The people of this town in Nagaland live in two countries!

The people of this town in Nagaland live in two countries!

entering longwaSituated on the Indo-Myanmar border, it is an intriguing journey. This extraordinary town, located in the district of Mon de NagalandIt is the home of the Konyak tribe, where families live with one foot in India and the other in Myanmar. There are no clear lines; You could also walk to Myanmar, watch the sunrise, and walk back to India for breakfast. That’s why Longwa’s unique location and fascinating culture make it an intriguing destination for travelers who want to understand what life is like on the margins of two nations.

Living between borders

What makes Longwa really interesting is that the international border between India and Myanmar runs through the village, even passing through the chief’s (Angh) house! This means the kitchen can be in India while the bedroom is in Myanmar! Longwa residents do not need passports to cross from one side to the other; For them, this border is just an invisible line that does not affect their daily lives. Villagers move freely between both countries, farming on one side and residing on the other, without worries about visas or customs.

Longwa is inhabited by the Konyak tribe, one of the largest and best-known tribes in Nagaland, famous for their history as fierce headhunters. While headhunting is a practice left in the past, remnants of the Konyak warriors’ traditions can still be seen today. The older generation of men, known for their elaborate facial tattoos and large ear piercings, wear these symbols of bravery with pride.

Longwa is governed by an Angh, or chief, who wields considerable influence on both sides of the border. Interestingly, the Angh of Longwa has jurisdiction over dozens of villages spread across India and Myanmar.

A visit to Longwa offers a unique opportunity to explore a town that has preserved its ancient traditions while living in the modern geopolitical context of two countries. The town is surrounded by picturesque hills, lush green forests and misty clouds that enhance its charm. Walking through Longwa, you will notice traditional longhouses made of bamboo and thatch, each housing extended families. The craftsmanship of the locals is also evident in the intricate wood carvings that adorn many homes.

Here you can interact with the Konyaks, who are skilled artisans, known for their hand-woven shawls, beadwork and wood carvings. Craftsmanship is not only a cultural expression but also a livelihood, and many of the products are available for purchase. Travelers often take home handmade objects as souvenirs of the time they spent in this extraordinary town. With basic amenities, life in this town is truly off the grid.

How to get to Longwa

Longwa is located in Mon district of Nagaland, about three hours drive from Mon city. The nearest airport is Jorhat (Assam), 161 km away, but there are no direct buses available. Travelers must first reach Sonari or Simulguri to continue to Mon.

Note: To visit Longwa, travelers must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland, which can be easily obtained online or through local authorities.