Namdapha National Park Trek, Arunachal + Hornbill Festival

Home Namdapha National Park Trek, Arunachal + Hornbill Festival

Namdapha National Park Trek, Arunachal + Hornbill Festival

Region
Arunachal
Distance
35 km
Max Altitude
800 m
Max Group Size
12
Duration
9 days/ 8 nights
Best Time
End-Nov to mid-Feb
Cost Per Person
₹ 57000 + 5% GST [Min Group Size: 8]
Overview Itinerary Inclusions Gallery FAQ Reviews

Description

Upcoming Group Trips: – 28th Nov to 6th Dec 2026

Tucked away in the northeast corner of the easternmost state is India’s own Amazon – Namdapha National Park! Interestingly, it happens to be the northernmost tropical rainforest in the world. What sets apart Namdapha is the diversity in the ecosystems, thanks to an altitude range of 200 to 4571 metres at Dapha Bum peak. Here, you will find both dense evergreen jungles – where trees seem to hug the sky – alpine meadows and gushing rivers. With 1000-plus plant species, 500-plus bird species and nearly 100 mammals recorded here, Namdapha ranks among the most bio-diverse protected areas of the world. This pristine wilderness is home to all four big cats – tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and the elusive snow leopard.

Trekking through this bio-diverse paradise is an unmissable experience for both adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. What’s more, a visit to Chakma and Lisu tribal settlements inside the sanctuary adds a cultural flavour to the journey.

The Namdapha trek has a very short season, being accessible only from end-Nov to mid-February. These winter months also coincide with vibrant winter festivals that showcase the rich culture of Northeast India’s many tribes, featuring traditional handicrafts, music, dance, and cuisine. To make the experience even more special,  our trips include a stop at festivals such as the Hornbill Festival or the Pangsau Pass Festival, allowing guests to immerse themselves in both nature and culture.

Itinerary

  • Day 1Your city - Dibrugarh | 150 km drive to Miao, 4 hours

    Reach Dibrugarh airport by 2 pm, where our drivers will meet you and take you into Arunachal Pradesh. The road leads to Miao, and your Inner Line Permits are checked at the Namchik border crossing, a small ceremony that marks the real start of the journey. The night is in a comfortable resort in Miao.

  • Day 2Drive from Miao to Deban Forest Rest House (25 km, 2 hours) | Trek to Chakma and Lama Villages and back - 5 km, 3 hours

    After breakfast, depart for Deban Rest House. Though the distance is just 25 km, the journey takes around 2 hours owing to challenging road conditions. Nestled along the banks of the Nao Dihing River, Deban is a scenic and tranquil Forest Rest House.

    After lunch, set out on a guided walk to the Chakma and Lama villages, located across the river. This immersive visit offers a close look at the charming simplicity of village life and the unique cultural traditions of the local communities.

  • Day 3Deban to Hornbill Camp - 10 km hike, 5 to 6 hours

    You begin by crossing a delicate bamboo bridge suspended over the crystal-clear river – an adventure in itself! Just ahead, a bamboo ladder leads you up to a scenic lookout point offering panoramic views of Deban, the Naodihing River, and the Lama and Chakma villages along the eastern banks. Beyond this viewpoint lie the dense, mysterious jungles that Namdapha is famed for.

    From here, it’s a 10 km gradual ascent (gaining about 400 meters in elevation) through an enchanting forest to reach Hornbill Camp – a small clearing with a traditional chang ghar shelter, surrounded by towering trees. This is a fantastic spot for birding, and if you are lucky, you will hear the eerie calls of Hoolock gibbons echoing through the canopy – or even catch a glimpse of them.

    As night falls, keep an eye out for flying squirrels gliding between trees. They are often drawn to the ash left behind from the bonfire – an unusual and magical nighttime sight.

