If you’re on the hunt for the last surviving headhunters of Nagaland, a visit to Hongphoi Village is an absolute must. Located just 10-12 km from Mon Town, this enchanting village is home to a large population of Konyak headhunters and offers a unique glimpse into the region’s fascinating past.
Hongphoi Village is home to the Konyak Naga tribe, one of the many ethnic groups that reside in Nagaland, India. The Konyak Naga are renowned for their bravery and their historical head-hunting traditions. The headhunters are distinguished by intricate tattoos, which were once earned as symbols of bravery and valour. For those interested in a tribal tour of Northeast India, visiting Hongphoi Village offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Konyak Naga, making it a fascinating destination for cultural immersion and adventure.
Planning to visit as an international tourist?
Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Nagaland
(mandatory since March 2025). Nexplore arranges all permits on your behalf —
you only need to send us your passport copy. Processing takes 5–7 working days.
Read our complete permit guide for foreign visitors → | WhatsApp us to plan your visit
Along with Longwa, Hongphoi is one of the most sought-after villages to meet the last generations of headhunters. During our quest to find the tattooed headhunters of Longwa, we made sure to include a stop at Hongphoi Village the next day, in the hope of discovering even more of these legendary figures. Check out our guide to visit Longwa village in Nagaland.
While the language barrier can be a challenge when exploring the village, we recommend bringing along a local interpreter or guide to help you navigate and learn more about the villagers’ fascinating history. And despite any potential communication difficulties, the good part is that the friendly natives are always eager to take their photos.
How to reach Hongphoi village
To reach Hongphoi village, located in the heart of Nagaland, you’ll need to travel roughly 10-12 kilometres from the nearest big town of Mon. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, so be sure to plan accordingly. To make your journey more convenient, it’s recommended to bring your own car, as shared cars are rarely available. With your own mode of transportation, you’ll be able to explore this enchanting region at your own pace.
What to see in Hongphoi village
As soon as you arrive at the village, be sure to make a beeline for the Angh’s house to meet the king and his disciple. This is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and get a firsthand glimpse into the traditional way of life. Take the chance to snap some photos of the king and queen and other villagers. Just be sure to ask for permission and offer them some compensation. The king’s house is simple yet charming, adorned with buffalo horns and serving up delicious traditional tea.
Once you’ve had your fill at the Angh’s house, set out on a walking tour of the village to meet the friendly locals and take in the stunning surroundings.
Don’t forget to stop by the village Morung, a fascinating dormitory where young boys and girls learn the customs and traditions of their tribe. From headhunters to kids playing in the streets, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this vibrant corner of Nagaland.
Check Guide to Longwa Village- the village between India and Myanmar.
Where to stay in Hongphoi
The small village of Hongphoi does not have any stay options available. People generally communicate from Mon Town to see this village.
Why should you visit the headhunter’s village?
Hongphoi, Longwa, and other villages are home to the last generation of tattooed headhunters, and most of them are more than 80 years old. It is the last chance to witness the tattooed bodies and faces of headhunters and meet them. From the renowned tattooed headhunters to the warm hospitality of the locals, a visit to this village is an unforgettable experience. Plan your tribal tour in Northeast India and experience this majestic village before it is too late.
Discover the Fascinating Konyak Naga Headhunters Village of Chui/Chi
After our visit to Hongphoi village, we were eager to explore more of Nagaland’s rich culture and heritage. Our next stop was the nearby Konyak headhunters village of Chui, just a 45-minute drive away.
Upon arriving in Chui, we were immediately struck by the stunning beauty of the village. One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the intricately carved wooden sculptures in the village of Morung. These sculptures depicted stories from the past, showcasing the bravery of the Naga people and their connection to the natural world.
Another must-see in Chui is the chef’s house, adorned with a striking buffalo head. We also appreciated the well-maintained playground, perfect for kids to run around and play. And for those seeking a spiritual experience, Chui also boasts a charming little church. We highly recommend a visit to Chui for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and getting a glimpse into the lives of the Konyak headhunters. Check our Nagaland tour packages to book your tour in the land of headhunters.
