Naga Land Exploration

Today’s journey starts with a transfer to the airport for the flight to Hkamti, a remote riverside town located in the heart of Nagaland.

Be picked up from Hkamti airport, cross Chindwin River via a bridge and continue north to Lahe along the snaky road through mountains and valleys. Enjoy a scenic 5-hour drive and arrive at the pretty town of Lahe. Lahe is the capital town of Naga, a self-administrative zone located on Marlar Hill. Upon arrival check-in at a local guesthouse with basic amenities.

This afternoon, explore the town including the traditional Pan where Naga warriors gather to strike the wooden bell during their New Year festival, Buddhist Pagoda and Churches.  Dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast at a local teashop take the first step to Hwe Htaik for a trek. Follow the trek as it moves gently up and down and observe how the vegetation changes to become a thick evergreen forest. The forests feature a variety of flora and fauna including many rare species of birds.

After a couple of hours following a river to the west, find Hwe Htaik village located on the top of the mountain. It offers great views of the entire valley. The tribe of the village is called Lai Naung clan who are known to keep to themselves and never mix.

Arrive at the village after a 1.4km trek.

Dinner and overnight at local home in Hwe Htaik Village.

This morning, experience different cultures while observing everyday life in the village. See the daily activity of pounding corn into meal for breakfast. After breakfast continue trekking towards the next destination of Pon Nyo Nok Inn. The trail goes straight down all the way to the valley, from here a trail on rolling hills leads us to the village with an ascent at the end. Naga Tribes always lives at the top of the hill for the security reasons because in the past they used to have many enemies due to their tradition as headhunters.

Pon Nyo Nok Inn is beautifully standing on the ridge, secured by higher mountains. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the mountains and as well as a fun chance to interact with the curious locals around the fireplace.

Dinner and overnight at village guesthouse

In the morning after breakfast, bid farewell to the village hosts and head out towards the remote village of Pon Nyo Nok Kone. Hike up to the top of the ridge at an elevation of 2040 metre. The ascent is continuous but not severe and gradually flattens out.

The scenery is breathtaking, winding through endless mountains and high-altitude evergreen forests with sweeping views of the surrounding Naga Mountains.

From the top begin to descend to the valley before a steady uphill climb to the final destination of the day. In the afternoon walk around the village to meet with the friendly locals. Pon Nyo Nok Kone is closed to the Myanmar/India border and accessible with motorbikes or 4WD vehicles in the dry season.

Dinner and overnight at a village guesthouse

After breakfast, start the scenic trek to Sapalaw Ywar Ma, which is believed to be the oldest and most interesting village located on the slope of the mountain and isolated themselves from other Naga Villages in the area. Today, hike the mixture of uphills and downhills with unforgettable scenery. On arrival at the valley the trail goes straight up to Saw Law, another ancient village believed to be the center of the warriors. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the village.

Spot the end destination of the trek today that can be seen on the Our destination for today is visible from here distinctly. It’s standing on the slope of the other side of the ridge across Thetyan valley. A gentle trail leads us from Saw Law to the bottom of the ridge before we face the challenge of the day, a steep ascent with plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful views. Feel deserving of success once we get to the village. We will have ample opportunity to enjoy the incredible panorama, a truly un-spoilt wilderness and social interaction with Naga warriors.

Overnight at the village house.

Wake up with morning song of the village, young girls fetch water with bamboo containers while women busy with pounding corn and rice and men preparing their tools for the farm work or hunting trip.  Enjoy the time with locals before we say Goodbye and leave for Lahe. Our final day trekking starts after a wholesome breakfast. The trail today descends gradually towards the river from where follow the trail going gently up heading to Lahe.

After a few hours trek we hop on the awaiting jeep for a scenic drive of approximately 3 hours which leads us to Lahe. Upon arrival find the time for shower and celebrate success at the local restaurant.

Overnight at local guest house in Lahe.

Morning at leisure to explore the town more and do some shopping before leaving. Then our return journey begins by 4WD to Hkamti. The drive offers the farewell and remarkable views of Naga mountains. Upon arrival check-in the local guest house. Take a free afternoon to explore the town. 

Hkamti was considered part of a contiguous Shan homeland that run from north-east of Myanmar. Few remnants of colonial era still remain. The British created an enclave on a hill named Bo-Gone meaning British Hill, but only the administrative office near Hkamti hospital still remain there. The descendants of “Myosar” or headman family now live normal life like everyone else although their home once the biggest in town. Over the time Naga have migrated in this fertile land and now the Shan and Naga are quite evenly split.

Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at Guest House.

After breakfast, enjoy a few more hours of relaxation before departing to Hkamti airport for our flight to Mandalay to catch our flight back home.