If Japan and Korea’s cherry blossoms are not on your travel plan this year, why not head to Nagaland in India itself? The cherry blossom season in Nagaland is capturing the attention of many tourists, both Indian and foreigners alike. From Kohima to Longkhum, Nagaland is blessed with some of the best cherry blossom landscapes in the country. And if this has got you excited already, here’s the ultimate Nagaland cherry blossom guide for you!
Guide To Nagaland Cherry Blossom Season: Blooming Season, Best Places To Visit, ILP Details, And More
Blooming Season Of The Pink Cherry Blossoms In Northeast India
The cherry blossom species in Nagaland and neighboring regions belong to the Himalayan cherry species. These bloom typically in late autumn to early winter season, making it ideal for tourists to plan their winter trip just in time of the cherry blossom season.
The blooming window for these cherry blossom species is from late October to late November. Sometimes, the cherry blossom season extends to early December, however, it highly depends on the weather.
Also Read: Hornbill Festival 2025: All You Need To Know About Nagaland’s ‘Festival Of Festivals
Pink Cherry Blossoms In Northeast India Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit
Longkhum (Mokokchung District)
Nagaland’s Longkhum is the epicenter of the cherry blossom experience in the state. It is home to the state’s first official cherry blossom festival since 2023, inviting both locals and visitors alike from all over the country.
As trees, hills, orchards, and surrounding landscapes get dotted with specks of pink blossoms, the entire region of Longkhum transforms into an ethereal, almost whimsical place.
How to reach:
- Shared taxis and buses from Dimapur, one of Nagaland’s largest urban centers.
- Mokokchung is the nearest town, located about 17 to 20 km away. Taxis and shared vehicles from Mokokchung can help you reach Longkhum.
- Mariani in Assam has the closest railhead (~85 km) and you can get buses or shared vehicles from here.
- Jorhat airport in Assam (~140 km) is the closest airport, whereas Dimapur airport (~183 to 200 km) is the closest airport within the state boundaries.
Kohima (The Capital City)
Nagaland’s capital city, Kohima, enjoys a stunning cherry blossom season. The city is the major hub of commerce and tourism, housing many restaurants, hotels, homestays, cafes, and other infrastructure. With Kohima’s blossoms generally opening in early to mid-November, you can start your Nagaland cherry blossom trip from the capital city.
Visit the Heritage Area of Kohima and nearby public gardens in the city to view the stunning landscape dotted with the city’s quaint buildings and light pink blooms!
Local food to try in Kohima during cherry blossom season: Smoked pork with bamboo shoots, local rice beer – zutho, galho (Naga-style porridge), axone (fermented soybean paste accompanied by beef or pork), bamboo steamed fish, and more. While more traditional Indian food dishes are limited in availability, Nagaland is blessed with a healthy, versatile, and delicious cuisine, suitable for both vegetarian and meat lovers.
How to reach:
- Bus services and shared vehicles available from urban centers like Dimapur and Guwahati.
- Dimapur Airport is the closest and the only airport in Nagaland. It is about 60 to 70 km away from Kohima, depending on routes and traffic conditions.
- Dimapur Railway Station is the closest railhead (~75 km) to Kohima. Buses and shared vehicles are easily available from the station.
Pfutsero
If you’re looking for a lesser-known spot in Nagaland to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms, you must head to Pfutsero. As one of the highest towns in the state, it reports occasional Himalayan cherry blossoms.
Pfutsero is a great offbeat spot to explore within Nagaland, especially when you have a spare day left in your itinerary or are looking for a fun day-time adventure.
How to reach:
- State-run bus services and shared cabs are available from Kohima to Pfutsero (~60 km) but note that frequency is limited.
- Shared cabs and private taxis are the next best options from Kohima, as they are faster, comfortable, and more reliable.
Also Read: Nagaland Cherry Blossom Guide: Best Spots, Dates & Travel Tips for 2025
Nagaland Inner Line Permit Details
To enter Nagaland, tourists (non-Nagaland residents) must obtain the Nagaland Inner Line Permit. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or mandatory registration.
Where to apply: The official ILP website – www.ilp.nagaland.gov.in, Nagaland House Offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, or Deputy Commissioner offices in Nagaland.
Documents required: Passport-size photograph, government issued ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, etc), and other documents depending on the application (student, merchant, etc).
ILP validity: 30 days to 5 years depending on the ILP category.
Application process:
- Visit the official website of the Nagaland Inner Line Permit.
- Select ‘apply new ILP’.
- Fill necessary details and upload documents.
- Pay the required fees, starting INR 200 onwards.
- Once the payment has been confirmed, you can download your ILP copy.
Things To Keep In Mind When Visiting Nagaland During Cherry Blossom Season
- Prefer to get an online ILP as it is more convenient and saves you from the hassle of offline documentation and other ILP processes.
- For more comfort and access to modern amenities, we recommend setting Kohima or Dimapur as your base.
- However, if you don’t mind living the way the locals do, you can book homestays in Kohima, Mokokchung, or Longkhum.
- Pack warm layers of clothing as temperatures are cool throughout the day.
- Have a rough itinerary of the places you’re intending to visit and also map out your commute. Keep the itinerary flexible to account for any last minute delays, cancellations, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Book your flights to either Dimapur or Guwahati and then take a cab to Kohima (if you intend to stay there). Book early to get lower prices, as prices often hike just before the beginning of the cherry blossom season.
- Do not cause environmental harm, clean up after yourselves, and respect local traditions and customs. Always ask locals for their permission before clicking their images.
Summing Up
The Cherry Blossom Season in Nagaland is an experience you will never forget. It’s ethereal, almost unreal, and located within the country, making it perfect for those who get overwhelmed at the thought of a full-fledged international trip. Book your tickets early, plan your journey in advance, and connect with locals to get a better understanding of the Northeast culture. The cherry blossom season is definitely a must-have experience in India!
