Forage and Feast
A Kohima Weekend
- Nagaland
- Weekend Getaway
- 8 seats
- June 20th to June 22nd
- July 4th to July 6th
- July 18th to July 20th
- August 1st to August 2nd
- August 15th to August 17th
- September 5th to September 7th
- September 19th to September 21st
When the rains touch Nagaland, they don’t just fall—they transform. Forests swell with life, mist clings low to the hills, and the pace of village life slows to match the rhythm of the rain. This isn’t the polished beauty of brochures—it’s muddy, rugged, and real. But in that wildness lies something rare: a way to witness culture and nature in their most honest forms.
This is a journey for the curious—a three-day monsoon immersion into a land where food, heritage, and the forest are deeply entwined. You’ll hike rain-drenched trails under thick canopies, gather ingredients from old hill markets, cook alongside locals over open flames, and share quiet meals under tin roofs as the rain falls outside.
The food here tells stories. Some of it may be unfamiliar—perhaps hornet larvae, silkworms, or wild greens foraged from the forest. But it’s not about shock or spectacle. It’s about understanding how deeply identity is woven into what’s grown, gathered, and prepared with care. Each meal is an invitation—not just to taste something new, but to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
You’ll sip mountain-grown coffee, visit sacred sites of remembrance, and rest in a forest hamlet where the soundtrack is birdsong, rain, and the crackle of firewood. This isn’t a trip where you watch from the sidelines—it’s one where you slow down, take part, and let the unfamiliar open something within you.
Nagaland in the monsoon isn’t for those seeking comfort. It’s for those seeking truth—travelers who know that the raw and the real often hold the greatest beauty. If you’re ready to step off the path and into the rain, the hills are waiting.
Inclusions
- Comfortable, clean, and hygienic twin-sharing accommodation (campstay or homestay upgrade available)
- Guided visit to the historic WWII War Cemetery
- Guided heritage walk through Kohima Market on Day 1
- Guided forest trail hike & packed snack on Day 2
- Indigenous meal preparation experience and lunch on Day 2
- Bonfire and campsite dinner with local brew on Day 2
- Designated tour leader for the entire trip
- All necessary permits (except ILP), parking, and toll charges
- Driver allowance, food, and accommodation
Exclusions
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) fees
- Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned
- Camera or photography fees
- Tips for guides, staff, or drivers (we encourage tipping to support the locals for their hard work)
- Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, medicine, snacks)
- Any extra costs due to changes in itinerary or delays caused by weather, health issues, roadblocks, or other unforeseen circumstances
- Anything not clearly listed under “Inclusions”
Things to carry
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Quick-dry clothes and warm layer for evenings
- Waterproof hiking shoes with good grip’
- Small daypack
- Mosquito repellent, personal toiletries, and medicines
- Microfiber towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Dry bags for electronics
- Power bank and light snacks (optional)
Day 1 – Markets, Memory & Mountain Roads
- 2:00 PM – Meet your trip leader near the historic WWII War Cemetery for a guided visit, followed by a leisurely lunch at a local eatery nearby.
- 3:30 PM – Explore Kohima Market – shop for local produce and ingredients with your host
- 4:30 PM – Stop at Ete Coffee – taste beans grown in Nagaland’s hills
- 5:00 PM – Drive to Jakhama village and settle in for a quiet night
Day 2 – Forests, Fires & Foraged Feasts
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast
- 8:00 AM – Guided forest hike – immerse in the monsoon-drenched wilderness
- 12:30 PM – Return to campsite for a warm meal and leisure time
- 3:30 PM – Indigenous cooking prep – learn and help clean ingredients like frogs, hornet larvae, and silk worms, all gathered from local Kohima market
- 4:30 PM onwards – Campfire conversations and local brew by twilight
- 8:00 PM – Traditional dinner under the stars
Day 3 – Farewell Through the Fog
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast with a view
- 9:00 AM – Begin journey back to Kohima with full hearts and muddy shoes
- Food Lovers (and the Food-Brave): For those intrigued by earthy, ancestral cuisines, from bamboo shoots to silkworms—though all food choices are optional.
- Culturally Curious Explorers: For those who want to connect deeply with indigenous ways of life, not just observe them from afar.
