Music Festival · Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Festival of Music
India's most loved outdoor indie music festival, held in Ziro's rice fields every late September.
At a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 4–5 days
- Best season
- Late September (four days)
- Base
- Hapoli (Ziro) (Lower Subansiri)
- Permits
- Arunachal ILP (Indians) or PAP (foreigners) required. Verify before travel. Festival ticket required.
About this experience
The Ziro Festival of Music, held in late September in the Ziro Valley, has become one of India's most beloved independent music festivals since it began in 2012. Its stage is set among pine-covered hills and golden rice fields, and the festival is known for an eclectic line-up of independent Indian and international artists, from rock and folk to electronic and experimental music, alongside performers from across the Northeast.
What sets Ziro apart is its spirit. The festival is organised with the local Apatani community, emphasises sustainability with bamboo stage structures and strict waste management, and limits numbers to keep the atmosphere intimate. Days start slowly with valley walks and village visits; music runs into the evening, followed by bonfires and camping.
Accommodation is limited and fills up months ahead, so festival camping and homestays are the main options. We arrange festival packages including ILP, transport from Guwahati or Itanagar, and stays, with optional Apatani village walks between sets. Dates and line-ups are announced each year by the organisers.
Where to do it
Tours with this activity
Ziro Festival of Music FAQs
When is the Ziro Festival of Music?
Usually over four days in late September; exact dates are announced by the organisers each year.
Where do people stay during the festival?
In the official festival campsite or local homestays, which book out months in advance.
Do I need an ILP for Ziro?
Yes, all Indian visitors need an Arunachal ILP; foreigners need a PAP.
More in Arunachal Pradesh
EasyMonastery Visits in Tawang & West KamengJoin morning prayers, explore monastic museums and visit the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama.
ModerateHigh-Altitude Drives & PassesCross 4,000 m passes, frozen lakes and war memorials on Arunachal's spectacular mountain roads.
EasyApatani Village Walk, ZiroWalk through Hong, Hija and Bulla villages with an Apatani guide to learn about rice-fish farming and traditions.
ModerateTrekking in Arunachal PradeshDay hikes in Ziro and Mechuka to multi-day treks past high lakes around Tawang.



