Mon Town, Nagaland, is the gateway to a village whose chief rules on both sides of an international border. Longwa, about 42 km from Mon, sits right on the India–Myanmar border, and its hereditary chief, the Angh, is described as ruling over more than 70 villages spread across both countries.
Mon is the headquarters of Nagaland’s northernmost district and the heartland of the Konyak Nagas, known for their tattooed elders who once fought as headhunters, their skilled wood carvers and their April festival, Aoling. Here’s where Mon is, how to reach it and what’s nearby.
Mon at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| State | Nagaland |
| Role | Headquarters of Mon district |
| People | Konyak Naga |
| Main festival | Aoling (Aoleang Monyu), 1–6 April |
| Highway | NH 702 |
| Nearest airport | Dibrugarh (Mohanbari), about 122–130 km |
| Nearest railway stations | Bhojo (near Sonari), Dibrugarh, Simaluguri or Sivasagar (sources vary) |
| Assam gateway town | Sonari |
| Border entry point | Namtola (Assam) to Tizit (Nagaland) |
| Distance to Longwa | About 42 km, roughly 2 hours |
Before You Go: Inner Line Permit
Indian citizens who aren’t residents of Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit to enter the state. Apply online or get one in Dimapur or Kohima before travelling.
The Konyak Nagas
- Tattoos: Elder Konyak men carry facial tattoos that traditionally marked their success as headhunters. Headhunting ended long ago, and the remaining tattooed elders are now in their final generation.
- Trophies: Some homes still display animal horns, tusks and hornbill beaks, a reminder of older warrior traditions.
- Crafts: Beadwork, headgear with bright feathers and detailed wood carvings, especially in villages like Shangnyu.
- Leadership: Villages are led by a hereditary chief, the Angh.
Aoling Festival
- When: Every year from 1 to 6 April.
- What it marks: The start of the new year for the Konyaks, after the sowing season.
- What you’ll see: Traditional dress, dances, songs, feasts and ceremonial gunfire.
- Tip: Different villages hold their main celebrations on different days. For example, Sheanghah Chingyu held its main ceremonies on day four and Longwa on day six in recent years. Transport also gets scarce during the festival, so book early.
Getting to Mon Town, Nagaland
By Air
- Dibrugarh (Mohanbari) Airport: The nearest airport. Wikipedia puts it at 122 km, and one travel blog says about 130 km or 5 hours by road.
- Jorhat Airport: Another option, about 161 km away.
By Rail
Sources disagree on the most practical station:
- Dibrugarh: About 115 km away, according to Wikipedia, with the most trains.
- Bhojo: About 3 km from Sonari, which is the main road gateway to Mon.
- Simaluguri Junction and Sivasagar Town: Also mentioned by some guides.
For most travellers, the easiest route is to arrive at Dibrugarh by air or train and then drive to Mon.
By Road
- From Sonari: Shared Tata Sumos to Mon leave early, around 7 am. Timings can vary, so confirm locally.
- Alternative route: Take an auto from Sonari to Namtola, cross the Assam–Nagaland border gate into Tizit, and catch a shared Sumo to Mon, which runs throughout the day.
- Distance from Sonari: About 65 km, according to one source.
- Road conditions: The stretch beyond Tizit can be rough, so allow extra time.
- Other routes: Buses and jeeps also run from Dibrugarh via Sivasagar and from Mokokchung.
Nearby Areas and Places to Visit
Longwa
- Distance: About 42 km from Mon, roughly 2 hours by road.
- Border village: The India–Myanmar border runs through the village.
- The Angh’s house: A major attraction, decorated with animal skull trophies.
- Zero Point: A viewpoint over Myanmar.
- Veda Peak: The highest point nearby, with views of the Chindwin River in Myanmar.
Shangnyu
Famous for its wood carvings, it’s one of the best places to see Konyak craftsmanship.
Chui Village
Home of another Angh, whose house is a popular stop for visitors.
Sheanghah Chingyu
One of the largest and most influential Konyak villages, especially lively during Aoling.
Naginimora
A coal-exporting town in the district whose name comes from “Naga Rani Mora,” meaning “the burial place of the Naga queen.”
Sonari (Assam)
The main road gateway to Mon, a centre for tea and timber, and close to the Charaideo moidams.
Travel Tips
- Best time: November to March for pleasant weather, or April for Aoling.
- Cash: ATMs are scarce beyond Mon, so carry enough cash.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy in remote villages.
- Respect: Always ask before photographing people, especially tattooed elders.
- Guides: A local guide helps with directions and village etiquette.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need a permit to visit Mon?
A: Yes. Indian citizens who aren’t residents of Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit, which can be applied for online or obtained in Dimapur or Kohima.
Q2. When is the Aoling festival in Mon?
A: Every year from 1 to 6 April. Main celebrations fall on different days in different villages, so check locally before visiting.
Q3. How far is Longwa from Mon town?
A: About 42 km, roughly 2 hours by road. The village sits on the India–Myanmar border.
Q4. What is the nearest airport to Mon?
A: Dibrugarh Airport in Assam, about 122–130 km away. Jorhat Airport, about 161 km away, is another option.