Introduction
Welcome to your go-to guide for the Ziro Music Festival—designed especially for first-time visitors! This blog covers everything: what makes Ziro Music Festival special, how to book tickets, how to travel there, what to expect on the ground, helpful tips, and what else you can do beyond the music. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a group of friends, or exploring with family, this guide is your ideal companion.
What Is the Ziro Music Festival ?
Founded by music lovers Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty in 2012, the Ziro Music Festival is an eco-friendly, four-day indie music festival that takes place every year in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Hosted by the Apatani tribe, it features national and international indie acts along with up-and-coming Northeast Indian musicians, providing a unique blend of beats, culture, workshops, and valley views, all powered by sustainable bamboo infrastructure constructed by local artisans.
Ticket Prices for Ziro Music Festival 2025
Official Ticket Pricing (2025)
These ticket prices are as listed on the official Ziro Music Festival booking platform and aligned ticket pages
- Four-Day Festival Pass (Phase 1 / Early Bird) : ₹ 9000
- Day 1 (September 25, Thursday) : ₹ 3100
- Day 2 (September 26, Friday) : ₹ 4000
- Day 3 (September 27, Saturday) : ₹ 4000
- Day 4 (September 28, Sunday) : ₹ 4000
Note : All ticket prices exclude GST, which is added at checkout. These prices cover entry only; accommodation and food are separate costs.
If you’re planning to attend all four days, the Four‑Day Pass at ₹ 9,000 offers the best value. If you want just a taste, pick the day(s) that most excite you. Buying early usually gives access to Phase 1 pricing.
Why Choose Ziro Music Festival ?
a) A Unique Setting
The Ziro Music Festival is not in a stadium—it’s in the lush paddy‑filled Ziro Valley at ~5,500 ft above sea level. Surrounded by misty hills and rice terraces, the stages—crafted from bamboo—blend with the landscape. The setting itself is part of the experience
b) Indie and Emerging Artists
From regional indie bands to worldwide folk and electronic acts, the Ziro Music Festival curates a broad, community-rooted roster. Expect to encounter performers who push the indie envelope—not simply mainstream headliners
c) Sustainability in action
Green ideals are highlighted at the festival : no plastic, signs made from recycled wood, bamboo structures made locally, free water refill stations, eco-cleanups, and a maximum attendance of 10,000 people to preserve Ziro’s delicate habitat.
d) Cultural immersion
It’s hosted by the Apatani tribe, who bring in folk music, crafts, traditional food, and guided excursions to Apatani villages. Workshops include bamboo weaving, indigenous flute-making, yoga, and local culinary experiences.
When & Where
- Dates: September 25–28, 2025 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Location : Biiri, Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Nearest towns and transit hubs : Itanagar, Naharlagun (railway station), Guwahati
How to Reach the Ziro Music Festival
By Air
Fly into Guwahati Airport or Itanagar Airport. From Itanagar, you can take pre-booked buses or share taxis (~₹ 1,200–2,000) to Ziro, about 2.5 to 3 hours away. These transfers are often offered by festival and tour operators.
By Train
The closest station is Naharlagun, around 3 hours by road to Ziro. Regular overnight trains run from Guwahati. Taxis from the station cost ~₹ 1,800–2,500
By Road
Road transfer to Ziro Valley is included in many tour packages; it’s about a 7-hour scenic drive from Guwahati via NH27 or NH15, and shared or private taxis are common.
Permits You’ll Need
- Indian nationals (excluding Arunachal residents): require an Inner Line Permit (ILP)
- Foreign nationals : require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
- Permit applications are handled online or through state govt offices in Assam, Kolkata, Delhi, etc., and must be arranged before travelling.
Where to Stay
Ziro Music Festival stays can be categorized:
Camping (on-site)
- Festival-run camps and partner operators offer tent packages (including glamping) with shared bathrooms and meals.
- DIY camping allowed with your gear.
- Prices: Park-run packages from ~₹ 17,500; glamping upgrades ~₹ 20,500 onwards
Homestays & Guesthouses
Living with Apatani hosts offers immersion and comfort. Options like Bolya Aaba Homestay are rustic yet welcoming. Priced ₹3,500–8,500/night depending on amenities and proximity to festival site
What to Eat & Drink at Ziro Music Festival
At the Ziro Music Festival, food stalls serve a range of local and international eats:
- Local cuisine highlights
- Bamboo-cooked pork and fish
- Fermented bamboo shoots with veggies
- Paddy-fish rice, traditional Apatani staple
- Roasted grasshoppers (for the adventurous)
- Apong : a rice/millet-based local wine
- Organic apple and kiwi wine from local wineries
Other fare
Expect pasta, burgers, vegetarian, vegan and regional appetizers. Alcohol must be purchased at festival bars ; external alcohol forbidden.
Things to Do Beyond Music at Ziro Music Festival
Cultural Workshops & Village Visits
Enjoy yoga lessons with beautiful valley views, study bamboo painting, take part in flute-making workshops, or make Apatani crafts.
