Ever thought a festival could make even the mountains sing? Welcome to the Ziro Music Festival, a true spectacle nestled in Ziro Valley. This isn’t just another North East India music festival; it’s a cultural odyssey! Each year, camping in Ziro Valley becomes a haven for those chasing the rhythm of the Indie music festival scene.
The Ziro Festival of Music stands out with its commitment to sustainable practices. From learning Ziro Festival ticket price, timings, location, lineup, and more, every detail adds to the adventure.
Get ready to groove under the stars at the Ziro Valley Festival and embrace the enchanting experience.
Ziro Festival 2025 Essential Info
1. Date: 25th - 28th September, 2025
2. Timings: 10 am to 10 pm (every day from Sep 25th to 28th, 2025)
3. Ziro Music Festival Ticket Price Per Person
3.1 Ziro Festival Ticket Price For 4 Days: ₹9000/-
3.2 Day 1 Ticket Price: ₹3,100/-
3.3 Day 2: ₹4,000/-
3.4 Day 3: ₹4,000/-
3.5 Day 4: ₹4,000/-
4. Location: Biiri, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh 791120
5. Ziro Festival Booking: Zirofestival.com or BookMyShow.com
Ziro Festival Of Music Lineup 2025
The full artist lineup for Ziro Valley Festival 2025 hasn't been announced yet. But if past years are to go by, you can expect an amazing mix of music styles - from indie and rock to folk and electronic beats.
What to Expect Based on Previous Years:
The festival loves bringing together both Indian and international talent. Past headliners have included popular names like Mohit Chauhan, Farhan Akhtar's band, and international artists like Ary Juliyant from Indonesia and Guy Buttery from South Africa.
Artists Who've Rocked Ziro Before:
- Indian Favourites: Lucky Ali, Rabbi Shergill, Bipul Chetri, Kailash Kher, Piyush Mishra, and many more beloved artists.
- International Acts: Ary Juliyant (Indonesia), Guy Buttery (South Africa), Puuluup (Estonia), among others.
The festival also gives a platform to talented local artists from Northeast India, so you'll discover some incredible regional music too. Plus, there are always workshops and cultural activities happening alongside the performances.
Stay tuned for the official 2025 lineup announcement!
How To Reach Ziro Festival Arunachal Pradesh?
Below are different ways to reach the Ziro Arunachal Pradesh Music Festival conveniently:
How To Reach Ziro Festival Arunachal Pradesh By Air?
- Primary Airports: Fly to Guwahati Airport or Itanagar Airport for reliability.
- Transport: Bus pickup and drop-off from Itanagar to the Ziro Music Festival location for ₹2,000/-
How To Reach Arunachal Ziro Festival By Train?
- Nearest Station: Naharlagun, about 3 hours from Ziro.
- Options: Overnight trains from Guwahati; the Shatabdi Express runs three times a week.
- Transport: Bus service from Naharlagun station to Ziro starting from ₹2,000/-
How To Reach Ziro Festival Arunachal Pradesh By Road?
- Route: Drive from Guwahati to Ziro, which takes about 7 hours via NH27 or NH15.
- Scenery: Enjoy scenic northeastern landscapes along the way.
What To Eat & Drink At Ziro Festival 2025?
Want to know how to enjoy Ziro Music Festival like a local? Here’s what to experience:
Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drinks that reflect the local culture and flavours of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival ground offers a range of options, from fries and burgers to pasta, catering to diverse tastes.
Local cuisine in Ziro revolves around the use of bamboo, fermentation, boiling, and steaming - traditional methods that create unique flavours you won't find anywhere else.
For Vegetarians:
- Vegetarians can savour dishes like bamboo shoots with rice
- Or opt for traditional staples like rice and dal paired with locally grown vegetables.
Ziro residents are accommodating and can customise dishes to suit vegetarian or vegan diets.
For Meat Lovers:
For those who enjoy meat, Apatani delicacies include:
- Roasted and boiled pork in a bamboo stem
- Beef stew or roast
- Fresh fish (popular due to the unique paddy-fish cultivation practised by the Apatani tribe)
- Roasted grasshoppers - a local snack on the go!
Drinks To Try:
- To quench your thirst, indulge in Apong - a rice or millet-based drink that resembles wine.
- The region also offers delicious apple or kiwi wine, with Arunachal Pradesh being India's largest producer of kiwis. The kiwi production is certified organic, reflecting the Apatani tribe's commitment to sustainable practices.
Where To Stay Near Ziro Festival Of Music? Campsites, Homestays, & Hotels
Right from Ziro Festival of Music Camping Packages, homestays, and hotels, there are multiple options to choose from that suit your budget:
1. Camping Options In Ziro Valley
1.1 Ready-Made Packages
Travel companies like WanderOn offer complete Ziro Festival Tour Packages where everything is sorted for you - tents, beds, bathrooms, and meals. Perfect if you want a hassle-free experience.
Expected Price Range: Starts from ₹17,500/- approx
1.2 Luxury Camping
Want to camp but with extra comfort? Explore various Ziro Festival Tour Packages, which offer Luxury camping (or "glamping") options, giving you the outdoor experience with hotel-like amenities.
Expected Price Range: Starts from ₹20,500/-
1.3 Bring Your Own Gear
If you love camping and have your equipment, you can set up your own tent at the designated campsites. Great for experienced campers who prefer their own setup.
Homestays are a fantastic way to connect with the local community. Many Ziro residents open their homes to festival attendees, offering a unique and authentic lodging experience.
These homestays can be booked online, and many visitors return year after year, building lasting relationships with their hosts.
This accommodation option not only supports local households but also helps visitors experience the true essence of Ziro’s hospitality.
While Ziro does not host large hotel chains, several local hotels provide comfortable accommodations.
