A four-day extravaganza of music, culture, and nature, the Ziro Music Festival is celebrated amidst lush paddy fields with a background of rolling hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Since its beginning in 2012, the festival has been continuously promoting the culture of indigenous tribes and introducing talented artists from Northeast India to the limelight, along with performers from the Indian and global independent music scene. Additionally, the active involvement of the Apatani tribe, who welcome visitors with warmth, build eco-friendly bamboo stages, and share their sustainable way of life, marks the highlight of the festival. This is more than just a live music festival; it is also about experiencing local culture and tradition, nature, and becoming part of a close-knit community.
Ziro Music Festival Dates: 25th to 28th September 2025
Also Check Out: Arunachal Pradesh Tour Packages
Ziro Festival 2025 Artist Lineup
- Anna Erhard (Switzerland)
- Barmer Boys (Rajasthan)
- Buried Treasures (France/Delhi)
- Chorun Mugli (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Chowraasta (Telangana)
- Da Minot (Meghalaya)
- Donn Bhat (Delhi)
- Dualist Inquiry (Goa)
- Enfierce (USA)
- Ford Trio (Thailand)
- Gauley Bhai (Bengaluru)
- Guitar Prasanna (USA)
- Larger Than 90 (Meghalaya)
- Niil (Assam)
- Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori (Delhi)
- Pink Eye (Nagaland)
- Remi Remi (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Rudy Mukta (Bengaluru)
- Saitejas Chandrashekar (Bengaluru)
- Shilpa Rao (Mumbai)
- Signal W (Goa)
- Sorri Senjam (Manipur)
- Soumik Datta (UK)
- Susheela Raman (UK)
- Susmita Das (Odisha)
- Swanand Kirkire’s Baawra Live (Mumbai)
- Swarathma (Bengaluru)
- The Dreamcatchers (Sikkim)
- Uniyal (Uttarakhand)
- Vedan (Kerala)
- Waara (Tripura)
- Your Sweetest Memories (Mizoram)
Activities to Expect at Ziro Music Festival 2025
At Ziro Festival 2025, you can simply lose yourself in the music. You’ll get to groove to indie, folk, rock, electronic, and even fusion performances, all happening in one place. A perfect opportunity to stumble upon artists you may not have heard before, enjoy local talent, and vibe with international acts, all whilst soaking in the energy of the valley.
While at the Ziro festival, experience the unique culture of the Apatani tribe up close. From their warm hospitality to the way the entire festival space is crafted with bamboo and eco-friendly materials, everything reflects their traditions and sustainable lifestyle.
Camping in the middle of the valley is definitely one of the highlights of Ziro Festival. You can wake up to misty hills and golden paddy fields with the sound of music wafting in the distance. The camps are designed to be eco-conscious, prioritizing sustainability and comfort, so you stay close to nature. Return each night to a starlit sky, join fellow campers for jam sessions, exchange travel stories around the bonfire, or simply relax and soak in the quiet of nature after a day of music.
Indulge in the region’s specialties by treating your taste buds with traditional Apatani dishes, often prepared with fresh and local ingredients. You can eat smoky bamboo dishes and fresh rice-based meals; every bite carries a story of the valley. As you move between performances, visit the food stalls, try something with local flavor, and experience how the local community adds its own taste to the festival experience.
Take a break from the festival ground and embark on a guided tour that goes into the Ziro Valley, moving through walking trails, rice fields, and pine-clad hillsides, while learning about the Apatani tribe’s unique way of life. Locals invite you into their homes and fields to see their unique sustainable farming practices and fish farming methods. You can try your hand at traditional fishing, join in folk dances, or simply enjoy playful community games with the locals. These tours give you a unique opportunity to connect with the people of Ziro and make the festival much more than just about music, allowing a genuine cultural exchange.
When the main performances begin to wrap up, the fun doesn’t end. All over the valley, you’ll find little gatherings popping up. People jamming on guitars by a bonfire, drumming in circles, or singing along with one another under the stars. It’s the perfect time to meet fellow travelers, chat with artists, or just dance, express yourself, and let loose. Or if you prefer, kick back and enjoy the vibes while soaking in the energy of everyone around you. So many of these friendly and spontaneous moments bring such warmth, welcome, and vibrancy to Ziro.
Eco-Friendly Festival Setup
One of the standout aspects of the Ziro Music Festival is its sustainable infrastructure. All stages, seating areas, and common areas are constructed from bamboo or other eco-friendly materials, reflecting the festival’s commitment to the environment. This gives the festival a one-of-a-kind, local appeal and allows for the Apatani tribe’s traditional craftsmanship to shine through. Walking through the festival, you will notice how sustainability and culture come together, creating a space that’s beautiful, responsible, and deeply connected to the natural surroundings.
Places to Visit Before and After the Ziro Festival 2025
While experiencing the Ziro Music Festival is a magical experience in itself, there is much more to Arunachal Pradesh. Below is a guide to maximizing your trip with recommendations for both before and after the festival.
Itanagar
As the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar offers a welcoming introduction to the state. Explore Ita Fort, a historic site built with massive bricks, stroll through lively local markets, and visit cultural centers to understand the traditions of the state’s diverse tribes. Its hills and serene surroundings make it a peaceful stop before heading deeper into the valley.
Daporijo
A quiet town nestled along the Subansiri River, Daporijo provides a glimpse into the life of the Tagin tribe. Travelers can enjoy scenic river views, explore nearby tribal villages, and witness local customs and traditions, all while soaking in the calm, unspoiled nature of this part of Arunachal Pradesh.
Aalo
Situated on the banks of rivers, Aalo is known for its picturesque landscapes and Adi tribal villages. Visitors can interact with locals, try regional dishes, and explore traditional homes, giving a firsthand experience of the culture and daily life of the indigenous communities in the West Siang district.
