Travel Guide · Updated February 2026
Hornbill Festival + Kaziranga Itinerary — 7 Days in 2026
Kaziranga and the Hornbill Festival pair naturally — both peak in early December, both reachable from Guwahati, and the change of scene from rhino safari to Naga tribal village is one of the best contrasts in Indian travel.
Why combine the two
Kaziranga's safari season runs October–April with peak wildlife visibility in November–December. The Hornbill Festival runs 1–10 December. December overlaps both perfectly — clear weather, dry roads, and the rhinos are at their most active.
7-day itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Guwahati, drive 5 hours to Kaziranga (overnight). Day 2: Morning and afternoon jeep safaris, subject to park schedules and availability (safari activities are booked separately and are not included unless specified) (overnight Kaziranga). Day 3: Drive Kaziranga to Kohima via Dimapur (8 hours). Day 4: Festival at Kisama. Day 5: Khonoma + War Cemetery. Day 6: Second festival morning + Touphema. Day 7: Drive Kohima–Dimapur, fly out (or extend to Guwahati for outbound flights).
Best dates for 2026
Run this trip 1–7 December or 4–10 December 2026. The 1–7 window catches the Hornbill opening ceremony; the 4–10 window catches the Rock Contest finals and closing ceremony. Either is excellent — pick by flight availability.
Total cost per person
Land package, twin-share, 6N/7D Guwahati to Dimapur: ₹55,000–₹75,000 per person depending on lodge category at Kaziranga (mid-range vs. boutique). Add return flights from your home city. Total all-in from Delhi/Mumbai: ₹70,000–₹95,000 per person.
What it pairs with next
If you have 2–3 more days, add Majuli (one of the world's largest river islands) before Kaziranga, or Mon district, home to Konyak villages whose eldest generation still bears the tattoos of the pre-Christian warrior era, after the festival. We run both as add-ons on this combined route.
Planning a trip? See our Hornbill Festival tour packages message us on WhatsApp +91 60019 80680 or email hello@livingrootsexpeditions.com.