Day 133 - Mokokchung

Mokokchung, a town in Mokokchung district of Nagaland state is the home of the Ao Naga.The district is divided sub-divided into six ranges, that are Tzurangkong range, Japukong range, Changkikong range, Asetkong range, Langpangkong range and Ongpangkong range.With mostly inhabited by the Ao Naga tribe, Christianity is the predominant religion of this district. Around 95% of the population residing within the destination is Baptist and the Ao Naga tribe were the ones who introduced Christianity in the region in 19th century. In addition, the place is also known as the cultural and intellectual capital of the state of Nagaland.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport is situated in the city of Guwahati.The town of Mokokchung is situated at a distance of around 276 kilometers from the city of Guwahati.

By Rail: Dimapur is the nearest rail-head.


Best time to visit: October to March.


Languages spoken: English.


Places you must visit: 

Chuchuyimlang is a beautiful village renowned for the celebration of various tribal festivals. These festivals are celebrated since the birth of Ao Naga tribes. The Moatsu festival commences on 1st May and lasts for three days.



Ungma is the 2nd largest village in Nagaland. It is considered as the oldest and the largest of all the Ao villages. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Ao Naga tribes. The natives of the village follow and preserve the Ao culture and tradition.An old log drum, a beautiful park on its outskirts and a Baptist church are some of the popular attractions of the village. The Moatsu and Tsungremong festivals are celebrated in the village, during which the local people display traditional art forms and dances.





Mopungchuket is an Ao village in Mokokchung District, renowned for its historic past and romantic story of Jina and Etiben. A tower commemorating their love story and struggle is one of the prominent attractions of the village. It is believed that the monuments located on the outskirts of the village provided shelter to the Ahoms. The village museum, time-pillar and morungs are some of the other attractions of the village.





Morung, a popular Ao village, is renowned as the place of origin of Christianity in the Naga Hills, in 1872. The village lies in the Changkikong Range of the Mokokchung District and is considered as the first village of the Naga Hills.The site has an ancient leechi tree, which is believed to have been planted by Dr. E. W. Clark, the first American Missionary. The Mongsenyimti and Langpangkong are some of the nearby places visited which is on the way to Morung.








Changkikong Range is named after Changki, a resident of Changki village.  To the west of this range lies the parallel range of Japukong Range.






Ongpangkong Range derives its name from the local word ‘Ongpang’, meaning ‘higher’. The entire range forms the irregular boundary of the Ao area and is higher than other ranges in the region. Lothas, Semas and Sangtams reside in these ranges.



Tzurangkong Range is a group of small hillocks located between the valleys of Dissai and Jhanzi Rivers. It is densely covered with bamboo trees and has warm climatic conditions.



Asetkong Range is located in the centre of the district and is situated between the valleys of Melak and Menung rivers.



Langpangkong Caves are located in the Langpangkong mountain range. The caves are situated between the valleys of Dikhu and Tzula Rivers. It is believed that the caves provided shelter to an Ahom King.




Longkhum village is at a height of around 1,846 m and is surrounded by rhododendrons shrubs. Following the traditions and customs of Ao Naga, the village practices Limapur, an orthodox religion. There are numerous shrines dedicated to God Longlanpa Tsungrem in the village