Facts to know before visiting the Konyak headhunters’ villages
When visiting the headhunters’ villages in Nagaland, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
- These headhunters’ villages are located in a very remote area, and they are very basic.
- Respect the local beliefs, culture and traditions.
- If you wish to take photographs, be sure to ask for permission first, as some locals may not be comfortable being photographed.
- To make the most of your visit, we recommend always travelling with a local guide or interpreter who can help you navigate the language barriers and provide insights into the fascinating history and traditions of these unique communities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hongphoi Village, Nagaland
Where is Hongphoi village and how far is it from Mon town?
Hongphoi village is located in Mon district, Nagaland, approximately 10–12 km
from Mon town — significantly closer to the district headquarters than Longwa,
which is 40 km away. This makes Hongphoi the most accessible Konyak headhunter
village in the Mon circuit and an ideal starting point for visitors arriving
in Mon for the first time. The village sits on a hillside and is inhabited by
a large community of the Konyak Naga tribe, including some of the last generation
of living tattooed headhunters in Nagaland.
What makes Hongphoi village different from Longwa village?
Longwa is famous for the unique India-Myanmar border running through the Angh’s
house and for its panoramic hilltop views. Hongphoi, by contrast, is especially
known for its exceptional traditional wood carving and bamboo craftsmanship —
you see artisans at work in almost every household. Hongphoi also has a larger
population of tattooed Konyak elders relative to its size, giving visitors more
opportunities for personal encounters. While Longwa is the landmark destination
in Mon district, Hongphoi offers a more intimate and less-visited experience.
Visiting both villages in Mon — Hongphoi in the morning, Longwa in the afternoon
— is the most rewarding use of a day in Mon district.
Can I meet the tattooed headhunters in Hongphoi village?
Yes — Hongphoi village is home to some of the last living tattooed Konyak
headhunters in Nagaland. As of 2026, a number of elderly men in the village
still carry traditional facial and full-body tattoos, each earned through acts
of bravery during the era when headhunting was an integral part of Konyak
warrior culture. The practice ended when India officially banned headhunting
and Christian missionaries brought widespread cultural change in the mid-20th
century. Meeting these elders — many of whom are in their 80s — and hearing
their stories through a local guide is the centrepiece of any Hongphoi visit.
This is one of the rarest and most historically significant cultural encounters
still possible in Asia.
Do I need a permit to visit Hongphoi village?
Yes. To enter Nagaland — which is a Protected Area — all visitors require
a permit. Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), available online
through the Nagaland government portal or in person at offices in Guwahati,
Delhi, and Kolkata. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP),
which has been mandatory since March 2025 and must be obtained before arrival
through a registered tour operator. Processing takes 5–7 working days and
requires your ID documents (passport and visa for foreigners, Aadhaar or
passport for Indian nationals). Nexplore arranges all permits as part of
every Mon district and Nagaland tour package at no additional charge.
What are the main things to see and do in Hongphoi village?
The key experiences in Hongphoi include: visiting the village Chief’s (Angh’s)
house and meeting the Angh and his family; meeting the tattooed Konyak elder men
and learning about their warrior heritage through your local guide; watching
artisans at work — Hongphoi is particularly known for its wood carving and bamboo
craft traditions; exploring the village morung (traditional men’s dormitory)
decorated with buffalo horns and ceremonial items; and visiting the village church,
which reflects the significant Christian influence in modern Konyak life. A nearby
Konyak village — Chui, 45 minutes from Hongphoi — can be added to the same day
for a further wood sculpture collection unique in the region.
Is a local guide necessary in Hongphoi?
Yes, a local guide is essential in Hongphoi — and in all Konyak villages in
Mon district. The Konyak people speak their own tribal dialect and most elders
do not speak Hindi or English. Without a guide, you will be unable to communicate
with the headhunters, gain access to their homes or the Angh’s house, or
understand the significance of what you are seeing. A local guide also handles
photography permission with individual villagers — which must always be
requested and paid for before taking any photograph of a person. Nexplore
works exclusively with experienced Konyak local guides in Mon district for
all village visits.
How do I reach Hongphoi village from Mon town?
