Zeliang Tribe

Introduction

The Zeliang are a Naga community formed from two closely related groups — Zeme and Liangmai — who together inhabit Peren district in south-western Nagaland. They are part of the larger Zeliangrong family, which also includes the Rongmei in neighbouring Manipur.

History & Origins

The Zeliang trace their origins to the ancestral village of Makhuilongdi. From there, the clans spread out to settle the present-day Peren district. Christianity reached the Zeliang in the twentieth century.

District & Location

Peren district sits in the south-western corner of Nagaland, bordering Assam and Manipur. The district town of Peren is around four hours' drive from Kohima.

Important Villages

Benreu, Poilwa, Peren village and Jalukie are among the well-known Zeliang villages. Benreu, perched at the foot of Mount Pauna, is a popular destination for trekkers.

Traditional Attire

Zeliang men wear a black kilt with a striking warrior shawl in red, black and white. Women wear wraparound skirts with bold bands and bead necklaces. Headgear features hornbill feathers and wild boar tusks.

Morung & Architecture

The Zeliang morung was once the centre of village life. Houses are built of timber with thatched roofs.

Culture & Lifestyle

Zeliang 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

Mileinyi, celebrated in March, is one of the principal Zeliang festivals. Hega, celebrated in February, marks the start of the agricultural year.

Food & Cuisine

Zeliang cuisine features rice, smoked pork, bamboo shoot and a wide range of foraged greens.

Arts, Music & Dance

Zeliang folk songs are sung in harmony, and traditional dances are performed in long lines with vigorous footwork.

Role During Hornbill Festival

The Zeliang morung at Kisama features displays of traditional crafts and regular dance performances.

Travel Information

The Zeliang homeland in Peren 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 Zeliang 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 Zeliang 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 Peren district, Benreu village and Mount Pauna.