  • Day 4Hornbill Camp to Firmbase Camp - 11.5 km hike, 6 hours

    This is the most challenging day of the trek- an 11.5 km journey through an enchanting yet demanding forest trail from Hornbill Camp to Firmbase, a remote riverside campsite. Along the way, you will pass Bulbulia, a once-flowing spring now dried up, and Ranijheel, an abandoned forest camp no longer in use due to the lack of water.

    Beyond Ranijheel lies Bhor Nala, a lively, gushing stream – a perfect spot to pause and refresh. As you near Firmbase, the trail winds through dense bamboo groves, with a descent of nearly 500 meters. Be sure to tread carefully here, as the bamboo leaf litter can make the path quite slippery.

    Firmbase sits quietly beside the Front Base River, far from the reach of civilization. In the evening, head up to the watchtower overlooking the river – an ideal vantage point for birdwatching and soaking in the serene wilderness.

  • Day 5Firmbase to Imbiong - 4.5 km hike, 2 hours | 8 km hike to Lisu settlement and back, 4 to 5 hours

    It’s a gentle walk along the banks of the Front Base River from Firmbase to Imbiong, where it meets the Naodihing. At Imbiong, you will cross a couple of rickety bamboo bridges to reach a serene river beach on the opposite bank of the Naodihing – your campsite for the night.

    After lunch, head out on an excursion to a nearby Lisu tribal settlement, offering another opportunity for cultural immersion and a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this remote region.

  • Day 637th Mile to Ledo - 110 km drive, 5 hours | Ledo to Dimapur by train, 8 hours

    A short walk from Imbiong takes you to 37th Mile. Set out on the bumpy ride from there to Miao (60 km) and continue to Ledo in Assam. The train from there leaves at 3.20 pm and takes 8 hours to reach Dimapur. Overnight in a hotel in Dimapur.

  • Day 7 Dimapur - Jakhama: 88 km - 2.5 hour drive | Hornbill Festival

    After breakfast, depart for Jakhama, a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Dimapur. After settling in and enjoying lunch, head to experience the vibrant Hornbill Festival at Kisama village nearby. Explore traditional tribal morungs, witness captivating cultural dances and indigenous games, savor authentic Naga cuisine, and browse exquisite local handicrafts.

    In the evening, unwind at a lively concert before returning to your resort for the night.

  • Day 8Angami Village Heritage Tour (Khonoma) with Streamside Picnic in Dzuleke Valley

    Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Angami tribe with a guided tour of Khonoma, India’s first green village. Explore traditional Angami homes, learn about their unique clan systems, sustainable farming methods, and the village’s inspiring conservation success stories. Walk through narrow stone-paved paths, ancient forts, and ceremonial spaces that bring the history and resilience of the Angami people to life.

    After the heritage tour, drive through the picturesque Dzüleke Valley, known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and abundant birdlife. Your journey ends at a secluded streamside spot, where a  picnic lunch awaits. Relax by the gurgling stream, soak in the tranquility of nature, and enjoy a peaceful meal surrounded by pristine wilderness.

    It’s a perfect blend of cultural discovery and natural beauty—a day that offers both connection and calm.

  • Day 9Jakhama to Dimapur - 2.5 hour drive | Flight back to your city

    The trip concludes with a drop-off at Dimapur airport (2.5 hour drive) in the morning. Plan to catch a flight that departs from Dimapur after 12.30 pm

Inclusions

  • 5 nights in comfortable resorts/hotels/forest rest house, and 3 nights in camps
  • All meals starting with dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on lunch on Day 6
    Breakfast and dinner on Day 7
    Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner on Day 8
    Breakfast on Day 9
  • Ground transfers – starting with pick-up at Dibrugarh airport, Scorpio or equivalent for the Arunachal leg of the trip. Tempo Traveler for Nagaland leg of the trip (Dimapur railway on Day 6 station to Dimapur airport on Day 9)
  • 2nd AC train tickets – Ledo to Dimapur
  • Trekking permits and Inner Line Permits for Arunachal (please note: you have to apply for the Nagaland ILP on your own)
  • Porterage – one bag weighing not more than 12 kgs – Deban Forest Camp to Imbiong
  • Trekking guides and naturalists for the Namdapha trek
  • Guided tour of Khonoma village, Nagaland
  • Entry tickets to the Hornbill festival

FAQ

What is the Namdapha National Park trek with the Hornbill Festival?

