Mon

Nagaland is known for its multicolored spears, ceremonial machetes and colorful headgears. The Mon district in Nagaland is home to the Konyak tribe known for their skilled craftsmanship especially in woodcarvings, guns and headgears. Mon is bounded by the Sibsagar district of Assam in the north and by Tuensang in the South and west while the district shares international boundary with Myanmar (Burma) in the East.

The  Mon district can be divided into two regions topographically--the upper region comprising Longching, Chen, Mopong and Tobu areas and the lower region comprises Mon, Tizit and Naginimora area. Low-lying areas with undulating hills characterize the foothills that lie adjacent to the plains of Assam. The hill ranges extend from the foothills to the slopes of Naga Hills and the Patkai Range in the east, Shawot is the highest peak in Mon at an elevation of 2,414 m above sea level.

The pristine environment of Mon is a haven for Nature lovers. Mon is also a favorite haunt for trekkers and anglers. The Dikhu, Tizit, Tapi and Teyap rivers are sites for fishing and picnic; Yetyong, Kaimang, Maksha and Thannyak rivers are popular for trout fishing.

Yei, Monyakshu, Pessao, Yongkao and Tamkong are the spots for birdwatching.

Wanching, Wakching, Mon, Shangnyu, Chui, Longwa, Angphang, Monyakshu, Pessao and Changlangshu are famous for wood carving while Chiknyuho, Shawot, Ngupdang and Longwa are famous for Second World War remains and rock inscriptions.

Shangnyu and Chui are two ethnic villages ruled by the Chief Anghs and cultural centre of the Konyaks.

Destination at a Glance
How to reach

There are direct bus services from Kohima and Dimapur to Mon.

From the Assam side, there are regular bus services to Mon from Sonari and Simulguri (Sibsagar district). The distance from Sonari to Mon is about 65 kms. Mon is about 95 kms from Simulguri. Since there is no direct bus service from Simulguri to Mon, one has to go to Naginimora first and then proceed to Mon.

Location
Best time to visit
September to February
Contact

Domestic Tourist visiting Nagaland, are required to obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) which are issued at all the following places.

Delhi                  : Deputy Resident Commissioner
                           Nagaland House, 29-Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi
                           Ph-(011) 23794680/23792471

Kolkata             : Assistant Resident Commissioner
                           Nagaland House, 11, Shakesphear Sarani, Kolkata
                           Ph-(033) 22825226/22828118

Guwahati           : Deputy Resident Commissioner
                           Nagaland House, Sachel Road, 6 mile, Khana Para, Guwahati.
                           Ph-(0364) 2520083/2520670

Shillong              : Assistant Resident Commissioner.
                           Nagaland House Norgrin Hills, Shillong.
                            Ph-(0364) 2520083/2520670

It is also issued by Deputy Commissioners of Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung.

Foreign Tourists must obtain Protected Area Permit (PAP). They are allowed to visit the eleven district headquarters and specified place for a period of thirty days. Married couples and a group of four (4) persons or more permit can be issued from Resident Commissioner office, Nagaland House, Delhi, Home Commissioner and Commissioner Secretary to Tourism, Govt. of Nagaland. But for individual/two persons or three persons have to obtain PAP from Ministry Of Home Affairs.

However, Nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, China and Myanmer have to get prior approval from Ministry of Home Affair, Govt. of India.