Pasighat
One of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh, Pasighat sits along the Siang River and is surrounded by lush greenery. Here, travelers can explore bustling local markets, take in riverside views, and immerse themselves in the town’s rich customs and cultural practices, making it an ideal prelude to the festival in Ziro.
Doimukh
Just a short drive from Itanagar, Doimukh is a calm town along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, surrounded by lush hills. It’s a perfect place to unwind after the festival, enjoy peaceful river views, and explore the traditional lifestyle of the Nyishi tribe.
Sagalee
A quiet town with scenic landscapes and small tribal settlements, Sagalee offers travelers a glimpse into rural Arunachal Pradesh. It’s ideal for leisurely walks, interacting with locals, and experiencing the simplicity and charm of daily village life.
Pake Kessang
Known for its panoramic views of valleys and hills, Pake Kessang is a hidden gem where you can relax after the festival excitement. Visitors can explore tribal villages, learn about local farming and crafts, and enjoy the fresh mountain air while taking in serene natural surroundings.
Seppa
The administrative hub of East Kameng district, Seppa combines convenience with local culture. You can wander through local markets, discover Nyishi tribal customs, and enjoy the calm rivers and greenery, making it a refreshing conclusion to your Arunachal journey after the festival.
How to Reach Ziro?
The home of the Ziro Music Festival, Ziro Valley is positioned in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. It may be a little off the beaten path, but it can be accessed through multiple modes of transport.
Here’s how to get to Ziro Valley:
By Air: Ziro doesn’t have a commercial airport at the moment, so the closest airports are Guwahati (Assam) or Tezpur (Assam). From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Ziro, which is roughly 12–14 hours from Guwahati and around 9–10 hours from Tezpur. While it’s a long drive, the journey through scenic hills, rivers, and forests is an experience in itself, setting the tone for your time at the festival.
By Train: Naharlagun Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, roughly 90 km from Ziro. It is connected with cities like Guwahati, Delhi, and Kolkata. making it a convenient option for travelers. From the station, taxis (private and shared) are available to reach the Ziro festival location.
- By Road: Ziro is well-connected by road to major neighboring towns and cities:
- Itanagar: Approximately 115 km to Ziro, for 3 hours.
- Guwahati: Around 460 km, approximately 10 hours via road.
- From Tezpur: Approximately 116 km, taking about 3–4 hours.
Accommodation Options Available in Ziro Valley
When preparing to attend the Ziro Music Festival, it is important to plan out your accommodation well in advance. As the valley hosts thousands of travelers as the festival gets underway, and stays fill up quickly. Fortunately, Ziro Valley offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to every kind of traveler and range across all budgets.
Budget Stays: Ngunu Ziro Homestay, Kasha Homestay, Padi Yubbe Homestay, Ziro Putu Homestay, Ami Homestay, and Dilang Homestay are a few of the primary guesthouses and homestays that are all run by locals offering affordable lodging, coupled with meals.
Mid-Range Options: Comfortable accommodations like Ziro Valley Resort, Hotel Anne Ziro, Ziro Palace Inn, Hotel Blue Pine, and Siiro Resort have rooms with all the amenities, such as attached baths and home-style cooking.
Festival Camping: Kite Manja, Camp Zingaros, Urban Jungle, Hill People Jungle Camp, Encamp Adventures, Camp Banjara, and BreakBag Camp are among the most popular campsites, with the options of either shared or private tents. They are all set up right round the venue with a range of budget tents to premium glamping packages that include sleeping bags, breakfast, and bonfires.
Uniting music, nature, and culture, the Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh is an experience that stays with you long after the last note fades. Everything from the lineup of artists and the eco-friendly camping to exploring the nearby attractions in Arunachal and staying at the most hospitable homestays all contribute to making it a memorable journey. With dates set for 25th to 28th September 2025, now is the time to plan ahead, book your accommodation, and reserve your Ziro Music Festival tickets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ziro Festival celebrated?
The Ziro Festival of Music takes place in the serene Ziro Valley in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Surrounded by paddy fields, the valley is inhabited by the Apatani tribe, who are known for their warm hospitality, sustainable practices, and unique traditions. The tribe plays a key role in organizing the event and supporting it during the event.
Where is the Ziro Festival 2025?
The Ziro Festival 2025 will be held in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, from 25th to 28th September 2025.
How much is the ticket for Ziro Festival 2025?
Here’s the ticket price for the Ziro Music Festival 2025:
- Four-day Festival Pass (25th to 28th September): ₹9,000
With Single-day Passes
- Day 1 (25 Sept): ₹3,100
- Days 2–4 (26–28 Sept): ₹4,000 per day
- Tickets are available via the official festival website; it is advised to book early to avoid price hikes and high demand.
Is Ziro Festival worth visiting?
Definitely! The Ziro Music Festival stands out for its immersive experience of music, culture, and sustainability. It combines indie and folk performances with sustainable event production and encourages traditional practices of the local Apatani community and takes place in the beautiful location of Ziro Valley; it's definitely a unique experience that should be on any traveler's bucket list.
What is Ziro famous for?
Ziro is best known for its beautiful valley with sprawling paddy fields, pine-clad hills, and a soothing climate. Apart from this visual beauty, Ziro is renowned for the Apatani tribe, known for their unique agricultural practices like paddy-cum-fish farming, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. Furthermore, Ziro is recognized across the world for the Ziro Music Festival, which is one of the world's largest outdoor eco-friendly festivals. Together, these elements make Ziro a place of both cultural heritage and modern creativity.
How long does the Ziro Music Festival usually last?
The Ziro Music Festival usually lasts four days, giving attendees enough time to enjoy music, cultural experiences, and the scenic beauty of Ziro Valley.
About the author
From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
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