Hongphoi is approximately 10–12 km from Mon town and takes around 20–30 minutes
by private vehicle on the local road. Mon town itself is reached from Dibrugarh
(the nearest airport, approximately 130 km and 4–5 hours away) or from Sibsagar
in Assam (approximately 3–4 hours). Nexplore includes Hongphoi as part of all
Mon district tour itineraries, with a private vehicle and local guide throughout.
Is there accommodation in Hongphoi village?
Hongphoi village itself does not have formal tourist accommodation. Most
visitors stay in Mon town, which has a small selection of guesthouses and
basic hotels, and make day trips to Hongphoi, Longwa, and other Konyak villages
from there. An overnight homestay experience in Longwa village (40 km) is an
option for those wanting an immersive stay within a Konyak community. Nexplore
recommends spending at least 2 nights in Mon to fully explore the Konyak
village circuit including Hongphoi, Longwa, Shangnyu, and the town itself.
What is the best time to visit Hongphoi village?
October to March is the ideal window for Mon district and all Konyak villages.
The weather is cool and dry, roads are reliable, and village visits are most
comfortable. December is excellent because it can be combined with the Hornbill
Festival in Kohima (December 1–10) — one of India’s most spectacular cultural
events, featuring all 17 Naga tribes. April coincides with the Aoling Monyu
festival — the most important Konyak celebration of the year, held in the first
week of April, when the tribe dresses in full ceremonial attire and performs
traditional songs and dances. This is the single best time to visit for cultural
immersion. Avoid June to September when monsoon conditions make Mon district
roads difficult.
Can I combine Hongphoi with Longwa in one day?
Yes — visiting Hongphoi and Longwa on the same day is entirely feasible and
is the most popular Mon district itinerary. A recommended schedule: start
with Hongphoi in the morning (10–12 km from Mon town), allowing 2–3 hours
for the village visit and craft browsing, then drive to Longwa (approximately
1.5 hours from Hongphoi) for the afternoon. The Angh’s house visit, the
India-Myanmar border walk, and the panoramic views at Longwa fill another
2–3 hours. Return to Mon town by early evening. Note that everything in
Konyak villages is closed on Sundays — plan your visit from Monday to Saturday.
Can foreign nationals visit Hongphoi village?
Yes. Foreign nationals are welcome to visit Hongphoi village, and cultural
tourism with responsible operators has become an important source of income
for the Konyak community. You will need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for
Nagaland, mandatory for all foreign nationals since March 2025. Nexplore
arranges the PAP on your behalf — you provide your passport copy and
Indian visa, and we submit the application. The Konyak community warmly
welcomes international visitors and has embraced respectful cultural tourism
as a way to share their heritage while supporting village livelihoods. Our
international guests from Sweden, Germany, France, New Zealand, Singapore,
and the UK have all visited Mon district with us.
View our Nagaland tour packages for international visitors →
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If you’re planning to explore the remote regions of Nagaland, consider booking a guided tour with Nexplore. Our experienced guides will ensure that you have a safe and comfortable journey while fully immersing yourself in the stunning beauty and unique culture of this region.
We hope that this blog post has inspired you to explore the enchanting world of Nagaland and experience the rich culture of its vibrant communities. If you’re interested in visiting Hongphoi Village/Longwa village or other destinations in the region, be sure to check out our Nagaland tour packages to find the perfect travel package for you. If you have specific preferences or requirements, you can also email us at support@nexplore.org to request a custom tour tailored to your needs. We’re always here to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
Plan Your Nagaland Tribal Tour
Nexplore Travel has been running Konyak village tours for international visitors
since 2015. Guests from Sweden, Germany, France, UK, New Zealand, and Singapore
have visited Mon District with us. We handle all PAP permits, arrange English-speaking
local guides from the community and create private itineraries for your travel dates.
Contact us
📧 support@nexplore.org
💬 WhatsApp: +91 73990 54196
(We respond to WhatsApp from anywhere in the world.)
Related Read
Hornbill Festival: A Spectacular Showcase of Naga Culture – Your Essential Travel Companion
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Kohima the pristine land of Naga warriors: Places to visit and more
Longwa Village and the Legacy of the Headhunters of Nagaland
