Location: 150-km From North Lakhimpur (Assam), Arunachal Pradesh
Also Spelt As: Ziro
Altitude: 1,780m
Best Time To Visit: April To November

Zero the 5754 ft. (1,780m) high town is almost a level valley enclosed on all sides by pine-clad low stooping hills. This area, also called Apatani Plateau, is famous for Paddy-cum-Fish culture. It is the part of the beautiful whole of nature. This place also comprise of the quietly flowing rivers of Subansiri, Nishi, Apatani, Dafla, and Miri.

The Apatani Tribals
Zero is the land of Apatani tribals who are fond of hunting and Zoom cultivation is their prime profession. Apatani tribals are now for their handsome and beautiful looks. Local wine 'Apang' is their favourite drink. They are equally fond of colourful dresses, with specialties and varieties. Women-folk love to draw tattoo on foreheads and cheeks, and wear on cane nose pins. They believe they are the descendents of first man and women - 'Aro', 'Tani', 'Doyni' and 'Polo' oe Sun and Moon are theirwarranting deities.

The Town
Just like the capital Itanagar, the town Zero has also developed in two parts within 5-km distance. Crossing 1,750m high Hapoli or Old Zero, road advances 200m downwards to new town Zero. At the end of the city there is a Government Handicraft Centre. One may collect hat made of cane or bamboo and other articles as souvenirs.

EXCURSIONS WILDLIFE

Tale Sanctuary
Enthisiats can go 30-km by Jeep from Zero crossing Siro/Manipoylong settlement/Ponge and trek further 8-km to Tale Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a natural botanical garden extending throughout the valley with an area of 337-sq-km. With the variation of height the nature and character of flora and fauna also vary. Some of the famous attractions found over here include Mithun, Clouded Leopards, and Bears along with varied orchids. Accommodation facility is available at the Forest Bungalows.

Daporizo
From Zero tourists may find time to visit another small habitat Daporizo, 193-km away in upper Subansiri district by bus. Walls of mountains of low height surround the green valley. Craft Centre, the bridge, very much distinguished in form and make up by cane and bamboo are other attractions for tourist over here.

The district headquarters and main trade center Daporizo is the land of Tangin and Hilmiri tribal who are fond of dressing. Young men have their hair of the front portion of the head, kept tied in a bun, giving a look like a tuff. Hilmili maids dress up their body with attractive cane-rings and cane ornaments.

CAVES
Menga's Natural Cave
Tourists may take an auto from the city of Daporizo or catch a bus,which takes 3 hrs to visit 19-km away Natural Cave in Menga. One has to crawl to neter the cave through narrow crevice. Don't forget to take torch. Out of the main cave is another cave is Lord Mahadev.

Advancing further 23-km is Talia and still 10-km further is Kodak - from where one may enjoy the beauty of the snow clad Himalayas. Further north is Taksing - a habitat of Na tribes. Visit by jeep on personal arrangement.

HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Tezpur and Ulabari by Indian Airlines and NEPC Airlines.

Rail: Nearest railhead is North Lakhimpur by Arunachal Express from New Bongaigaon.

Road: Direct buses are available from Itanagar and North Lakhimpur.

PLACES TO STAY
Accommodation is available at the Inspection Bungalow and Circuit House in Zero.
For Reservation Contact:
Reservation Authority Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri District, Ziro.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
In the months of March-April, a 10day long Miko festival being known as Spring Festival of Apatanis is celebrated at Zero. Cirom Molo of Nisu, Socham, Dri on 5th July, Niyokum on 26th February festivals are equally attractive to tourists.

NEARBY CITIES
Itanagar: 150-km
Lilabari: 100-km
Daporizo: 193-km