ChaloHoppo Of Tribes and Terrains: A Hornbill Chapter - Nagaland

General Terms

• Rooms are shared on a double-sharing basis. In case you are a solo traveller, you will be paired up with another solo traveller of the same gender.
• Most of the properties will have double-bedded rooms.
• Vegetarian meals typically include rice, dal, mixed vegetables, salads, and local chutneys.
• Non-vegetarian options, such as chicken or pork, are usually served, depending on availability and group preference.
• In towns like Kohima, you will also find a range of restaurants and cafés offering cuisines beyond local fare.
• During your visit to the festival, you can also explore regional delicacies that are unique to the area.
• Carrying around ₹1000 per day should be sufficient for personal expenses.
• In places like Khonoma, Dzuleke, and Dzükou Valley, online payments may not be accepted.
• UPI is easily available in Dimapur, Jakhama, and Kohima, and most festival stalls also accept UPI.
• Airtel and Jio work best in this region, but network connectivity may be limited in areas like Khonoma and Dzuleke.
• There is no network coverage in Dzükou Valley.
• Dimapur, Jakhama, and Kohima generally have stable network connectivity.
• The trip takes place in the first week of December, when Nagaland transitions into winter.
• Days are usually pleasant to slightly warm, while evenings and early mornings turn noticeably cold.
• Layering is recommended to stay comfortable through the day.
• At Dzükou Valley, expect a sharper contrast — the trek during the day can feel warm due to physical activity, but temperatures drop significantly after sunset, often reaching freezing conditions at night.
• Booking flights before reserving a slot with us does not guarantee availability.
• Single occupancy requires an additional room and impacts overall group capacity.
• A 90-litre backpack is ideal for this trip. Suitcases are also acceptable; however, you will need a separate 30-40 litre backpack for the Dzükoü Valley trek.
• Once your booking is confirmed, a detailed Things to Carry list, curated for the season, will be shared with you.
• This trip is suitable for travellers with moderate fitness levels, but it does include one physically demanding day during the Dzükou Valley trek.
• The trek involves walking for about 5–6 hours each way on mountain trails, with long uphill and downhill sections.
• While it is not technical and does not require prior trekking experience, you should be comfortable with sustained walking on uneven terrain and carrying a small daypack.
• The other days involve village walks, short hikes, and sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
• If you are reasonably active, enjoy walking, and are open to a challenging but rewarding trekking day, you will be well-suited for this journey.
• This trip may not be ideal for travellers with knee issues or those uncomfortable with long walking days.
• Each day’s activities will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will provide insights into the culture, history, and natural wonders of the region.
• You will also have a ChaloHoppo trip leader throughout the trip.
• The detailed festival schedule is usually released by the third week of November.
• Broadly, you can expect vibrant showcases by different Naga tribes, live music performances, local cuisines, traditional brews, and, most importantly, the warm hospitality of the Naga community throughout the festival.
• All our itineraries are planned to include at least one of the key festival days. On this trip, we will be attending the Opening Ceremony.
• The Dzükou Valley Trek is of easy - moderate difficulty. It involves a steep ascent in the initial part of the trek, followed by relatively easy walks across the valley.
• Suitable for beginners with decent fitness.
• Dzükou Valley offers very basic facilities. Accommodation is at the trekkers’ hut, which provides simple dormitory-style stays and limited food options.
• The only available stay option within the valley. The hut is maintained by the South Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) and is run efficiently given the remote setting.
• However, facilities remain minimal. Guests who are not comfortable with shared accommodation and common washrooms may consider opting out of the overnight stay.
• If you prefer to skip the Dzükou trek, you may choose to stay back at the homestay and spend the day at the Hornbill Festival instead.
• To comply with the latest guidelines set by the Government of Nagaland, ILP applications must now be completed by the individual traveller through a system that requires a live photo capture.
• As third parties are no longer permitted to apply on behalf of travellers, the ILP cannot be bundled as part of a travel package.

General Refund Policy

• 45+ days prior to starting date of the trip – 100% refund of the total trip cost
• 30-44 days prior to starting date of the trip – 75% refund of the total trip cost
• 15-29 days prior to starting date of the trip – 50% refund of the total trip cost
• 8 -14 days prior to starting date of the trip – 25% refund of the total trip cost
• 7 days or less prior to starting date of the trip – No refund
• Note - For Fixed Departures (Group Trips) - If you are able to find a replacement for yourself in the group, we'd be happy to provide you with a 100% refund!