Nagaland

Best: October to April. Busiest: December, so book early.

• Inner Line Permit: Indian visitors need an ILP for the whole state, including Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland. Apply online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in before you travel; offline issue has stopped. Domestic tourist fee ₹200 plus gateway charge, valid 30 days, with a photo and ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, bank passbook or ration card). No guarantor needed. Verify on the portal.
• Food: vegetarian choice is limited in Naga cuisine and pork is very common, along with smoked meats and fermented ingredients. Vegetarians should tell the kitchen early and check for pork or fish in shared dishes. Dimapur has more Indian and pure-veg places than Kohima.
• Hornbill Festival 2026 is published for 1–10 December at Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 km from Kohima. Expect peak demand, so book rooms and taxis early and verify dates with Nagaland Tourism.
• Dzükou Valley had wildfires in December 2025 and January 2026 that suspended trekking until February 2026. Check the latest status with the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) before you go.
• Monsoon: hill roads can be slow or disrupted, so keep buffer days. Dzükou lilies bloom in this season, but trails are wet.