Naga Traditional New Year Festival of Naga Warriors, 2008

     The people who dwell by the India boarder on the mountain ranges of Pakkoi, Naga and Lushay, especially in the region of Mt. Saramayti are the Naga people, famous as the warriors. As the proud people, Nagas are well known that they are honest and brave. An adult Naga man must be a warrior. Therefore they are re-known hunters and fierce warriors. Their existing histories inclusive of the practice of head-taking, especially among enemies, still exist in the regions. The Leshi is a part of the Naga Land which has long hosted the annual harvest and New Year festivals. Annually, in January, many different Naga tribes come together to celebrate Kaing Bi (Naga New Year). During the New Year festival you could observe the Naga warriors wearing hats made from bear fur, wild boar tusks, hornbill feathers, and tiger claws and tiger fangs hanging from their necklaces. These expeditions involve a crossing wild pristine forests and tribal villages where civilization has almost never touched. Formerly the festival was a private celebration; it is now open to the public. Naga region is surely one of the country's hidden treasures.

Yangon - Mandalay - Homalin - Leshi - Homalin- Mandalay - Yangon
(4 Nights / 5 Days)

January 12
Day-01: Yangon/Mandalay – Homalin – Hthanmathi – Leshi (by flight / car / boat / truck)

The special chartered flight would fly from Yangon Airport to Homalin via Mandalay. The flight will receive some passengers in Mandalay. Upon arrival, the welcoming committee would welcome you and proceed you to the jetty of Chindwin River (a major tributary of the legend Ayeyarwaddy River). Tour proceeds to the up river to Htanmathi village then continue to Leshi by open truck car. Overnight stay at the newly built traditional hut.

January 13
Day-02: Leshi (Trekking)

After breakfast, tour proceeds to the villages nearby Leshi to observe the traditional ways of living of the local inhabiting Naga peoples.

January 14
Day-03: Leshi (pre opening ceremony)

After breakfast at the hotel, the traditional Ceremonial Pole would be carrying by the various tribes of Naga and erected at the festival ground. The Naga are wearing their festival costumes to participate in the festival. Trek around the Leshi and vicinity villages to explore their culture and traditions.

January 15
Day-04: Leshi (festival day)

This early morning, the official opening ceremony of Naga New Year (Kaing Bi) would be started on the festival ground. You will have an opportunity to partake traditional foods and rice wine with the Naga community elders. After the official ceremony, there would be the contests of traditional dancing, sports and events. A large bonfire would be conducted and everyone can take part in welcoming Naga New Year by dancing around the bonfire.

January 16
Day-05: Leshi – Yangon / Mandalay

Proceed back to either Yangon or Mandalay along the same route.
End of Service

Tour Cost

US$ 1200 per person

Service Include

• Transportation (Charter flight, Four Wheel Drive & Shuttle Boat)
• Accommodation (Naga Traditional House)
• Meals (American Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Dinner)

Remark

• Reservation must be made before the end of November.
• Service exclude throughout guide and upon request, it will cost 560 US$ for the guide.

return to Tour Programs