Ziro Valley: The UNESCO-Listed Gem Of Arunachal Pradesh You Must Visit

The Ziro region has one of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh. This beautiful hill station is located 1,500m above sea level and has an imposing landscape of lush green forests, rivulets and elevated patches. Its people, who are members of the Apatani tribe, practise pisciculture and paddy cultivation. In fact, the Apatani culture has been included in the Tentative List for UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

Here’s your guide to travelling in Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh.

A Breathtaking Landscape

There's a lot to see in the Ziro Valley. Start by visiting the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, a pristine natural gem known for its biodiversity and captivating landscapes. A trip to the sanctuary could result in sights of clouded leopards, Malayan giant squirrels, red pandas, Asian palm civets, black eagles, collared owlets and golden-breasted fulvettas, among others. Check out the bamboo groves, rhododendrons, ferns and numerous medicinal plants, too. If you love hiking then trek to Dolo Mando, Ziro Puto and Kile Pakho for panoramic views of the landscape.

The relatively flat land of the Ziro Valley is used for wet-rice cultivation where fish are also reared. This systematic land-use pattern ensures high level of biodiversity in the area and efficient conservation of crucial watersheds, thereby ensuring perennial streams flow into the valley to meet the needs of the people. Check out the Tarin Fish Farm to learn about how the Apatanis cultivate rice varieties like mipya and emoh alongside a breed of fish called ngihi.

A Distinct Culture

The Apatanis are one of the major ethnic groups of the eastern Himalayas whose land use practices and rich ecological knowledge of natural resources were acquired over centuries. The tribe is known for their colourful festivals, intricate handloom designs, skills in cane and bamboo crafts, and vibrant traditional village councils called bulyañ. This has made the Ziro Valley a living cultural landscape where humans and the world around them have harmoniously existed together in a state of interdependence for aeons.

One of the most striking aspects of the Apatani people are their facial tattoos. Legend has it that the women of the tribe were so beautiful that people from neighbouring tribes would kidnap them. The tattoos and nose plugs on women’s faces were meant to make them less appealing. The practice of nose plugging was banned in the 1970s so at present, only the last generation of older women from the Apatani villages have it.

Traditional Celebrations

Two major traditional festivals are celebrated in Ziro: Dree and Myoko. In July, the agricultural festival of Dree is celebrated with prayers for a bumper harvest and prosperity of all humankind. Myoko is celebrated to commemorate inter-village friendships that have been passed down through generations. The main celebration occurs in the middle of March but the rituals associated with the festival start much earlier. During this time a large amount of food and drinks are made and distributed by the host village.

Eclectic Music And Literature Festivals

The Ziro Literary Festival has been a beacon for literary enthusiasts across India since 2018, offering a platform for authors, speakers and artists to showcase their work and engage with audiences. This year it takes place from September 24-25. Registration for the event will open soon so keep an eye out on their website and official social media accounts.

Follow this up by attending the Ziro Festival of Music, one of India’s best (and coolest). Founded in 2012, it celebrates passion, sustainability, community and cultural diversity by promoting indigenous tribes and indie artists from around the world, particularly from Northeast India. It is touted to be one of the most eco-friendly festivals globally as it uses locally sourced materials to build the festival infrastructure.

This year’s edition will be held from September 26-29. The line-up of artistes includes the Dobom Doji Collective, Fakira, Gowwli, Hanita Bhambri, Pink Moss, Teesta Troupers and Amateur Takes Control, among others.

The Information

How To Reach Ziro

Jorhat Airport (JRH) is 188km from Ziro while Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is 435km away. Naharlagun Railway Station (NHLN) and North Lakhimpur Railway Station (NLP) are 89km and 112km from Ziro, respectively. Take a bus or taxi from Itanagar or Guwahati to Ziro.

Indian nationals and foreigners need a permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh so consider applying online before you go.

Best Time To Visit Ziro

The best time to visit Ziro is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant and comfortable for exploring, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. This period avoids the heavy monsoon rains and the chilly winter months.

Autumn is particularly popular as the post-monsoon landscape is lush and vibrant, and it's also the time for the famous Ziro Festival of Music, which usually takes place in late September. For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, a spring visit is ideal, with blooming landscapes and favorable weather for outdoor activities.

FAQs

Q1: Where is Ziro Valley located?
A1: Ziro Valley is located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, about 115 km from the state capital Itanagar.

Q2: What is Ziro Valley famous for?
A2: Ziro is famous for its stunning landscapes, Apatani tribal culture, paddy-cum-pisciculture farming system, and the annual Ziro Music Festival.

Q3: How can I reach Ziro Valley?
A3: The nearest airport is in Lilabari, Assam, about 123 km away. The closest railway station is Naharlagun. From there, taxis and buses are available to Ziro.

Q4: When is the best time to visit Ziro Valley?
A4: The best time to visit is from March to October, with September being particularly lively due to the Ziro Music Festival.

Q5: Do I need a permit to visit Ziro?
A5: Yes. Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Foreign tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP).