Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio officially declared Chungtia Village in Mokokchung district as a tourist destination, following a proposal from the Chungtia Village Council and the Chungtia Students’ Union seeking recognition of the village as a Heritage and Adventure Park.
The initiative aims to preserve Chungtia’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and adventure activities. In their representation to the Chief Minister, the Village Council highlighted the presence of ancient monoliths, sacred sites, and historical artifacts, which reflect the Ao community’s spiritual and cultural evolution.
Chungtia is set to become a hub for adventure enthusiasts as per an application submitted by the village. The attractions include:
Paragliding: Soaring over pristine landscapes and hornbill habitats from Tüvlong Peak, covering nearly 4.3 km of scenic flight.
Rock Climbing: A challenging 160-meter ascent offering breathtaking views of Chungtia and glimpses of the Himalayan ranges on clear days.
Tüvlong Viewpoint: A 14-meter observation tower providing panoramic vistas of lush forests, rivers, and valleys.
Cliffside Footpaths and Eco-Trails: Offering immersive nature walks and opportunities to explore traditional medicinal plants, the Eri silk project, and rural life in harmony with nature.
According to the village council, Chungtia’s declaration as a heritage site underlined its importance as a living chronicle of Ao traditions. Sacred sites such as Tüvlong, Arijuma Tzütu, Yimrongdong, and Sungkum Api are integral to the village’s spiritual identity. The village’s history also showcases cultural adaptation, preserving indigenous practices even as Christianity became prevalent.
The Village Council emphasized that heritage recognition would support cultural education, sustainable tourism, and community livelihood while conserving oral traditions, environmental wisdom, and sacred landmarks.
Chungtia is not just a village; it is a living museum of human resilience, faith, and harmony with nature,” the Council noted. “By declaring it a Heritage and Adventure Park, we ensure that future generations can witness, learn, and draw inspiration from its enduring legacy.”
Earlier today, a monolith on behalf of the AKM conference was inaugurated by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.