Hornbill FAQs

🔰 How about mobile network on my Hornbill trip?

👉 Mobile network is not great during the entire trip.
👉 BSNL & Jio work better followed by Airtel & Vodafone.
👉No mobile signal at Dzukou Valley Trek (Day-4 full day, Day-5 half day).

🔰 How’s the climate? What kind of clothes I should pack for festival?

👉 Nagaland is very cold during December. Carry sweaters, monkey caps, sweat shirts and thick socks to protect from cold.
👉 Dzukou Valley is extremely cold with chill winds, especially in the night (Day 4).
👉 It is advised to check weather forecast and carry a rain proof Jacket or a Poncho for the trek, if needed.
👉 Please refer “Things to Pack” section on our website for more details.

🔰 How many times can we visit Hornbill festival?

3️⃣ times: Day 1 evening, Day 2 & 3 (full day – festival special).

🔰 Can I get a trolley?

👉 No. Backpacks are recommended.
👉 You can get a medium size trolley if you don’t have a backpack.
👉 Our Hornbill Camp at Kisama village lies on a inclined hill. Carrying trolley can get difficult.
👉 Please remember there is no Porter service at any of our stays. Guests need to carry their own luggage.
👉 It’s more convenient to use backpacks during camping trips.

🔰 Will I need to carry my backpack every day?

👉 No. We will either put in vehicle or at camp.
👉 For Dzukou Valley trek we will carry necessary items in a small bag.
👉 Our bigger backpacks can be dumped at Kisama camp itself inside a luggage-tent. We can pick them during our return journey.
👉 Individual sleeping bags will be given to guests at base of the trek. Heavy tents are carried by Porters.

🔰 How long are our journeys on average? Is it very tiresome?

👉 Not really tiring. Jorneys are short.
👉 Day 1: 3-4 hours break journey (Dimapur > Khonoma > Kisama).
👉 Day 2: Festival day – no journey, only walk.
👉 Day 3: Festival day – no journey, only walk.
👉 Day 4: 40 mins journey (to Dzukou base).
👉 Day 5: 40 mins journey (back to camp) + 3 hours (Kisama > Kohima > Dimapur )
👉 Day 6: Auto/taxi Drop to Airport.
👉 Tata Sumo, Mahindra Bolero & Maruti Eeco are the commonly used vehicles in Nagaland. 

🔰 How are stays overall?

Hornbill (3 nights):
👉 Ours is a permanent camp located at a walkable distance (~ 1 km) from Hornbill arena.
👉 Tents are 2 & 3 sharing basis as mentioned on website. Each tent has mats and sleeping bags.
👉 There is no pillow in the tent. You can carry air pillow if you wish.
👉 Charging ports are available at a common area of camp. But do get your power bank without miss.
👉 Electricity is a bit unreliable.
👉 Hot water is prepared every morning from 6 to 8 AM by heating woooden logs.
👉 Please note washrooms are very basic for Camping stays. Do carry your sanitizer, liquid hand wash and tissues for hygiene.

Dzukou (1 night):
👉 People carry everything (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Mats, Food etc.) needed for camping from base village. Our Guide/Porters will arrange tents at Dzukou Association Camp.
👉 Dzukou is one of the remotest parts of the country. No mobile network, no hot water, no houses.
👉 Washrooms are common & very basic at Dzukou, so please do carry your dry/wet tissues, hand sanitiser & liquid soap. Nobody takes shower here in extreme cold.

Dimapur (1 night):
👉 We have comfortable guest house for last day with 2 & 3 sharing rooms. Our body will be craving for warmth after 4 nights of camping in the tents.

🔰 What kind of food is served for Breakfast? I am a pure vegetarian, will I get veggies at Hornbill?

👉 Breakfasts served at our camp are usually Bread, Butter, Egg, Fruits, Cake with Tea & Coffee.
👉 We also serve 2 times Dinner as part of our Hornbill package.
👉 Veg food is available near Hornbill arena for Lunch and Dinner, but the options are limited.
👉 Food stalls from different states are usually setup (North Indian, South Indian, Italian, Chinese etc.). Vegetarians need not worry, as our Trip Captain will help you in finding Veggie food.

🔰 Who will guide us at Hornbill Festival and Dzukou Valley trek?

👉 We have a Trip Captain to take you around Hornbill and manage most of the itinerary for 4 days.
👉 A trekking guide is responsible for Dzukou Valley Trek (2 days).

🔰 Do I need to carry my own Blanket, Pillow or Sleeping Bag?

👉 No. We will provide everything needed at our camp.
👉 If you wish, you may carry a blanket for extra warmth.

🔰 What are the group etiquettes we need to follow?

👉 Please help each other and be kind to one another. On a budget backpacking group trip like this, it’s important to put personal priorities aside and go along with the group.
👉 Please do not argue with co-travelers or Driver or Locals in Nagaland. If you need anything then politely request but not demand. Give respect and take respect.
👉 Finally please do read “Terms & Conditions” of your Hornbill trip. If anyone violates the Terms in a way that causes inconvenience to Co-travelers or hinders smooth running of the trip, an immediate action will be taken.