Trip Report: Natalia Dmitrieva & Companion - Northeast India Adventure25th December 2024 - 1st January 2025

Day 01: Kolkata to Dibrugarh - A Gentle Start Natalia and her companion arrived in Dibrugarh, where our representative greeted them with a warm smile. After checking into their hotel, they took a slow walk along the riverbank, enjoying the fresh air and the quiet hum of the town. Later, they explored the local market, chatting with friendly shopkeepers and getting a feel for life in Assam. The day ended with a relaxing evening at the hotel.

Day 02: Dibrugarh to Mon - Into the Hills After breakfast, we hit the road to Mon, enjoying the lush green scenery along the way. Though the road was not in great condition, the excitement of the journey kept spirits high. At the Assam-Nagaland border gate, we had to present the client's passport and visa, followed by another check at the Assam Rifles camp. En route, we passed through small Naga villages, where we had the opportunity to visit traditional morungs (youth dormitories), learning about their role in Naga culture. A stop for a quick lunch at a roadside stall gave us a taste of authentic local flavors. Upon arrival in Mon, Natalia and her companion were fascinated by the tattooed Konyak Naga elders and their incredible wood carvings. They spent the night in a cozy guest house, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Day 03: Longuwa & Hongphoi Villages - Meeting the Konyak Tribe The morning started with a visit to Longuwa village, a fascinating place that straddles the India-Myanmar border. The chief's house, impressively large with intricate wood carvings, sits half in India and half in Myanmar. A highlight of the visit was meeting an exceptional woodcarver, whose home displayed stunning craftsmanship. The group also explored the local gun-making place, which astonishingly fell within Myanmar’s territory, requiring submission of passport and visa photocopies. Though Longuwa was only 42 km away from their stay, the journey took over two hours due to the hilly terrain and narrow roads. In the afternoon, they visited Hongphoi village, known as the best place to meet headhunters. When the locals heard of Natalia’s visit, the headhunters gathered at the chief’s house, sharing fascinating stories of their past and headhunting traditions over cups of warm tea.

Day 04: Mon to Mokokchung - A Scenic Drive with a Historic Stop The journey to Mokokchung required returning to Sonari and taking the scenic route via Charaideo. Along the way, we stopped to visit the Moidams of the Ahom kings, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering insight into the glorious Ahom dynasty. The lush landscapes and historical significance made the long drive worthwhile. Upon reaching Mokokchung, they were welcomed by the Ao Naga people, who shared their vibrant culture and traditions. A peaceful evening at the guest house rounded off the day.

Day 05: Exploring Villages - A Day of Stories and Legends The day was spent visiting Ungma and Longkhum villages, each with its own unique charm. In Longkhum, they admired the famous stone bridge at the edge of the village and visited a sacred spot where villagers traditionally offer prayers before embarking on important journeys. The local guide also shared the romantic tale of Etiben and Jina, a legendary couple who used to sit and meet at a special spot in the village. The old signs of their love remain a symbol of romance in the region. En route to Tuophema, they made a brief stop at Trongsa village to witness the culture of the Lotha tribe. Upon arrival in Tuophema, they checked into the ethnic tourist cottages and enjoyed a quiet evening by the fire.

Day 06: Kohima & Khonoma - The Stories of Bravery and Conservation Kohima welcomed them with its blend of modern and traditional life. Their first stop was the serene Touphema village, where they trekked through a conserved forest area, soaking in the natural beauty. The local guide shared captivating tales of the Angami Sekrenyi festival and its purification rituals. Later, a visit to Khonoma village unveiled the history of the Naga warriors who stood against British colonial forces. The Khonoma gate, still standing tall, spoke volumes of their courage. Walking through the village, Natalia and her companion were impressed by the community’s sustainable farming practices and their dedication to preserving nature. A friendly tea session with locals offered deeper insights into their daily lives and traditions.

Day 07: Kohima - A Walk Through Time and Remembrance A full day in Kohima meant to go deep into the history and culture. The day started with a visit to the iconic World War II Memorial, where they read the famous inscription: "When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.” Standing amidst the graves, they reflected on the bravery of soldiers who fought for freedom. From there, they visited the Bara Basti, one of the largest Naga villages, and were amazed by its traditional gates, carved pillars, and unique architectural style. The highlight of the day was the visit to the State Museum , where they explored fascinating artifacts, textiles, and relics that brought the Naga culture to life. In the evening, they relaxed at a charming local café , sampling Naga cuisine (They also make mouthwatering fried Momo ) and chatting with friendly locals.

Day 08: Kohima to Kaziranga - Into the Wild With excitement building, we set off for Kaziranga National Park, taking our time to enjoy the countryside along the way. Stops for tea and photo breaks made the journey enjoyable, and they eagerly anticipated the upcoming wildlife adventure.

Conclusion Natalia and her companion had an amazing time discovering the rich culture and natural beauty of Northeast India. From leisurely drives to heartfelt conversations with locals, each moment added to their journey. We were honored to be part of their adventure and look forward to welcoming them again.