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Location : Nagaland

Languages : Ao ,English

Climate : Summers are not very hot while winters are quiet cold

Major Attractions : Ungma, Longkhum

Best Visiting Time : October, November

Mokokchung, a district of Nagaland, is the commercial hub and a renowned cultural center. Comprising of 16 wards, it is one of the important center of economical as well as political development. The city is famous for its grand scaled festivals and events. Its topography comprises of many hill ranges that extend equally in the same direction.

Located at an altitude of about 1325 meters from sea level and is blesses with pleasant weather throughout the year.

Cultural Significance :

Mokokchung is known for its ethnic culture as is exhibited in the lifestyle of Ao tribe who are known to celebrate Moatsu Festival with vigor and enthusiasm. It is be cause of the predominance of this tribe that the city is commonly referred to as "Ao Heartland". People are simple and welcome you with hospitability. Regular cultural programs are organized throughout the year. The ethnic dresses of Ao tribes which consists of a red shawl and a white band, is a symbol of victory.

Attractions :

Natural Beauty :

The city is known for its hills and rugged terrain; presence of several gorges as well as glens that make their way through these hills add to the natural beauty of the place. On western side, you will come across two valleys named Tuli and Changki. Among the important ranges that frame the physiography of the place are Asetkong, Tzurangkong, Langpangkong, Asetkong, and Changkikong. Let's have a little peak into these ranges and know more about them:

Langpangkong Range :

Located in the easternmost direction, this range runs parallel to Dikhu River. This stream of water acts as an extremity of the city. As the vistas of the range are spread like a sheet of bed, it is called Langpangkong, as the word "Lanpang" stands for bed.

Ongpangkong Range :

Forming the southernmost portion, Ongpangkong is named so as the land is more elevated than in other areas. The area is inhabited by tribes like Lothas, Sangtams, and Sumas.

Tzurangkong Range :

Thickly populated with trees of bamboos, this hillock seems to merge with Assam plains at the valley formed by Jhanzi and Dissai rivers.

Japukong Range :

It lies to the southern direction of Tzurangkong range.

Asetkong Range :

Among all the ranges, it is shortest and is fringed by Menung and Melak rivers. Its presence within two rivers gives it an appearance of an island.

Attractions :

Longkhum :

Known for its well developed handicrafts industry, Longkhum is a major attraction of Mokokchung. The skill of the artists is reflected in its exquisite works of handloom. This picturesque place is located atop a hillock and is covered with plenty of rhododendrons. Limapur, an ancient religion, is practiced here and involves worshipping a deity named Longlanpa Tsugrem.

Longritzu Lenden :

This sacred river valley is associated with numerous myths and traditions. It is believed that a secret river lies here. The spirits of their ancestors were considered to be passing through the valley where they took sacred bath in river. Upon seeing themselves as comprising of only bones and no flesh, they used to realize they were not longer alive. It is also believed that a hammer and a stone used for preparing soap were also present. A visit to this intriguing place can be quiet interesting to you.

Ungma :

Situated at a short distance from Mokokchung, this village is the second largest of all the villages that exist in Nagaland. Associated with the legends of Ao tribe, this tourist attraction allows you to explore the age old culture linked with it. Ungma is supposed to have been founded by this tribe. The numerous traditions that Ao tribe is still practicing make your visit a marvelous experience.

Tangkum Marok :

This mysterious spring is linked with healing powers that are considered a boon to life. The water from the spring emanates from a rock and is known of its refreshing taste.

Chuchuyimlang :

Another nice village that is inhabited by Ao tribe is Chuchuyimlang. The tribesmen hold a number of festivals here. Moatsu Festival is among the popular ones. It is celebrated by exchanging gifts with neighboring village in order to strengthen ties with them. The festivities are a manifestation of the zeal of the villagers.

Accommodation :

There aren't many accommodations here; Circuit House at D.C.Hill offers both normal and deluxe rooms. The deluxe ones are exclusively for VIPs. Cost of a normal room is Rs. 200 while the other one costs Rs. 350/-. Longkumer Kilem is a guest house where lodging charges are Rs. 500/-. These accommodations come with modern facilities like air conditioned rooms, cosy beds, room service etc.

Dining :

There are many restaurants and eating joints that offer palatable food. A fewer in this regard are The Restaurant (Imnameren Road), Circuit House, Eat Fit, and Longkumer Kilem.

Events :

There are many events that are organized at Mokokchung on regular basis. MDFA is a soccer tournament organized at district level. Midnight Service is organized on the eve of New Year; celebrations are organized and are accompanied by rock bands, dazzling fireworks, & entertainment shows.

Mokokchung is a hub of tribal culture; visit this city to explore to untwine the intricacies associated with it.