Where is Ziro?
Ziro, a remote town not too long ago, is a fast growing town located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district in Northeast India. 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 paddy-cum-fish cultivation. The town is also renowned for its natural beauty, mild climate, and the annual Ziro Music Festival, which attracts artists and tourists from around the world. The region is proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history.
The Ziro Literary Festival takes place at the beautiful grounds of Saint Claret College, which is easily accessible by car.
How to get there?
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.
By Air
Operational since 2023, the Ziro airport is serviced regularly by regional flights run by Alliance Air. The nearest domestic airports are Itanagar Airport, 130 kms. Lilabari Airport, 116 kms, and the Dibrugarh Airport at a distance of 240 kms. The Guwahati Airport is the nearest international airport, 450 kms away.
By Train
Naharlagun railway station is at a distance of 90 kms and Harmuti railway station, 96 kms away. The Donyi Polo Express, an overnight train from Guwahati to Naharlagun, has been popular with festival attendees.
By Road
Ziro is about a 2.5 hour drive from Naharlagun station, 4 hours from Itanagar Airport and 3.5 hours from Lilabari Airport. Small sections of the road can be bumpy depending on the weather, and during the monsoon (July–September) landslides are common so prepare accordingly.