Arunachal Pradesh – Ziro Valley – Ziro Music Festival (Typically Late September)
Introduction: A Festival in the Clouds
Picture yourself in the midst of a green valley with pine hills all around you, the smell of soil in the air, and music played by independent bands ringing through the cold mountain wind. This is no dream — it’s the Ziro Music Festival, held annually in the beautiful Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
It takes place in late September and is India’s response to a soulful, eco-friendly, and alternative music retreat. If you’re a music lover, nature enthusiast, cultural sucker, and fan of peaceful atmosphere — this one’s got to be on your bucket list.
Why Ziro Valley is Special
Ziro Valley is in Lower Subansiri district, the abode of the Apatani tribe with their distinctive culture, organic farming, and hospitality. Terraced rice fields, pine forests, and fog-covered hills dot the area — perhaps one of the most picturesque places in Northeast India.
It’s peaceful. Unspoiled. Untainted.
Ziro Music Festival: Where Music Meets Mountains
Having been started in 2012, the Ziro Music Festival was born out of the vision of Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty (Menwhopause). The festival has since become one of India’s most popular indie music festivals, attracting musicians from all over India and the world.
What Sets It Apart?
- Wooden open-air stages amidst a rice paddy
- Emphasis on independent music (no commercial Bollywood)
- Green setup with zero plastic and low-impact operations
- A culture of music and tribes like no other place
When does the Ziro Festival Take Place?
The Ziro Festival typically takes place during the end of September. Perfect weather: post-monsoon foliage, nice climate, and before it gets chilly.
How to Travel to Ziro Valley
It’s not easy getting to Ziro — but that’s what makes it so special.
By Air:
- Nearest airport: Lilabari Airport (Assam), approximately 100 km from Ziro
- Then, take a taxi or shared cab on hire
By Train:
- Nearest railway station: Naharlagun (approximately 90 km from Ziro)
- Trains are available from Guwahati to Naharlagun
By Road:
- Daily buses and shared cabs from Itanagar and North Lakhimpur
- Private vehicles can also be hired from Assam or Arunachal
Note: You’ll require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to get into Arunachal Pradesh — no trouble to get one online or at special counters.
Where to Stay During the Festival
Notre Dame des Apôtres
Options include:
- Camping tents close to the site (some with tickets included)
- Homestays with Apatani people
- Eco-resorts and guesthouses
Early booking is advisable since Ziro gets booked quickly during the festival time.
Food & Local Experience
Backpacking delhi
During the festival, you may indulge in:
- Local Apatani cuisine (bamboo shoot, smoked pork, boiled vegetables)
- Thukpa, momos, and millet-based dishes
- Arunachali rice beer (Apong) brewed at home
The festival also turns into a cultural hub — dance rings, bonfires, tales, and market stalls selling handmade crafts.
What to Carry to Ziro Festival
- Light woollens (evenings are chilly in September)
- Raincoat (just in case)
- Waterproof shoes
- A flashlight or headlamp
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle (eco-friendly festival!)
What Makes the Ziro Music Festival a Must-Visit?
- A break from the chaos of commercial music
- A chance to connect with nature, culture, and real people
- No cell network = digital detox
- Wake up to misty mornings, spend the day grooving, and sleep under a sky full of stars
Tips Before You Go
- Arrive 1-2 days early to acclimatize and explore the valley
- Respect local customs — Apatani people are kind and welcoming
- Keep the valley clean — the festival is big on sustainability
- Make friends — you’ll meet people from all over the world
Final Words
The Ziro Music Festival is not just an event — it’s an experience.
If you’re a backpacker, a music fan, or someone who just wants to break free from city noise, Ziro in September provides something you don’t find too often: soulful moments in nature’s bosom with the beat of music and culture.
Get your tickets, pack your backpack, and let the sound of the mountains lead you to one of India’s most enchanting festivals.
FAQs – Ziro Music Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
Q1. Is Ziro Music Festival family-friendly?
A: Absolutely! It’s a serene and secure event, although it’s more geared towards young adults and backpackers.
Q2. Do I require a permit for Arunachal Pradesh?
A: Yes, Indian nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Q3. Are there ATMs or mobile signals available in Ziro?
A: Limited. Bring cash and be ready for no mobile signal — digital detox time!
Q4. Can I camp alone?
A: Yes, but there are safer official camping grounds and some basic facilities.
Q5. When should I buy my tickets?
A: As early as July or August. Both travel and festival tickets are sold out quickly.