It is a 9-day, 8-night journey that combines a forest trek in Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh, with the Hornbill Festival in Kisama, Nagaland. You walk about 35 km through tropical rainforest, camp beside rivers, visit Chakma and Lisu settlements, then travel to Nagaland for the festival and a heritage tour of Khonoma village.

Why is Namdapha called India’s Amazon?


Namdapha is the northernmost tropical rainforest in the world, and it spans an altitude range from about 200 m to 4,571 m at Dapha Bum peak. That range packs evergreen jungle, bamboo groves, rivers and alpine meadows into one park. More than 1,000 plant species, over 500 bird species and nearly 100 mammals have been recorded here.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the Namdapha trek?


Namdapha is home to all four big cats (tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard), but sightings of them are very rare and shouldn’t be expected. The more realistic highlights are birds, including hornbills, the calls of Hoolock gibbons from the canopy near Hornbill Camp, and flying squirrels gliding between trees at night. Our trek guides are also trained naturalists who help you spot and identify what’s around you.

Is the Namdapha trek good for birdwatching?


Yes. With over 500 recorded bird species, Namdapha is one of India’s richest birding areas. Hornbill Camp is a good spot for birding, and the watchtower at Firmbase overlooks the river for evening birdwatching. Bring binoculars if you have them.

How difficult is the Namdapha trek?


It is a moderate forest trek with one demanding day. Most days are 4 to 6 hours of walking on gradual forest trails, and Day 4, from Hornbill Camp to Firmbase (11.5 km, about 6 hours), is the hardest, with a descent of nearly 500 m through bamboo groves where fallen leaves make the path slippery. The trek’s maximum altitude is only 800 m, so altitude sickness is not a concern here.

What fitness level do I need?


You should be comfortable walking for 5 to 6 hours a day, with a light daypack, on uneven forest paths and over a few bamboo bridges. Regular brisk walking or hiking for a few weeks before the trip is good preparation. If you have any doubts, call us on +91-82799-29473 and we’ll tell you honestly whether the trek suits you.

Is the Namdapha trek suitable for beginners, children or older travellers?


Beginners and older travellers with decent walking stamina can do it, since the trails are gradual rather than steep and the maximum altitude is low. The recommended minimum age is 10 but if your child is physically active and used to walking long distances, they may manage even if younger, but adequate preparation is necessary. As camps are remote and the longest days are 6 hours, we suggest reaching out with the age and fitness level of everyone in your group, and we’ll advise before you book.

Is it safe to trek in Namdapha with wild animals around?


Yes, when you trek with experienced guides and stay on the trail. Your guides and naturalists are with you throughout, and camps are set up in established clearings and riverside sites. Our guides are qualified in first-aid and we carry a kit and an emergency evacuation plan. Travel insurance is recommended.

When is the best time for the Namdapha trek?


The best time is from the end of November to mid-February, and the trek is only possible in this short winter season. These months are dry and cool, and they also overlap with the winter festivals of Northeast India.

What is the weather like during the trek?


Expect pleasant winter weather in Namdapha, with daytime highs of about 21 to 23°C and night lows of about 8 to 10°C. Kohima and the Nagaland hills will be colder, with highs of around 18°C and lows around 4°C.

When is the Hornbill Festival and where is it held?


The Hornbill Festival is held every year in the first ten days of December at Kisama village near Kohima, Nagaland. Our trip is timed so that you reach the festival on Day 7, after finishing the Namdapha trek. It features traditional tribal morungs, dances, indigenous games, Naga food, handicrafts and evening concerts.

Do I need a permit for entering Arunachal and Nagaland?

