Sample
itinerary, actual may vary
The Naga
About 100,00 live in Sagain Division north of the
Chin State and many more in nearby Nagaland in India. Up
until recently, the Naga were headhunters who took heads
in battle to ensure the fertility of their fields and to
safeguard their villages. Many Naga have now been
Christianized, but many of their old habits are still
practiced. The anthropology and history of Naga people
is not very clear and there are still a number of
studies being made on them. Their physical features are
those of the Mongoloid, Tibeto-Burman group. Most
studies and books on Naga are written in English but
sometimes their contents vary from one to another,
confusing readers. For example, one of Naga tribe
mentioned in one book never appears in another, or
sub-groups are divided differently depending on
different studies. One British writer says that the Naga
are related to Kachin, not Chin, while another points
out that the Kuki-Chin tribe has the closest
relationship with Naga than any other of the surrounding
tribes. The Indian Nagas from Assam do not look like
Nagas in Myanmar, but appear to physically look more
like Chins in Myanmar.
The principle reasons for the Naga taking heads was to
avenge a killing, appease gods and for personal glory.
Often heads or other body parts were hung from trees to
‘fertilize’ the community and arrows were placed in the
eyes to ward off evil spirits. Naga men generally go
almost naked except for a small loincloth. Men's tattoos
are a form of identity signifying his villages and
tribe. Women usually go bear breasted and wear tattoos
from the time they are children as a sign to the gods.
Now because of Christianity and influence from other
Burmese cultures, tattooing is disappearing. Even today, Nagas
hunt tigers and elephants with spears and bows.
The Naga's biggest festival is the Lunar New Year on
January 15th, known as Kaing Bi and is organized by Naga
festival committee who chooses each year's festival
location. The committee is now under the control of
central government who helps them coordinate activities.
All Naga tribes in Myanmar, and some in India, send
delegations to this occasion making it the perfect
opportunity to see variety of different Naga people in
one place.
Although most people have heard about Naga tribes there
are some who have see them and only a few who have been
to their area. During this new year festival you will be
busy shaking hands with Naga warriors wearing hats made
from bear fur, wild boar tusks, hornbill feathers, and
tiger claws. Some also have tiger fangs hanging from
their necklaces. This expeditions involve a crossing
wild pristine forests and tribal villages where
civilization has almost never touched.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01 - Jan 12 (L/D) : The flight departs Yangon
Airport for Homalin via Mandalay. Enjoy lunch and
refreshments on four hours long shuttle boat trip with
breathtaking views from Homalin to Htamanthi on Chindwin
River. Panoramic scenery of Naga Hills wait for you
along the road from Htamanthi to Leshi up hill drive by
4 x 4 Off Road Pickups. Dinner and night rest at
Traditional Houses in Leshi.
Day
02 - Jan 13 (B/L/D) : Excursion to near by villages
by car or on foot by own arrangement after breakfast.
Lunch boxes can be ordered at the Reception and
Information Counter beforehand. An informative video
feature on Naga will be entertained after dinner.
Day 03 Jan 14(B/L/D) :
Guests may take part in the Naga Traditional Pole
Erection Ceremony from 08:00 am to 11:00 am. Enjoy the
Auction Show of Naga Traditional household goods in the
Dining Hall after lunch.
Day 04 Jan 15(B/L/D) : After breakfast, Guests
take their places on the Festival grounds to attend the
opening ceremony of Naga
Traditional New Year commencing at 8:30 am. In
the evening, enjoy the Naga Traditional Food and Rice
Wine by self-help basis and take part in the welcoming
Naga New Year dancing around the bonfire between 7:00 pm
and 10:00 pm.
Day 05 Jan 16 (B/L) : Early morning breakfast at
4:00 am. Depart Leshi at 5:0
0
am. and heads back Yangon. The services come to an end
at Yangon International Airport.
Price Rate:
Foreigner : US$ 1500 ( per person)
Tour Guide & Local Visitors: 600,000/Kyats (per person)
Transportation:
Flight , Local Light Trucks & Jeeps & Shuttle Boat ,
Charter Flight will be arranged depend on number of
visitors
Accommodation:
Traditional Tent
