Phom Tribe

Introduction

The Phom are a Naga tribe living principally in Longleng district, in the north-east of Nagaland. They are known for the great log drums (called the Khüm) that sit at the heart of every traditional village, and for the Monyü festival in April that marks the end of winter and the start of the agricultural year.

The Phom occupy a transition zone between the Konyak in the north and the Ao in the south, and their culture shares features with both.

History & Origins

Phom oral history traces the tribe's origins to a common ancestor and migration from the east. The institution of the village council (Hangah) is central to Phom political life. Christianity reached the Phom in the early twentieth century and is now the predominant religion.

District & Location

Longleng district is one of the smallest in Nagaland, with the district town of Longleng sitting on a ridge in the central-eastern Naga hills. The drive from Mokokchung takes around three hours.

Important Villages

Yongnyah, Pongo and Hukpang are among the well-known Phom villages. Most still maintain a traditional log drum at the centre of the village, used to signal news and to call people together for ceremonies.

Traditional Attire

Phom men wear a black kilt and a striking warrior shawl with bands of red, black and white. Headdresses feature hornbill feathers and wild boar tusks. Women wear wraparound skirts with bold horizontal bands and bead necklaces.

Morung & Architecture

The Phom morung is paired with the log drum at the centre of the village. Houses are built of timber and bamboo with thatched roofs, often raised slightly off the ground.

Culture & Lifestyle

Phom society is organised around clans and led by village councils. Jhum cultivation is the principal form of agriculture, supplemented by hunting and fishing.

Festivals & Celebrations

Monyü, celebrated in the first week of April, is the most important Phom festival. It marks the end of winter and the start of the new sowing season. Log drums are beaten through the nights, men and women dress in full ceremonial attire, and villages exchange visits.

Food & Cuisine

Phom cuisine features smoked pork, bamboo shoot, foraged greens and a wide range of chillies. Meals are simple, often cooked in a single pot, with a great deal of smoked meat.

Arts, Music & Dance

Phom music is centred on the log drum, whose deep beat carries through the hills. Folk songs are sung in unison, and dances are performed in long lines with vigorous footwork.

Role During Hornbill Festival

The Phom morung at Kisama features regular log-drum performances and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Phom dancers are known for the energy of their performances.

Travel Information

The Phom homeland in Longleng district is reached most easily by road from Kohima or Dimapur. Most travellers fly into Dimapur (DMU), the only commercial airport in Nagaland, and continue by shared sumo or private vehicle. The drive from Dimapur to Kohima takes around two and a half to three hours; onward travel to the Phom districts varies from a couple of hours to a full day depending on the village.

Permits are essential. Indian travellers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be issued online or at entry points in Dimapur and Kohima. Foreign travellers need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) and must register at the Foreigners' Registration Office on arrival. We handle both as part of any booking.

October to April is the most comfortable window to visit. December is festival season — roads are busier, stays book out months in advance, and temperatures in the hills drop sharply at night. Carry layers, sturdy shoes for village walks, and a power bank; electricity in remote villages can be intermittent.

Accommodation Options

Stays in Phom country range from simple village homestays run by local families to mid-range guesthouses in the district headquarters. Kohima itself offers a wider choice — from deluxe properties like The Heritage and Razhü Pru to comfortable standard hotels closer to Kisama.

For a more immersive experience, we recommend at least one night in a traditional homestay. You'll share meals cooked over a wood fire, hear stories from elders, and wake to the sounds of a working Naga village. Most homestays are basic but spotlessly clean, with shared bathrooms and warm bedding.

During the Hornbill Festival (1–10 December), rooms in and around Kohima fill up by September. Booking early matters more than booking expensive — we'll suggest the right fit based on your dates, budget and how close to Kisama you want to be.

Gallery

Photographs from Longleng district and Monyü festival.