Ziro is a small town located in the Lower Subansiri district in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It's one of the oldest towns in the state and is situated on a plateau surrounded by pine-covered hills. Ziro is home to the Apatani tribe and is famous for its unique system of wet rice cultivation. The town is also renowned for its natural beauty, mild climate, and the annual Ziro Music Festival, which attracts musicians and tourists from around the world. The region has been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history.
An often-preferred option by air is the Holongi/Itanagar airport in Arunachal Pradesh. This airport is roughly 100 kilometers (4 hr drive) away from Ziro but is served by only one airines from major cities across India. Lilabari airport is an option for some but this airport also has very low service. Dibrugarh (Assam) airport is a 5 hour drive from Ziro. Guwahati airport is a 9 hour drive from the venue. Please note that foreigners traveling to Arunachal Pradesh need a Protected Area Permit (PAP), and Indians need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which you should arrange prior to your journey.
There is an overnight train from Guwahati to Naharlagun (Donyi Polo Express) which is the most preferred mode for festival attendees.
From Naharlagun, there are shared taxis to Ziro (3 hours away).
Ziro is a 3 hour drive from Naharlagun station, 4 hours from Holongi airport and about 3.5 hours from Lilabari airport. The roads, usually fine, can be bumpy depending on the weather and landslides are common during the rains so prepare accordingly.
Ziro Festival is a trademark event exclusively owned and operated by PWLO Entertainment Pvt Ltd. All rights associated with the festival, including but not limited to its branding, execution, and promotional activities, are the sole property of PWLO Entertainment Pvt Ltd.
