Quick facts
- Dates
- 1 – 10 Dec 2026 (27th edition)
- Venue
- Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima
- Opening day
- 1 Dec 2026, Nagaland Statehood Day
- Highlights
- Tribal dances, music, traditional games, crafts, Naga food
- Nearest airport and railway
- Dimapur
- Permits
- Inner Line Permit for Indian visitors from outside Nagaland
Hornbill Festival: key dates
- Opening day and Nagaland Statehood DayMain day
- Closing day
The festival runs every day from 1 to 10 December, with cultural performances by the tribes of Nagaland at Kisama. The Directorate of Tourism has said food stalls at Kisama will be limited this year and the venue remains a plastic-free zone. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.
Source: dates as announced by the Nagaland government, reported by Morung Express: Nagaland begins preparations for Hornbill Festival (27th edition, 1–10 Dec 2026), Nagaland Post: President Murmu to grace 27th Hornbill Festival. Always confirm with the official mela website before travelling.
How to reach Kohima
By air and train
Dimapur has the nearest airport and the main railway station, with flights and trains from Guwahati, Kolkata and other cities. From Dimapur, continue to Kohima by road. Kohima is about 74 km from Dimapur.
From Kohima to Kisama
Kisama is outside Kohima town; taxis run between Kohima and Kisama. Kisama is about 12 km from Kohima. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.
Permits
Indian visitors from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state. Apply before you travel and carry a printed or digital copy. Apply online on the official Government of Nagaland portal, ilp.nagaland.gov.in, which also lists the fee for each type of permit.
Foreign visitors: the Protected Area Permit requirement for Nagaland has been relaxed for most nationalities. Check the current rules before you travel.
Trains and flights at a glance
Main railway stations
- Dimapur (DMV) · about 74 km from Kohima
Main direct trains
- 12067 Jan Shatabdi Express · from Guwahati (GHY)
- 15669 Nagaland Express · from Guwahati (GHY)
- 20504 Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express · from Guwahati (GHY)
- 12424 Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express · from Guwahati (GHY)
Airports
- Dimapur Airport (DMU) · about 74 km from Kohima · flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal
Lists checked on 9 Nov 2026. Timings, running days and routes change, so confirm on IRCTC or NTES, or with the airline, before you book. Sources: ixigo: Guwahati to Dimapur trains, HappyFares: Hornbill Festival travel guide.
Where to stay for Hornbill Festival
Hotels in Kohima
Kohima has hotels and guest houses close to the festival. They fill up early for Hornbill, so book well ahead.
Good for: Comfort and easy access to Kisama
Price guide: ₹2,000 – ₹12,000 per night
Range seen in 2026, as a guide only. Prices change every year. (HappyFares: Hornbill Festival guide) Ask us for current prices
Homestays
Homestays in Kohima and nearby villages offer a warm local experience and home-cooked Naga food.
Good for: Experiencing Naga hospitality
Price guide: Ask us for current prices
Festival camps
Tent camps are usually set up near Kisama for the festival. Check that they have warm bedding: December nights are cold.
Good for: Staying close to the festival
Price guide: ₹3,500 – ₹8,500 per night
Range seen in 2026, as a guide only. Prices change every year. (HappyFares: Hornbill Festival guide) Ask us for current prices
Stay in Dimapur
If Kohima is full, Dimapur has more hotels, but you will need extra travel time each day.
Good for: Last-minute bookings
Price guide: Ask us for current prices
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Tips & safety
Weather and comfort
- December days in the hills are mild, but mornings and evenings are cold. Carry warm layers, a jacket and a cap.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Kisama is on a hillside with slopes and steps.
- Older travellers should plan rest breaks and avoid the busiest opening day if crowds are a concern.
Respect and etiquette
- Ask before photographing performers and villagers, and respect the answer.
- Kisama is a plastic-free zone: carry a reusable water bottle and bag.
- Many Naga dishes include meat; vegetarian options are available at many stalls, but ask before ordering.
Safety
- Carry a photo ID and your permit at all times.
- Keep some cash in small notes; mobile networks can be slow in crowds.
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance): 112