Hornbill Festival 2026 runs from 1 to 10 December at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima, Nagaland. If you plan to go, the permit and the transport need sorting first.

Quick answer

  • Dates: 1 to 10 December 2026.
  • Venue: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, about 12 km south of Kohima.
  • Entry: tickets are listed at ₹50 to ₹100 and sold on site, though prices can vary.
  • Nearest airport and station: Dimapur, roughly 70 to 74 km from Kohima.
  • Permit: an Inner Line Permit is needed for tourists entering Nagaland.

What the Hornbill Festival is

The Hornbill Festival has been held every December since 2000. It is often called the festival of festivals because the state brings its major tribes together in one place. So you can see dances, music, crafts, food and sport in a single visit.

The opening day, 1 December, also coincides with Nagaland’s Statehood Day. Because of that, the first few days tend to be the busiest.

How to reach Kisama for Hornbill Festival 2026

Dimapur is the practical gateway. It has the nearest airport and railway station, and it connects to hubs such as Guwahati. From there, the road to Kohima takes roughly 2 to 3 hours by taxi, according to Time Out India’s festival guide.

Kisama itself is about 12 km south of Kohima. Shared taxis, private cabs and festival transport cover that last stretch. You can also reach Kohima by bus via Guwahati or Shillong, either overnight or by day.

Permit and tickets

Nagaland requires an Inner Line Permit for tourists. A report in the Eastern Mirror describes it as mandatory for both domestic and foreign visitors, and the state runs an online portal for it. So apply well before you travel, not at the last minute.

Foreign visitors may also need a Protected Area Permit. The rules for that have changed in past years, so check the current position with the state tourism office. Entry tickets at Kisama are reported at ₹50 to ₹100 and can be bought on site.

Planning tips

First, book flights and trains early. Rooms in Kohima fill up fast, so reserve a stay as soon as your dates are firm. Next, pack for cold mornings, because December in the hills is chilly. Also, carry cash for small purchases, since network coverage can be patchy.

Then plan a buffer day on each end. Road travel from Dimapur can be slow, and a missed connection is easier to fix with spare time. If you enjoy heritage trips, our guide to Pushkar Fair 2026 shows how to plan around a big festival crowd.

FAQ

When is the Hornbill Festival 2026?

It runs from 1 to 10 December 2026. The venue is the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, near Kohima.

Do Indians need a permit for Nagaland?

Yes. Tourists need an Inner Line Permit, which can be applied for on the state’s online portal. Apply before you leave.

How do I reach Kisama from Dimapur?

Take a taxi or bus from Dimapur to Kohima, which takes roughly 2 to 3 hours. Then use a shared taxi or festival transport for the last 12 km.