This two-week trip takes youto the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland,near the Indo-Burmese border,to meet various indigenous peoples, the last Naga warriors of India. An adventurous itinerary ideal for photographers as well as travelers seeking an authentic and completely exotic India.

The Nagas are an Adivasi (indigenous) hill people estimated to number around 2.5 million in India. They inhabit the northeastern states of India: Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal. Groups of Nagas are also found in Burma. The Nagas are divided into sixteen main tribal groups, each with its own language and culture. Now completely peaceful, they were, until the 1960s, fierce warriors. Their trophies: the heads of their enemies, which they hung on the doors and walls of their homes. These warriors and the descendants of these warriors that you will encounter during this trip.

In Mon, Nagaland, you will meet the Konyaks. Although their warrior past is distant, they still sport impressive full-body tattoos and brass necklaces whose heads represent the number of decapitated enemies.

We will then travel to Arunachal to meet the Wancho, who are culturally similar to the Konyak people of Mon. They also practice the tradition of facial tattooing and decorate their homes with animal skulls.

The highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the visit to the Wancho village of Wakka. Also located on the Indo-Myanmar border, its traditional bamboo huts cling to the slopes of a mountain, giving the village a truly spectacular appearance.

On our way to Konsa, we will meet the Nocte people, whose origins date back to the Hukong Valley in Burma, from where they migrated between 1670 and 1700.

In Lazu, we will meet the Ollo, another Naga people living in both Arunachal Pradesh in India and the Naga Self-Administrated Area of Burma. Although they are currently considered a subgroup of the Nocte people, they are seeking recognition as an independent group based on their unique traditions. Here, too, men and women wear fascinating tattoos all over their bodies.

We will end the tour in Namphake, a village inhabited by the Tai Phakey, who are not a Naga people, but a Buddhist community also found in Assam and China.

Enjoy your journey to the heart of India’s last wilderness!

NOTE:

• Throughout this trip, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide, himself from an indigenous community, and by other local guides.
• Two permits are required (PAP and RAP). Our local partner will arrange these before your arrival in India. Plan ahead 2 months before your trip.
• Accommodation is simple which is also part of the adventure.