The short answer
Longpi (Nungbi) Black Pottery: what visitors should know first
Go if you care about crafts and don't mind a long, slow drive. Longpi is roughly 38 km from Ukhrul on the Ukhrul-Jessami road, one source's figure. Buy from makers, agree prices before you pay, and carry pieces wrapped.
History and context
The story behind Longpi (Nungbi) Black Pottery
The pottery is traditionally made by the Tangkhul Naga community of Ukhrul district. It is formed by hand without a potter's wheel, polished, sun-dried and fired in a bonfire. Village names vary in sources, with Longpi and Nungbi both used.
Useful facts
Longpi (Nungbi) Black Pottery facts at a glance
- Location
- Longpi village, Ukhrul district
- Experience type
- Craft visit and shopping
- Known for
- Handmade black stone pottery
- Distance
- Roughly 38 km from Ukhrul (one source)
- Technique
- No wheel; bonfire firing
- Good for
- Craft buyers
Why it matters
Why Longpi (Nungbi) Black Pottery is worth your time
Longpi pottery is one of the best-known crafts of the Tangkhul Nagas and one of the few handmade pottery traditions of Manipur that uses stone.
The pottery is formed by hand and fired in an open bonfire, so no two pieces match, and the craft is passed on within families. Buying directly keeps income in the village rather than with middlemen. It is also a quieter way to experience Tangkhul culture than the large festival crowds.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Wheel-free pottery
Pieces are shaped by hand and polished before firing.
- 02
Black finish
The dark colour comes from the stone and the firing.
- 03
Buy from makers
Purchases go directly to the potters.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Longpi pottery is named after Longpi village, and the district tourism page lists it as Longpi (Nungbi) pottery known for its distinct colours and designs. It is a long drive from Ukhrul along the Ukhrul-Jessami road, so go with a car and driver, leave in the morning and allow most of a day.
At the village you can watch potters shape pieces by hand, without a wheel, polish them and fire them in an open bonfire. The black colour comes from the firing and the materials, which include a local dark stone. Ask politely before photographing a potter, and buy a piece or two to support the craft.
Wrap fragile pieces carefully and carry them by hand. Ask for the maker's name if you want to know where a piece came from.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm the drive time with your driver
- Agree prices before buying
- Wrap fragile pieces
- Ask before photographing potters
- Carry cash
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Longpi village, roughly 38 km from Ukhrul on the Ukhrul-Jessami road
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel
- Best time
- Dry months, October to March
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The effort is the long drive on hill roads, not the walking. Village lanes may be uneven, so wear good shoes and take breaks along the way.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fee. Pieces are sold directly; prices are not fixed, so ask and agree before buying.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Longpi (Nungbi) Black Pottery
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The effort is the long drive on hill roads, not the walking. Village lanes may be uneven, so wear good shoes and take breaks along the way.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Longpi from Ukhrul?
One source gives roughly 38 km on the Ukhrul-Jessami road; confirm with your driver.
Is it hand-made?
Yes, shaped by hand without a wheel and fired in a bonfire.
Can I see potters at work?
Often, but ask locally; schedules vary.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.