- Adventure Seekers with a Soft Soul: You love the wild trail but also the quiet cup of tea in a misty village.
- Nature Enthusiasts: For anyone who finds joy in forest trails, misty air, monsoon rhythms, and birdsong.
- Digital Detoxers: Perfect for those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature, people, and self—without constant notifications.
- Share meals, stories, and laughter with local communities & like minded travellers
- Experience Nagaland during monsoon—the time when the land is most alive
- Learn traditional cooking techniques and forage-based food knowledge firsthand
- Take the road less travelled, and the muddy trail even less so
- Reconnect with nature, culture, and your own sense of wonder
Connect with our team
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Kohima?
Kohima is accessible by road, located about 75 km from Dimapur (approximately 2.5 hours) and around 350 km from Guwahati (roughly 9–10 hours by road).
Is transport from Kohima available?
Yes. Transportation from Kohima can be arranged at an additional cost. Details are provided in the Add-Ons section below.
When should I arrive and depart?
Arrive in Kohima by 2:00 PM on Day 1.
Do I need any permits to enter Nagaland?
Yes. Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which costs ₹500 and can be applied for online. We’ll share the official link and instructions.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis in clean, comfortable campsites or, at an additional cost, in a nearby homestay with an attached bathroom located about 10 minutes from the campsite. Both options are safe and welcoming—campsites offer a rustic charm, while the homestay provides a more conventional setup.
What is the weather like?
During this season, Nagaland is in the heart of the monsoon. Expect frequent rain, cool temperatures, misty mornings, and lush green landscapes. Trails may be muddy, and the air damp—perfect for those who love the raw beauty of the season.
What should I pack for the trip?
We recommend packing light but smart. Essentials include a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, quick-dry clothes, a warm layer for evenings, waterproof hiking shoes with good grip, flip-flops or camp shoes, a small daypack, mosquito repellent, personal toiletries and medicines, a microfiber towel, a reusable water bottle,and dry bags to keep electronics safe. A power bank and a few light snacks can also be handy.
How fit do I need to be?
The itinerary is suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. Activities include short hikes, local market visits, and a hands-on cooking experience. This trip is not recommended for those requiring mobility assistance.
What kind of food is included?
Traditional, wholesome Naga meals with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are served daily. These are everyday dishes made with local ingredients.
Are the traditional dishes with indigenous ingredients served to each person individually?
No. These dishes are typically prepared as part of a collective cooking and learning experience, then shared in small portions for those who are curious to taste. They are not plated as full servings per person. Instead, they complement a wholesome, home-style meal that reflects what local families themselves eat during the season.
Will I have mobile connectivity?
Mobile connectivity is generally good throughout the trip, except in a few remote locations such as the forest trail hike, where coverage may be limited. This offers a chance to briefly disconnect and enjoy the surroundings.
How big is the group?
Group size is kept small and personal, with a maximum of 8 travelers and a minimum of 4 participants required for the trip to proceed.
What happens if the trip doesn’t meet the minimum number of participants?
In the unlikely event that the minimum group size isn’t met, you will be notified in advance and offered a full refund or the option to reschedule to a later date.
Is transport from Dimapur available?
Yes. Transportation from Dimapur can be arranged at an additional cost. Details are provided in the Add-Ons section below.
Trip Cost
- Cost per person : ₹8,150 per person
Please Note:
The above prices include accommodation (twin-sharing campsite), guided experiences, select meals, permits (excluding ILP), and local transport during the trip.
Add Ons
Enhance your trip with the following optional services:
Private Transportation
- Pick-up and drop-off from Dimapur to Jakhama in a Swift Dzire for the entire trip is ₹14,000.
- Pick-up and drop-off from Kohima to Jakhama can be arranged via shared cab or private taxi as per your preference by the tour guide as per local rates
Homestay Upgrade
You have the option to upgrade your stay from a campsite to a nearby homestay that includes an attached bathroom. Both options offer a comfortable and authentic experience—choose the one that best suits your preferences.
- Price: ₹1,800 – ₹3,000 per night (depending on room type)
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Get in touch with us to customize the add-ons based on your preferences.