The Hornbill Festival is scheduled for 1 to 10 December 2026 at Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 km from Kohima. From Guwahati it's about 350 km. You can ride it in one very long day, but on a rented bike we'd split it. This is how we'd plan it, and which bike we'd put you on.
The road, the stops and the festival itself are in our Guwahati to Kohima route guide and the Hornbill Festival page. This post is about the bike.
Two days up, with a night in Dimapur
Day 1 is Guwahati to Dimapur. Day 2 is Dimapur to Kohima, about 70 to 75 km, and it climbs. Start that stretch in the morning, so you reach Kohima in daylight and aren't riding hills in the dark.
The way back can be one day or two. The route guide plans the whole trip as 5 days.
Which bike to take
| If you are | Take | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Two riders with luggage | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | Made for long days riding two-up with luggage. It has crash guards and a rear rack. |
| A couple who want it easy | Royal Enfield Scram 440 | Upright, relaxed seat for long days. |
| Solo, with rougher patches ahead | Hero XPulse 210 or Hero XPulse 200 4V | Long-travel suspension and a 21-inch front wheel. |
| Solo, on a budget, mostly highway | Bajaj Pulsar N160 | 160cc with dual-channel ABS. |
We don't suggest a scooter for this one. It's 350 km each way, and the last stretch climbs.
What 5 days costs
| Bike | 5 days |
|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | ₹12,495 |
| Royal Enfield Scram 440 | ₹9,995 |
| Hero XPulse 210 | ₹8,495 |
| Bajaj Pulsar N160 | ₹5,995 |
Guwahati to Kohima and back is about 700 km, well inside the 1,500 km included in 5 days. Helmet included, and we don't take a vehicle deposit. You pay a deposit that covers a full tank of fuel, settled when you return the bike.
Fuel and cash
We hand every bike over with a full tank. Top up in the towns on the way and in Dimapur. Take cash in Dimapur before the hill section, and keep some on you, because cards and mobile network can fail.
The cold
Mornings and nights in Kohima are cold in early December. Pack a thermal layer, a windproof jacket and gloves, and check the forecast before you leave. On the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, use soft bags that strap onto the rear rack. More on riding in winter in our northeast winter bike trip post.
The Inner Line Permit
Indian visitors from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Apply online on the official portal, ilp.nagaland.gov.in, before you travel, and carry a copy. Tell us your dates when you book and we'll help you apply.
Parking at Kisama
Parking at the festival ground is limited. Most people park in Kohima and take a shuttle or taxi for the last stretch.
Bikes you can take to Kohima
Helmet included, no vehicle deposit
Self-drive · BikeYamaha FZ-S FI V2Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeHonda SP 125Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeBajaj Pulsar N160Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,199/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Scram 440Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,999/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹2,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 200 4VSolo riders · Off-road trailsfrom ₹1,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 210Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,699/dayReady to book? See the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, or all our adventure bikes.
FAQs
Which bike is best for the Hornbill Festival? The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 if there are two of you with luggage. The Royal Enfield Scram 440 for a relaxed ride, and an Hero XPulse 210 or Bajaj Pulsar N160 if you're riding solo.
How many days do I need? We'd plan two days up with a night in Dimapur. Our route guide plans the whole trip as 5 days.
Do I need a permit to ride to Kohima? Yes, an Inner Line Permit if you're from outside Nagaland. Apply on ilp.nagaland.gov.in before you travel. We help our rental customers apply.
Where do I park at Kisama? Parking there is limited. Park in Kohima and take a shuttle or taxi for the last stretch.
Can I take a scooter? We'd take a bike instead. It's 350 km each way, and the last stretch climbs.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
