Benreu Village

Benreu is a Zeliang Naga village in Peren district, sitting at about 1,950 m at the foot of Mount Pauna — Nagaland's third-highest peak. Pine forests, traditional huts and panoramic Naga hill views make it a quiet alternative to the better-known Angami villages.

Benreu is a traditional Zeliang village with a long oral history of clan migrations across the Barail range. The community has developed a small eco-tourism programme based around Mount Pauna trekking.

Benreu village, Peren district, Nagaland — about 100 km / 4–5 hours by road southwest of Kohima.

• Mount Pauna trek — moderate hike through pine forest
• Traditional Zeliang houses and morung
• Panoramic views across Peren's hill country
• Cool climate year-round

• Day trek up Mount Pauna
• Village walk and morung visit
• Traditional Zeliang meals at the homestay
• Photography across the hill ridges at dawn

October to April. December to February is cold but very clear; avoid monsoon for the trek.

Drive from Kohima via Peren town to Benreu (about 4–5 hours). Roads are mountain roads — start early. Homestays can arrange pickups from Dimapur (~5 hours).

Community-run tourist huts and homestays, simple but clean, with shared meals.

• Plan an overnight — same-day return from Kohima is tiring
• Carry cash; no ATMs nearby
• Hire a local guide for the Mount Pauna trail
• Layered clothing — temperatures drop fast after sunset