Aoling or Aoleang is a festival celebrated from 1-6th April by the Konyak tribes of Mon district, Nagaland.

The festival marks the welcoming of the spring season, praying for a good harvest and celebrating the whole week wearing traditional attire, drinking, and dancing.

Agriculture is still the main source of livelihood for the people in the rural areas and with this festival, the people take blessings of the Almighty before starting to work in the fields again preparing the soil for the next crop.

The most popular festival in Nagaland is the Hornbill festival (for the tourists), which is organised by the Tourism Department in a village called Kisama. This is the only festival where you will see all the different tribes from Nagaland in one place.

The Aoling festival is very raw and in its original form without any refinements and celebrated only by the Konyaks.

About the Konyak Tribes of Nagaland

The Konyaks are one of the most prominent tribes of Nagaland. Inhabitants of the Mon district, are referred to as the head-hunters. Before the advent of Christianity, they used to kill other rival groups and bring the heads as trophies, hence the name.

They are very developed and have skills in ironworks and in making gunpowder. They are also known for their face and body tattoos which they earned only after a daring and exemplary act. Their houses also have elaborate carvings on wood.

The prominent villages where the festival is celebrated with lot of activities are Longwa and Wakching. 

Longwa is particularly famous because of its location at the Indo-Myanmar border.

The Anghs (chief)'s house here is half in India and half in Myanmar. They say, his dining room is in India and bedroom in Myanmar.

 

Any Questions - Contact us on Whatsapp

Note:  If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you. 

Itinerary -

Day 1
Wednesday, April 03, 2024
Land in Dibrugarh and drive to Mon
Day 2
Thursday, April 04, 2024
Aoling Festival shooting in different villages Longwa, Wakching, etc.
Day 3
Friday, April 05, 2024
Aoling Festival shooting in different villages Longwa, Wakching, etc.
Day 4
Saturday, April 06, 2024
Aoling Festival shooting in different villages Longwa, Wakching, etc.
Day 5
Sunday, April 07, 2024
Exploring Mokokchung
Day 6
Monday, April 08, 2024
Exploring Kohima
Day 7
Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Dimapur drop.

Cost: Rs.75000
Only 7 participants on first come first serve basis.

Cost includes

1) Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in basic, clean hotels / homestays. Single accommodation can be arranged on request.
2) All meals from Day 1 afternoon to Day 10 morning
3) Surface transfers as per Itinerary
4) Inner liner Permits, Entry fees, Taxes, Parking & Toll
5) Expert photography advice by Ssaurabh A Chatterjee, review of pictures whenever time permits.



Cost does not include

1) Travel to Dibrugarh and return travel from Dimapur to your location.
2) Bottled Water, additional food or beverages ordered; tips, etc.

Payment Policy

Rs.20000/- booking amount.
Rest 45 days before the date of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation costs us too.

As people generally plan in advance, it becomes impossible for us to fill the seats last moment. So, if you cancel, the seat goes vacant. Also, in most places, we have to book well in advance due to the limited choices. 

So, please book your tour only if you are sure.

> 60 days to 45 days prior to departure of the tour, 20% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
> 40 days to 15 days prior to departure of the tour 50% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
> 14 days to 07 days prior to departure of the tour 75% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
> 07 days to 01 days prior to departure of the tour 100% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.

There will be no refund for NO SHOWS.

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PICTURES FROM North East India - Aoling Festival Nagaland Photography Tour - April 2024



FAQ


1. Do I need to be physically fit to join this trip?

We will be traveling by SUVs. However, we will walk occasionally around the villages, but these are all very gentle walks. 

2. Is this trip only for Photographers?

No, anyone can join. We will spend a lot of time taking some great pictures though. I'm sure everyone loves doing that. We have had non-photographers on our previous trips and they enjoy it as much.

3. I have no knowledge of Photography. Will I get some help?

Yes, absolutely. Saurabh will be assisting you all the time. He will help you with how to take some great pictures. So, you will learn while having fun on the go.

4. I don't have a camera. Can I get a camera or lenses for rent?

Yes, Cameras / Lenses can be arranged based on availability.

5. How do I reach Guwahati?

Guwahati is well connected by air and railways.

Any Questions - Contact us on Whatsapp


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