Guided Excursions
Visit Apatani villages, experience traditional meals, and taste India’s first kiwi wine at Naara-Aaba winery in Hong village—featured recently on Shark Tank India Season 2
Scenic Exploration
Visit Kile‑Pakho ridge for panoramic views of the Himalayan range, see local paddy‑fish farms, and waterfalls nearby.
Wildlife & Nature Trails
A short trip to Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary offers birdwatching (black eagle, fulvetta) and possible sightings of clouded leopards or giant squirrels
Helpful Tips for First‑Timers at Ziro Music Festival
- Use the keyword: When booking, search for Ziro Music Festival to avoid scams.
- Buy tickets early: Four‑Day pass is ₹ 9,000 in Phase 1; singles cost ₹3,100–₹4,000 per day.
- Permits are mandatory: Book ILP or PAP at least a week before travel.
- Pack monsoon‑ready gear: Umbrella, raincoat, gumboots—September can be rainy.
- Cash is king: ATMs are scarce (~30 min away from site). Carry ₹1,000–₹1,500/day cash.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable bottle—free water stations are at the festival.
- Support local: Stay in homestays, buy local crafts, and dine at Apatani stalls.
- Network: Join travellers’ forums beforehand. Many solo visitors find travel buddies.
- Keep safety basics: Keep valuables safe, use a portable charger, stay updated on local info.
- Timing matters: Arrive a day early or stay a day after to explore Ziro Valley and surrounding areas.
Sample Itinerary for a First‑Timer
| Day | Plan |
|---|
| Sept 24 | Reach Itanagar; get ILP/PAP stamped if not yet done. Travel to Ziro and settle in. |
| Day 1 (Sept 25) | Attend Day 1 of Ziro Music Festival, enjoy evening performances and local food. |
| Day 2 | Full festival Day 2, maybe take a village tour workshop midday. |
| Day 3 | Festival Day 3 with headliners, plus early morning hike at Kile Pakho ridge. |
| Day 4 (Sept 28) | Final day celebrations, explore booths and buy souvenirs. |
| Day 5 (Sept 29) | Travel back via Itanagar or continue exploring Arunachal (e.g. Tawang, Mechuka). |
Why the Ziro Music Festival Is Worth the Journey
- It’s not just a festival, it’s an immersive cultural and environmental celebration.
- Ziro Music Festival merges music, Apatani art and workshops, valley scenery, and sustainable travel ideals.
- Discovering new artists and community-led creativity is made possible by the lineup’s constant diversity and freshness.
- You can live locally and lessen your impact on a delicate ecology by camping or staying in homestays.
Final Words
Here’s your answer if you’re still wondering if you should attend the Ziro Music Festival: definitely. It’s a chance to connect with music, nature, and culture on a festival scale that feels both intimate and grand. With ticket prices starting at ₹3,100 per day and a value-packed ₹9,000 four-day pass, it’s budget-friendly for what you get: world-class music wrapped in one of India’s most beautiful valleys.
Book early, pack smart, respect the land and its people—and prepare for an unforgettable adventure at the Ziro Music Festival.
FAQs
Q1. What is Ziro Music Festival and where is it held?
A: Held in the picturesque Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the Ziro Music Festival is an annual outdoor indie music event. Hosted by the Apatani tribe, it unites independent musicians from around the region, the country, and the world in a culturally rich and sustainable environment.
Q2. When is Ziro Music Festival 2025 scheduled?
A: The dates of the 2025 Ziro Music Festival are set for September 25–28. It includes workshops, food vendors, music, and cultural events over the course of four days.
Q3. How much are the tickets for Ziro Music Festival 2025?
A:
- 4-Day Pass: ₹9,000
- Single Day Tickets: ₹3,100 to ₹4,000 per day
GST is additional. It’s best to book early for lower prices.
Q4. How do I reach Ziro Music Festival?
A flight to Guwahati or Itanagar, followed by a rail to Naharlagun, and then a taxi or shared taxi to Ziro are your options. Group travel packages and road excursions are also well-liked choices.
Q5. Do I need a permit to attend Ziro Music Festival?
A: In agreement. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian citizens, with the exception of those who live in Arunachal. A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required for foreign nationals.
Q6. Where can I stay during Ziro Music Festival?
A: You can stay at hotels, guesthouses, homestays, or campsites close to the event. A lot of tour companies provide packages that include both festival passes and lodging.
Q7. Is Ziro Music Festival suitable for solo travelers?
A: Of course! Many single travelers find it easy to engage with the friendly Ziro Music Festival community through online groups, workshops, or shared campgrounds prior to the event.
Q8. What should I pack for Ziro Music Festival?
A: Bring cash, your ID and a copy of your permit, layered clothes, rain gear, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, a power bank, a refillable water bottle, and a copy of your permit. Rainy days and chilly nights are possible.
Q9. Is there food and alcohol available at the venue?
A: Yes. You’ll find food stalls offering both local Apatani cuisine and other popular options. Alcohol is available at designated bars inside the festival zone.
Q10. Why is Ziro Music Festival so popular among travelers?
A: Ziro Music Festival is known for its beautiful location, diverse indie music lineup, eco-friendly ethos, and cultural immersion with the Apatani tribe—making it one of India’s most unique festival experiences.