All tourists must have an ILP (Inner Line Permit) for entering Arunachal and Nagaland (separate one for each state). Arunachal ILP is included in our package but you are required to apply for a Nagaland ILP online yourselves.

Why isn't Nagaland ILP included in your package?

The ILP application process is an online process that requires the tourist’s ‘live photo’ and therefore we are unable to apply on you behalf.

Is it safe to travel to Nagaland?

Yes, Nagaland is generally safe for travellers, particularly in the areas covered by our journeys, such as Kohima, Jakhama and Kisama and Dzouku which are well-established tourist destinations.

Nagaland is a peaceful and welcoming state, and visitors regularly travel through these areas without any issues. Having said that, some remote parts of the state have experienced insurgency-related activity in the past, and the security situation can vary from one region to another. We therefore plan our itineraries carefully and avoid areas where there may be security concerns.

Can foreign nationals do this trek?

Yes. In addition to the ILP, foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP), which can be applied for online. You arrange your own Indian visa. Contact us before booking and we’ll help with the permit steps.

Where will we stay during the Namdapha trek?

You stay in comfortable resorts and guesthouses for 5 nights and in camps for 3 nights. The first night is in a resort in Miao, then the Forest Rest House at Deban, three nights in tents at Hornbill Camp, Firmbase and Imbiong, a hotel in Dimapur, and two nights in a quaint resort near Kisama village in Jakhama.

Will there be proper toilets during the trek?

Toilet tents will be set up in campsites in Namdapha. All the other accommodations have modern attached toilet/bathrooms.

Can I take a bath during the trek?


No. Bathing is not possible during the trek through Namdapha, so pack wet wipes and a change of clothes. Hot water is available at the stays outside the forest.

Is there electricity or mobile network in Namdapha?


No. None of the campsites inside Namdapha have electricity, and Deban, Hornbill Camp, Firmbase and Imbiong have no mobile or broadband connectivity. Carry headlamps and fully charged power banks, and tell family to expect no contact for several days.

Is the drinking water safe on the trail?


Filtered water is provided during the trek. You can also carry a personal purifier (Zero-B and LifeStraw are popular brands) or water purification tablets.

What temperatures can we expect during the winter months?

What is the weather like during the trek?
Expect pleasant winter weather in Namdapha, with daytime highs of about 21 to 23°C and night lows of about 8 to 10°C.

Kohima and the Nagaland hills will be colder, with highs of around 18°C and lows around 4°C.

Do I have to carry my own luggage on the trek?


No. You carry only a small backpack with water, snacks and personal medicines, while porters move your main bag between camps. Porterage covers one bag of up to 12 kg from Deban Forest Camp to Imbiong.

How much does the Namdapha trek cost and what is included?


Please check the latest price on the trip page, since it can change by departure. The package includes accommodation in resorts, guesthouses and camps, the meals listed on the itinerary, ground transfers from Dibrugarh airport, 2nd AC train tickets from Ledo to Dimapur, trekking permits and the Arunachal ILP, porterage, and trekking guides and naturalists. The maximum group size is 9.

How do I reach the start and end points of the trip?


The trip starts at Dibrugarh airport in Assam, where you should arrive by 2 pm on Day 1 to meet our driver. It ends at 10.30 am at Dimapur airport in Nagaland. So, book your flights into Dibrugarh and out of Dimapur accordingly

What should I pack for the Namdapha trek?


Pack sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, quick-dry layers for warm days and cold nights, a rain jacket, a warm layer for camp, a headlamp, a power bank, sun protection, binoculars, and your personal medicines. Add a water purifier or tablets if you like, and carry the Nagaland ILP printout and a photo ID.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?


Ask our team before you book, as the policy varies for each trip

What can I add to the end of the trip?

Many guests extend their time in Nagaland. We can arrange the Dzükou Valley trek, and excursions to Zhavame, Pfutsero, Mokokchung and Longwa, the village known as the land of the last headhunters. Call +91-82799-29473 or write to hello@outdoers.in and we’ll plan it with you.

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