6 Places to Visit in Nagaland (2026): Tourist Spots, Timings & Entry Fees
Most visitors to Nagaland base in Kohima, the capital. Around it are Kisama, the heritage village where the Hornbill Festival is held each December, the Second World War cemetery, the state museum, the green village of Khonoma and two classic hikes: Dzükou Valley and Japfü Peak. Further north, Mon district is home to the Konyak tribe.
1.Kisama Heritage Village
About 12 km from Kohima
Kisama, the Naga Heritage Village 12 km from Kohima, has a traditional house, or morung, for each Naga tribe, and hosts the Hornbill Festival every December.
- Timings
- Hornbill: about 9am–5pm daily, 1–10 December; access at other times varies
- Entry fee
- Hornbill gate ticket (rates set each year); small fee reported at other times
- Distance
- About 12 km from Kohima; about 75 km from Dimapur airport
- Time needed
- Half a day; a full day at Hornbill
- Best time
- 1–10 December for the Hornbill Festival
Kisama Heritage Village: full guide, how to reach and tips →
2.Dzükou Valley
Nagaland–Manipur border, south of Kohima
Dzükou Valley is a high valley of rolling green hills on the Nagaland–Manipur border, reached by a half-day trek from Viswema or Zakhama near Kohima. Famous for the Dzükou lily in summer. Trek routes, fees, stay and best time.
- Timings
- Start the trek early; reach the valley by afternoon
- Entry fee
- Small entry fee per person, higher for foreign visitors; plus guest house charges
- Distance
- Trailheads at Viswema or Zakhama, about 20–25 km from Kohima; trek of roughly 8–14 km each way depending on route
- Time needed
- Overnight recommended; 4–7 hours trekking each way
- Best time
- June–September for flowers (the Dzükou lily blooms around June–July); October–March for clear skies
3.Kohima War Cemetery
Central Kohima
Kohima War Cemetery marks the 1944 Battle of Kohima, one of the turning points of the Second World War in Asia, fought partly across the district commissioner's tennis court.
- Timings
- Daily; about 8am–4pm (March–September) and 8am–3:30pm (October–February)
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- In Kohima town; about 64 km from Dimapur airport
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- October–May
4.Khonoma Village
Khonoma, about 20 km from Kohima
Khonoma is an Angami Naga village near Kohima, known as India's first 'green village' for banning hunting and protecting its forests, with terraced rice fields and a proud history of resisting the British. Homestays, walks and how to reach.
- Timings
- Daylight; homestays available
- Entry fee
- Village entry or guide fee may apply; homestays charged separately
- Distance
- About 20 km from Kohima, 45 minutes–1 hour
- Time needed
- Half a day, or overnight in a homestay
- Best time
- October–May; terraces are green from June to September
5.Japfü Peak
Near Kigwema, south of Kohima
Japfü is Nagaland's second-highest peak at about 3,048 m, a steep day hike from Kigwema near Kohima with views over the Dzükou range and, on clear days, the Himalaya. Trail, best time and how to reach.
- Timings
- Start before dawn for sunrise, or early morning for a day hike
- Entry fee
- Small village or guide fee may apply
- Distance
- About 15 km from Kohima to Kigwema; summit hike of several hours
- Time needed
- 6–8 hours round trip
- Best time
- October–March for clear views
6.Kohima State Museum
Bayavü Hill, Kohima
The Nagaland State Museum in Kohima is the best introduction to the Naga tribes: costumes, jewellery, weapons, a model morung and a village drum, all in one building. Timings, entry and tips.
- Timings
- Roughly 9:30 am to 3:30 pm; closed on some days and government holidays, check before visiting
- Entry fee
- Small fee for Indians, higher for foreign visitors; camera extra
- Distance
- About 2–3 km from Kohima town centre
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- Year round
Best time to visit Nagaland
October to May. The Hornbill Festival runs from 1 to 10 December, when Kohima is busiest; book early. Dzükou is green with flowers from June to September and golden in winter.
Nagaland weather month by month →How to reach Nagaland
Dimapur has the nearest airport and railway station; Kohima is about 75 km away, 2.5–3 hours by road. Indian travellers need a Nagaland Inner Line Permit, which can be applied for online.
See Nagaland with a local team
Private trips with a driver, hotels and permits arranged, built around the places above.
Northeast India tour packages →Nagaland: frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to visit Nagaland?+
Yes. Indian travellers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), available online. Foreign nationals register on arrival.
When is the Hornbill Festival?+
Every year from 1 to 10 December at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima.
How many days do I need for Nagaland?+
Three to four days for Kohima, Khonoma and Kisama; add a day or two for the Dzükou Valley trek.
What are the best places to visit in Nagaland?+
Kisama Heritage Village, Dzükou Valley, the Kohima War Cemetery, Khonoma and Japfü Peak.
More places to visit in Northeast India
- Places to visit in Darjeeling
- Places to visit in Meghalaya
- Places to visit in Sikkim
- Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
- Places to visit in Gangtok
- Places to visit in Assam
- Places to visit in Shillong
- Places to visit in Cherrapunji
- Places to visit in Tawang
- Places to visit in Pelling
- Places to visit in Guwahati
- Places to visit near Guwahati
- Places to visit in Northeast India
- Offbeat places to visit in Meghalaya
- Places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling
- Places to visit in North Sikkim
- Places to visit in South Sikkim
- Places to visit in Kaziranga
- Places to visit in Dawki and Mawlynnong
- All Northeast India attractions