From Dimapur airport we drive to Kohima. After introductions, we will have a photography session and briefing about the trip in the evening.
This December, step into the vibrant heart of Nagaland for an immersive photography experience at the iconic Hornbill Festival. Set against a festive backdrop, this journey invites you to explore Nagaland’s diverse cultural landscapes—travelling through villages, meeting indigenous communities, and photographing living traditions that are proudly preserved and joyfully shared.
Venturing into some of India’s least-explored regions, this tour offers extraordinary photographic opportunities—from the colour and energy of the Hornbill Festival to intimate moments of village life, layered with echoes of World War history. The landscapes of the Patkai range, combined with deep-rooted cultural narratives, create a visual canvas that is both powerful and rare.
Led by one of India’s finest travel photographers and supported by the unmatched local expertise of GypsyFeet, this experience goes beyond a festival visit. In Kisama Valley, where 17 Naga tribes come together each December, you’ll witness dances, rituals, wrestling, food, crafts, and celebrations that define Naga lifeworlds. Eclectic, soulful, and visually rich, the Hornbill Festival is a cornucopia of culture—one that lingers long after the last frame is taken.
Dimapur, Nagaland
DMU - Dimapur
December 05, 2026 before 1:00 PM
December 10, 2026 After 11:00 AM
Winter Season, suitable for cold weather conditions
INR 69,950 / Per Person
Group pick-up and drop from Dimapur airport at a predetermined schedule only.
Comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis. (Single supplement options are available on request)
Ground transport in private vehicle on all days.
All meals during the tour start from dinner on Day 1, ending with breakfast on Day 6 excluding lunch at the Hornbill Festival venue.
All permits and entry fees, local Guides
Photography-related services as mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of your photography mentor during the tour.
Lunch on the days we are visiting Hornbill Festival.
Transport from your location to Dimapur.
All expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc.
Addition beverages, snacks and mineral water.
Any kind of insurance.
Tips and other expenses are not mentioned in the inclusion mentioned above.
From Dimapur airport we drive to Kohima. After introductions, we will have a photography session and briefing about the trip in the evening.
We will use these days to explore rural life and landscapes in Nagaland beyond the Hornbill Festival. We will visit native Angami villages on these days, all within an hour’s drive from Kohima. These visits will offer interesting insights into the communal living of Angami and other Naga communities. We will see, understand and photograph the way of life in these villages, interacting closely with the villagers all through the day, immersing ourselves in their lifeworlds.
This is our day to visit and photograph one of the most amazing sights in Nagaland – the Hornbill Festival, where the various tribes of Nagaland get together to showcase their customs and traditions. Fantastic costumes, fabulous feats – capture all with help from your accompanying photography expert. Try out some of the local cuisines from the various stalls around. After the entire day spent at Kisama village–the location of the Hornbill Festival, night market in the streets of Kohima will definitely rejuvenate you. Colourful stalls adorned with sparkling lights, each one has something unique to offer.
Evening we will drive back to Dimapur.
Time to bid farewell to the land of the festivals.
This tour is intended for amateur as well as serious photography enthusiasts with an interest to visit and photograph the beauty of Nagaland and the celebrations of Hornbill Festival. No prior expertise or experience in photography is necessary, as our photographers will be there to assist you at every level. You may carry any camera – a simple aim-and-shoot or a DSLR. Travel enthusiasts who are not photographers, but keen to experience the multiple facets of Nagaland, can also benefit from the tour that is designed to soak in the experience.
Yes, you can. We visit beautiful Villages in the Nagaland and also see the celebrations of Hornbill Festival. Having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is. Your partner will enjoy the journey with the group.
Yes. The answer is exactly the same as in the case of the previous question. We visit many beautiful villages in Nagaland, watching the Hornbill Festival and having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is.
– 25% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations earlier than 60 days before the start of a tour.
– 50% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 59 days and 45 before the start of a tour.
– 80% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 44 days and 31 days before the start of a tour.
– No refund for cancellation within 30 days of the tour start date or for a no-show.
Cancellations have to be communicated via an email to photography@darter.in. The date of email receipt in our account will be used to apply the cancellation policy mentioned above.
Few people can boast of having travelled the high Himalayas like Manish has. For more than 15 years, he has explored these mountains extensively on foot, on bicycles and on two and four wheels, often making his own path. He is a versatile photographer with a history of creating brilliant images of culture, heritage and landscapes.
Photography holidays to interesting and often isolated places where you get up close with traditions, festivals, and the everyday life of people with a strong bond to their roots.
Manish Lakhani
+91 99988 66669Shreeram MV
+91 97400 83260
Thanks Manish for organising a smooth and hassle-free trip as always. Also, thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable experience. Looking forward to meeting you all sometime soon.
Thank You Manish ji for all guidance . This trans will continue next few months with post processing . A very cool trip .
Thanks to everyone on a memorable trip.
It was a very memorable trip - for the mesmerizing theyyams and all you amazing people!
Thank you Manish for all your efforts in arranging this!
Thanks Manish for the great experience at my home town. Learned a lot about Theyyam and Insights on Photography from you. Hope to join more trips with you.It was great experience knowing each of you from different places and countries. We all had a great time.
All good check in as always Manish thanks for the great experience really enjoyed my time.