the unique traditions of the Konyak tribe.
Snapshot
- Dates: 14 Oct – 21 Oct 2023
- Region: Nagaland
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity: Culture
- Grade: Easy
- Price: Rs.36,000 + GST
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. This practice played a central role in the customs and traditions of the Naga tribes. But with the advent of Christianity in the Naga hills this practice slowly came to an end.
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.
- Stay in villages of Konyak tribe
- Learn about the culture and headhunt practices of Konyak tribe
- Hike to the highest peak in Mon district
- Walk to villages on the Indo – Myanmar border
Photos
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 Dibrugarh Club House or similar
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
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. In The evening visit the house of the Ang, to get fascinated by another set of stories . O/n at a homestay in Shenghah Chingnyu
Day 7: Verda peak trek
Between the villages of Shenghah Chingnyu and Chenmoho lies Verda peak, the highest mountain in Mon district. In the morning we will set out for an easy three hour walk through jhum fields and verdant forests. On reaching the top we will be rewarded with grand panoramas of the entire countryside, stretching all the way to Chindwin river in Myanmar. In the evening culminate our learnings and experiences over a grand bonfire. 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
Cost per person: Rs.36,000/- (+ 5% GST)
Included
- Accommodation on a twin sharing basis
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Transportation using Scorpio or similar
- A knowledgeable English speaking guide
Not Included
- Flights
- GST
- Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport
- Soft drink charges, table drinks, bottled water, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, liquor charges, and tips
- Any other item not mentioned in “Cost Includes” section above
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