The Ziro Valley Resort and Ziro Palace Inn, located less than 1km from the festival grounds, offer convenience and comfort close to the festival activities.
For those looking to explore more of Ziro outside of the festival times, Hotel Blue Pine, located in the market area, offers a good base to venture into the valley.
1. Ziro Valley Resort
2. Ziro Palace Inn
3. Hotel Blue Pine
All accommodation options are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices at Ziro Valley, one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh, and use local resources, contributing to the preservation of Ziro’s natural beauty and cultural integrity.
Whether you choose to camp, enjoy a homestay, or book a hotel, your stay can contribute to sustainable tourism in the area.
Other Best Things To Do At Ziro Festival - Beyond The Music
The Ziro Festival of Music goes beyond just being a musical extravaganza. Let’s explore the other interesting things to do at the Ziro Festival below:
1. Learn Traditional Arts & Culture
It serves as a vibrant platform for experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the Apatani tribe.
Festival-goers can engage in various workshops that highlight traditional arts and crafts, offering hands-on experience in painting, craft making, and even learning to play the indigenous Apatani flute (elu), crafted from paddy straw.
Additionally, yoga, meditation, dance, and movement sessions are available to enhance your spiritual and physical well-being during the festival.
2. Try Signature Masterclasses & Local Gastronomy
A unique aspect of the festival is the opportunity to participate in Signature Masterclasses, such as those hosted by celebrity mixologist Yangdup Lama.
These classes use local ingredients to create exceptional cocktails, showcasing the culinary diversity and sustainable practices at Ziro.
3. Join Cultural Excursions
Outside the musical venue, the Ziro festival offers guided tours to nearby Apatani villages, where visitors can enjoy ethnic meals and understand the community’s way of life.
For wine enthusiasts, a tour of Naara-Aaba winery in Hong village offers a taste of India’s first kiwi wine, a local enterprise featured in Shark Tank India Season 2.
4. Explore Natural Wonders & Wildlife
Ziro’s natural beauty is on full display with several attractions within easy reach. From majestic waterfalls and innovative paddy-fish farms to the scenic beauty of Kile Pakho ridge, where the views of the plateau, the snow-clad Himalayan range, and Nyime Pembu are truly breathtaking.
The Shri Sidheshwar Nath Temple near Hapoli, known for the world’s tallest naturally formed Shivling, is another must-visit for both spiritual enrichment and its stunning architectural design.
5. Spot Wildlife At Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary offers an adventurous escape and is among the top places to visit in monsoon in Arunachal Pradesh, with potential sightings of exotic species like clouded leopards, black giant squirrels, and the Asian palm civet.
Bird watchers can also delight in spotting rare birds such as the black eagle and golden-breasted fulvetta.
Story Of Ziro Music Festival
From Dream To Reality (2012-2018)
The Ziro Music Festival started its journey in 2012, created by Anup Kutty and Bobby Hano. Despite tough early days with bad roads and financial challenges, the festival's charm and the founders' dedication kept it alive.
By 2018, it had overcome its hurdles, turning into the beloved event thousands look forward to each year.
Growing Beyond Music
Over the years, Ziro broadened its horizon beyond just music, adding butterfly trails, yoga, and village tours, making it perfect for families too. This blend transformed it into much more than a North East India music festival.
In 2022, the festival showcased performances in both English and local tribal languages like Nyishi and Galo, even hosting the Ziro Literary Festival to celebrate regional culture.
Sustainability At The Heart Of Ziro Music Festival
Eco-Friendly Everything
- Bamboo stages handcrafted by local Apatani artisans (reused annually!)
- Zero-plastic policy with biodegradable Tamul plates and bamboo mugs
- Reclaimed wood signage with eco-friendly paints
Smart Resource Management
- Free water refills (bring your own bottle!)
- Waste segregation pits and biodegradable garbage bags
- Community cleanup drives with local volunteers
Protecting Ziro Valley
- The festival limits visitors to 10,000 to protect the delicate valley ecology, ensuring cultural celebration doesn't harm the natural environment.
Today, Ziro Music Festival represents the rich heritage and stunning beauty of the region. It's where music, culture, and nature come together, involving the Apatani tribe not just as hosts but as cultural partners who integrate their traditional ecological knowledge into every aspect.
Ziro Valley Music Festival 2025 - Travel Tips To Keep In Mind
Consider the following travel tips for visiting the Ziro Music Festival:
- Carry Essential Documents: Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh.
- Plan Ahead: Research your destination and book hotels/flights early to save money and avoid stress.
- Pack Smart: Check the weather forecast, and pack light with organized luggage.
- Stay Safe: Keep valuables secure, stay updated on local news, and get necessary vaccinations before travelling.
- Money Matters: Tell your bank about travel plans, carry some local cash, and track your spending with apps.
- Local Interaction: Learn basic local phrases and respect cultural customs, especially at religious sites.
- Sustainable Travel: Use public transport, avoid plastic waste, and support local businesses and restaurants.
- Stay Connected: Get a local SIM card or roaming plan, and always carry a portable phone charger.
Why Is Ziro Music Festival Worthy?
The Ziro Valley Music Festival 2025 is not just an event but a comprehensive cultural experience set in the breathtaking Ziro Valley. From the diverse musical lineup to camping in Ziro Valley under the starlit sky, every aspect of the festival is designed to offer something unique to every attendee.
The festival is not only about entertainment but also emphasises sustainable practices, ensuring that the celebration does not compromise the beauty of the local environment.
Remember to check the Ziro Valley Music Festival 2025 timings and plan your activities to make the most of your visit. Prepare to immerse yourself in the music, culture, and scenic beauty of Ziro for an unforgettable adventure.
