Ziro Festival of Music

The Ziro music festival is one of the biggest attractions in Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh and a music lover’s paradise. Now in its 11th year, the four-day festival is held in September and features top indie and folk artists from India. It started small in 2012 but today thousands of people attend each year to enjoy live performances amidst the beautiful surroundings.

The Ziro music festival has three unique stages made entirely from local bamboo by skilled craftsmen. These are named after Donyi-Polo beliefs – Donyi for the sun, Piilo for the moon and Takar for the stars. No other material besides bamboo is used to build intricate structures that last the duration. Each stage hosts artists through the day playing different music genres.

Being one of the most eco-friendly festivals is a huge priority. Plastic bottles and other single-use items are banned on premises. Visitors carry their own utensils; food comes wrapped in leaves and wood cutlery is provided. Bamboo is also used for fencing, signages and other infrastructure ensuring minimal carbon footprint. Dustbins segregate waste for proper disposal afterwards.

Over the years, Arunachal Pradesh Ziro festival has hosted celebrated indie singers like Mohit Chauhan and Lucky Ali along with veteran classical artists. International underground names like Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo have also mesmerised crowds. Northeastern folk bands get a strong platform to showcase diverse Indian music. 

While early access was difficult, improved connectivity means visitors can easily reach the music festival Ziro. Alliance Air even launched direct flights from Guwahati in 2023. Trains go from Guwahati to Naharlagun daily, then one takes a 3-hour taxi ride to Ziro. Tickets available online in advance sell out fast so book early! Make sure to also obtain the mandatory permit for entering Arunachal Pradesh.

How to reach Ziro Valley 

By Air:

The nearest airport to Ziro Valley is in Jorhat, Assam which is over 90km away. Other options for flying in include Lilabari airport which is 123km from Ziro, or taking an international flight to Guwahati airport which is 449km away. From any of these airports, you will need to hire a taxi or public transportation to cover the remaining distance to Ziro Valley.

By Train:

The closest train station is Naharlagun, located 100km from Ziro Valley. Trains run from Delhi and Guwahati to this station. From Naharlagun station, you can hire a private taxi which will take around 4 hours to reach Ziro Valley. Another nearby station is North Lakhimpur which is 117km from Ziro, in case you choose to alight there instead.

By Road:

One direct option is to take the overnight bus from Guwahati which operates 4 days a week. Otherwise, you can travel by road to nearby towns like Itanagar or North Lakhimpur and find shared taxis or other vehicles from there. Hiring a taxi or sumo from these towns covers the remaining distance to Ziro Valley in a few hours. Well-maintained roads connect Ziro to other parts of the state.

Places to visit in Ziro Valley

There are several beautiful places to visit when in Ziro Valley. Some of the Places to visit in Ziro Valley are as follows- 

• Tarin Fish Farm is a must-see to learn about the unique rice cultivation method of the locals. You can see rice being grown along with fish here. Kile Pakho is a hilltop with amazing views of the valley below. Don’t forget your camera!
• Meghna Cave Temple located in old Ziro is a historic cave with intricate carvings. Photographs don’t do justice to this place; you need to visit. Natural marvel Shiv Linga is a rock formation resembling the Hindu god Shiva and offers stunning landscape photos.
• Dolo Mando has pleasant short treks through farms with mesmerizing vistas. Pine Grove, also called Myolyang is a picturesque picnic spot amidst tall pine trees. Midey is for trekkers who don’t mind rugged trails as it can only be reached by foot.
• Do check village Ziro tour to experience local culture and handicrafts. Plan at least two full days to experience these beautiful places and unwind in nature. Carve out time to interact with the friendly local Apatani tribes as well.

Conclusion 

Ziro Valley is the kind of place where you can truly unwind in nature’s lap and experience a diverse local culture. Be sure to spend quality time interacting with the Apatani tribes and understanding their traditions in your Ziro tourism. Do leave extra days in your itinerary to unwind and discover hidden local gems off the beaten path. Most importantly, respect the environment and people during your visit. With a little planning as per the guidelines in this blog, you are sure to fall in love with Ziro Valley and make memories to last a lifetime. We hope your trip to this scenic valley is a relaxing and enriching experience.