Nagaland Hornbill With Dzukou Valley (6D/5N)

• The sun raises really early as it’s far east of the country. We will go for a morning walk through the Dzuleke village to a nearby stream & enjoy the fresh morning breeze.
• After Breakfast, we shall check out of the homestay and head towards Kohima to visit magnificent Cathedral Church.
• Next in line is World War II Cemetery where we can experience interesting stories about Japanese army attacking India through North East and how Naga regiment fiercely defended our country.
• We will then move towards the happening village of Kisama – the mystic piece of land that showcases rich culture, architecture and practices of The Nagas.
• The Kisama Heritage village is the venue of vibrant Hornbill Festival that happens every year from December 1 to 10.
• Say bye to our Dzuleke/Kohima Driver who will drop us at the camp.
• Check into our Camp located at a beautiful location and just 1.2 Km from the Hornbill arena.
• Refresh and give a visit to the festival arena by walk.
• There are a variety of food options around Hornbill arena to tickle our taste buds.
• Enjoy a warm bonfire and snooze for the night in your assigned tents.

• After a fulfilling Breakfast, we will walk down to the Heritage village where all the action takes place.
• Explore Bamboo pavilions, Idols, Museum, Morungs which are the arenas for the tribes to learn and display different skills like archery, arts, crafts and even headhunting!
• Wake up the foodie in you. Taste authentic delicacies of Nagas, different kinds & colors of Rice Beer.
• Get thrilled with magnificent performances by different tribes that for the heart of Naga culture.
• A day outing at the Hornbill Festival is truly an exhilarating experience once cannot forget.
• We will walk back to the Camp after finishing our Dinner.
• Take good rest in the tents.

• Today we shall go on a guided trek to the heavenly Dzukou valley.
• We will give a wake up call around 6AM, and our Dzukou cab driver will be at our stay before 8AM in the morning. It takes about 30 mins of journey to the base point of the trek.
• The initial part of the trek, around 2 hours of the mountain slope, is steeply surrounded by rain forest. The locals have done a great job in maintaining the sanctity of the trail.
• Once we hike up the mountain, a completely new world appears in front of our eyes. Tens of rolling hills carpeted by dwarf bamboo trees welcome trekkers with a captivating views.
• This remaining part of trek of about 3 hours through the valley is relatively easy but long. The beauty of the valley will make trekkers forget everything else.
• We will reach base camp located at a magnificent setting at the other end and drop our bags in the tents once our care taker pitches the tents.
• After sipping a hot black Tea, we will hike up nearest mountain peak which is the only place with mobile signal!
• Gear up for a very very cold night. Weather permits, locals may even light a bonfire.
• Good night inside the cozy tents.

• Today we shall explore a Helipad and trek down the valley to reach breathtaking grasslands, pristine and cold flowing rivers, floating clouds that act as a crown to the majestic mountain peaks.
• This 3 Km trek down is icing on the cake of already unimaginable setting of the Dzukou valley
• After taking endless selfies, couplefies and groupfies, we will finally trek up and have Lunch at our base camp.
• Resume our trek along the hills, and finally hike down the rainforest of the mountain slope to reach back to Viswema village, the base point where our Dzukou cab will be waiting to pick us.
• Refresh and walk down to Hornbill arena one last time, finish Dinner.
• Get back to the camp.
• Your body asks for rest after 2 days of trek and exploration. Have a tight sleep.

• Good morning Nagaland, one last time during the trip, until we return back.
• All the outgoing flights are scheduled around afternoon time from Dimapur Airport. 
• We will drop you just in time by our cab and good bye for now!

• Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste,
• A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (60 liters or more)
• A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottles, etc for outdoors)
• Good grip shoes/sandals for the trek walk to/from Hornbill arena
• Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID)
• Thermal inners and warm clothes (cold climate)
• A rainproof jacket with a hood (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain/snowfall)
• Waterproof gloves, thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm)
• Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays)
• Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more)
• Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to)
• Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash will help during journeys
• Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our guesthouses
• Disposable garbage covers (To separate used/unused, wet/dry clothes)
• Extra slippers to use at camps
• Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, chill climate)
• No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people.

• Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
• Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
• A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.

• The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
• Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
• Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
• Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
• Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
• No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
• Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
• Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
• Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation by Traveler

• 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
• 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date.
• An email has to be sent to muddietrails@gmail.com to raise a cancellation request.
• No refund within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
• No refund during/after the event.
• No refund on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.

Cancellation by Muddie Trails

Muddie Trails may decide to cancel the event if there are less than 3 travelers signed up for the trip/trek.

What if we don’t get the minimum number of people for the trip?
We have 2 options in this case:
Option 1: Complete refund.
Option 2: Switch to any other long trip of the same dates or future dates. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.

Note: We do not recommend to book flight tickets until the trip is confirmed with atleast 3 travelers signed up.

Cancellation due to external factors

Muddie Trails may have to cancel the event in case of external factors that are beyond our control like Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Road Blocks, Train cancellations, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc.

In these scenarios:

• No Refund is allowed.
• 100% trip amount can be used for any other new trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
• Once you confirm your participation on the new trip, all the above Cancellation policies will apply for the same.