Mon, the northernmost district of Nagaland, invites you to explore its rich cultural tapestry. Bordered by Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, and Myanmar to the east, this stunning region is just a half day's drive from Dimapur. Within Mon, you will discover a cluster of charming villages, all conveniently located within an hour of each other. The district is home to the Konyak tribe, a community renowned for their striking tattoos that tell stories of their heritage and identity. As you journey through the vicinity of Mon, you'll witness the remnants of a rich past. Encounter proud warriors dressed in intricate traditional attire, men and women adorned with tattoos, and beaded chokers with cultural significance. Mon offers a unique glimpse into a world steeped in tradition and valour.
Mon offers a variety of beautiful sightseeing, trekking, fishing, and picnic spots that attract tourists. Some notable places to visit include Shangnyu, Longwa, Angphang, and Changlangshu, all renowned for their wood carvings. Sheanghachingnyu, Langmeang, and Longwa are particularly famous for their skull exhibits and wood carvings. The traditional architecture and ancient sculptures in this region offer valuable insights into the Konyaks' history, culture, and traditions.
One of the notable features of the area is Longwa village, which is unique due to its border with Myanmar. Longwa is located a two-hour bus ride from the main town of Mon and is one of the easternmost villages in India. The border runs through the morung (longhouse) of the village chief, Angh. The main tarred road that passes through the village marks the international border. The headman's longhouse at Longwa dramatically straddles the India-Myanmar border and houses a range of weapons, old totems, and other intriguing historical artefacts, making it a visual feast. Village elders typically wear traditional costumes, and almost everyone carries a formidable dao—a machete that was originally used for head-hunting and remains a standard accessory for the Konyak tribe. Some households supplement their income by crafting and selling tribal jewellery, masks, and other local collectables to tourists.
Just twenty-three kilometres from Mon lies the intriguing village of Shangyu, where a small museum showcases a stunning wooden fertility sculpture. Step outside, and you’ll find a historic log drum, once used to send messages across the hills and still played during vibrant festivals. Shangyu is a key village in the district, boasting the Angh's house—the chief's residence—believed to be over 500 years old. This beautifully carved structure continues to stand tall. You can discover the memorial stones honouring the village's rich past here.
Chalsoise is one of the most intriguing villages in the Chen area, conveniently located near the India-Myanmar border. Within this village lies a captivating small museum that presents a rich collection of traditional ornaments unique to the region. Among its most fascinating exhibits are human skulls from the era of head-hunting, prominently displayed in a section known as Waloo. Don't miss the opportunity to explore nearby villages, such as Old Mon, just 5 km away, and Singha Chingnyu, 20 km away. Singha Chingnyu boasts a remarkable longhouse, extravagantly decorated with animal skulls, stuffed tigers, and a storeroom filled with ancient human trophies.
Visitors can enjoy fishing and picnicking on the scenic Dikhu River, Tizit, Tapi, and Teyap. The Yetyong, Kaimang, Maksha, and Thannyak rivers are popular spots for trout fishing. Chiknyuho, Shawot, Ngupdang, and Longwa are known for their Second World War remains and rock inscriptions.
Birdwatchers will find attractive locations such as Yei, Monyakshu, Pessao, Yongkao, and Tamkong, where they can observe Tragopan birds. Shangnyu and Chui have been designated as ethnic villages, providing rich opportunities for educational research for anthropologists. These two villages are governed by the Chief Anghs.
Mon district offers stunning landscapes characterided by lush green forests that provide a natural habitat for various species of flora and fauna. You can find rare species such as the Blue Vanda, White Orchids, Foxtail, Wild Lilies, and Maples in its mountainous regions. Additionally, an array of medicinal herbs, edible plants, and shrubs hold significant botanical value. Wildlife in the Mon District includes elephants, tigers, spotted leopards, jungle cats, mithuns, hornbills, partridge fowls, the rare Tragopan, barking deer, mountain goats, wild boars, and bears. These forests serve as a sanctuary for this rich biodiversity.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Veda Peak, renowned for its highest elevation in the Mon district. Situated approximately 70 km from the district's centre, Veda Peak unveils breathtaking vistas of the majestic Brahmaputra River alongside the Chindwin River, which gracefully flows through Burma, particularly on those crystal-clear days. An exceptional feature of this region is the waterfall, a sight that captivates visitors. Winter is the ideal opportunity for exploration, as the weather is invitingly pleasant, ensuring a delightful adventure. The sight of snow-capped hills during this season significantly enhances the stunning landscape, creating an enchanting experience for all travellers.
Try to time your visit to coincide with the vibrant Aoleong Festival, celebrated in the first week of April. This is a spectacular occasion when everyone dons traditional clothing, including ornate shawls, beautifully woven hats, and colourful sashes. The festival grounds come alive with hundreds of locals and visitors who gather for this captivating event. After the pastor offers a blessing—reflecting the region's unique blend of animism and its Christian majority—people from various tribes join together. The atmosphere becomes electric as dancing, chanting, and singing fill the air. The men showcase their traditions with hornbill feathers, striking red sashes, and decorative knives, carrying spears and bells attached to their backs. Meanwhile, the women dance elegantly, adorned with armbands, belts, and intricate waistbands over their shawl skirts, complemented by headbands, earrings, and feathers.
There are several excellent accommodation options in the Mon district. Helsa Cottage features a friendly host, though the rooms and facilities are pretty basic. Meals can be arranged upon request. Outside of town, on the way to Longwa, you will find Helsa Resort, which offers traditional Konyak huts. In the village of Shiyong, you can stay at the Konyak Tea Retreat, run by the charming Phejin Konyak.
Located in the heart of Mon town, Vinngoi Resort is situated on a hilltop, providing a panoramic view of the area. Each cottage is equipped with modern amenities while retaining elements of Konyak culture.
The ideal time to visit Mon is between November and March when the weather is perfect for exploration. Or consider planning your trip in April to experience the vibrant Aoleong festival, a cultural highlight not to be missed.
There are no train or air services directly to Mon. However, you can reach Bhojo Railway Station in Assam and then travel to Mon via Sonari. The distance from Bhojo to Sonari is approximately 7 km. The nearest airport is Jorhat Airport in Assam, about 161 km away. You can also reach Mon from Dimapur and Dibrugarh Airport. Buses and jeeps operate routes from Dibrugarh via Sivasagar and from Mokokchung in Nagaland to Mon.