Top Things to Do in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Places to visit in ziro.

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tourist place in ziro

1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

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2. Orchid Research Centre

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3. Ziro Festival Of Music

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4. Shiva Linga

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5. Tarin Fish Farm

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6. Kile Pakho

tourist place in ziro

7. Dolo Mando

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8. Pine Grove

9. mary immaculate catholic church, 10. town baptist church.

tourist place in ziro

11. Ziro Music Festival

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12. Apatani Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

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  • Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Shiva Linga
  • Tarin Fish Farm
  • Orchid Research Centre

Ziro Attractions Information

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  • 8 Best Places To Visit In Ziro

23 Mar 2023

Ziro valley is a spectacular town in Arunachal Pradesh renowned for its natural and cultural charm that made it a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The enchanting places to visit in Ziro offer adventurers and nature lovers a perfect soul-relaxing vacation. Sitting at a height of 5,538 ft, the destination sways travelers with its paddy rice fields, lofty pine mountains, bamboo huts, and rick flora & fauna. No matter which places you visit in Ziro, you are bound to get enthralled by its untouched beauty. From experiencing the joy of local festivals to interacting with the humble natives, there are a plethora of activities you can add to your itinerary.

8 Alluring Places To Visit In Ziro

Although Ziro is a destination which is not known to many, it features a plethora of attractions that allows you to witness the best of Arunachal Pradesh. Here are some of the best ones where you must visit.

1. Kile Pakho

It gives a pleasant feel in every season

Image Credit: Arunachal2007 for Wikimedia Commons

Positioned 7 km from the ancient Ziro, Kile Pakho is a ridge from where you can witness varied landscapes. With a short trek to the ridge, you can bask in the breathtaking view of the Ziro plateau on one side and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges on the other. Apart from being a true paradise for nature lovers, Kile Pakho is also a perfect spot for photographers where they can capture some insta-worthy pictures. Although it experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, the charm of spring, between February and April is worth cherishing for.

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2. Tarin Fish Farm

A beautiful View

Enjoying the vicinity of bamboo and pine trees, Tarin Fish Farm is an intriguing spot in the Bulla village, which is native to the Apatani tribes. This tourist attraction is a wonderful fish rearing farm known for the breeding of high altitude fish. Additionally, the farm allows you to witness the perfect amalgamation of growing of two rice crops, namely Emoh and Mipya; and aso breeding of Fish (Ngihi). Established in 1985-86, the huge farm covers an area of 7.4 hectares.

3. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Clouded Leopard Cub Hanging on the Branch

Image Credit: Charles Barilleaux for Wikimedia Commons

Covering an area of 337 sq. km is home to an array of exotic flora and fauna, making it one of the best places to visit in Ziro Valley. Established in 1995, the sanctuary is a biodiversity zone. The impressive range of fauna includes orchids, ferns, silver fir trees, and bamboo. Besides this, you can also spot Indian muntjac, Asian palm civet, and endangered species like Malayan giant squirrel and clouded leopard in the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

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4. Pine Grove

The path between the woods in the forest

Lying 3 km from the Old Ziro, Pine Grove is a perfect picnic spot for vacationers wanting to enjoy in the lap of nature. Also known as Myolyang, this scenic location is replete with pine trees that is a major attraction for nature lovers as well as photographers. Taxis in the region are easily available to reach Pine grove from Old Ziro town. For the ones wanting to enjoy the scenic route, reaching here by foot is also an option.

5. Tipi Orchid Research Centre

Spring Orchids

Image Credit: Layinlow for Wikimedia

Spanning over 10 hectares, Tipi Orchid Research Centre features an impressive collection of orchid species. Boasting a warm scent of over 1,000 species of orchids, the center is an ultimate paradise for all the Anthophiles. The area comprises a herbarium, museum, tissue culture laboratory, garden, and an orchidarium that engages you through the day. The glass house featuring hanging orchids in baskets and pots is the prime attraction that instantly draws visitors’ attention. Notably, Tipi Orchid Research Centre opens from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

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6. Dolo Mando

Beautiful Green Landscape

Image Credit: Pixahive

Lying on the western side of Ziro on the Daporijo Road, Dolo Mando is a hillock that allows travelers to spend some peaceful moments amidst the serene surroundings. The place rewards onewith picturesque vistas of Hapoli Town and Old Ziro and to witness the same, you need to trek to the hillock. This also makes it an ideal spot for trekking enthusiasts. The lush green valley along with a pleasing landscape leave no stone unturned to impress its visitors.

A section of Ziro valley

Midey is another magnificent location in Ziro Valley famed for its blue pine trees and panoramic views. While visiting here, you can witness the biggest and tallest pine trees in the entire Apatani Valley. Positioned amid a dense bamboo grove, Midey is a sacred haven for the ones seeking sheer peace. Besides this, the spot also offers adventurers trekking and hiking experiences. To witness the best of Midey, plan a visit during the spring season, from February to April.

23 Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh: Explore This Unexplored And Underrated Gem In 2023

8. Ziro Puto

paddy fields of ziro valley in the arunachal pradesh india

Ziro Puto is another hillock that takes pride in its lush greenery and tranquil environment. Offering splendid vistas of Apatani plateau, the hillock truly justifies to be one of the best places to visit in Ziro. While being a significant element in the history of India, Ziro Puto is the place where independent India’s first administrative center was established in 1960. The spot is a perfect abode to sneak away from the hustle and bustle of the city and calm your senses with awe-inspiring surroundings.

With unpolluted air and mystical vistas, Ziro Valley is a perfect place to detoxify your soul. The destination also offers an array of adventure opportunities. While you explore these best places to visit in Ziro, make sure to carry a camera to capture the untouched beauty of Arunachal Pradesh. A trip to the northeast will give you experiences for a lifetime. So, wait no more and find the best option as TravelTriangle!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Ziro Valley

Which are the best places to visit in Ziro Valley?

Some of the top tourist places in Ziro are: 1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 2. Kile Pakho 3. Meghna Cave Temple 4. Hapoli 5. Pine Grove 6. Tarin Fish Farm 7. Shiv Linga

What is Ziro Valley famous for?

Ziro is a picturesque town in Arunachal Pradesh that is famous for its natural charm and hilly areas. The town lies on the Apatani Plateau and is the cultural heritage site of the Apatani tribe. Besides this, Ziro Valley is also declared a World Heritage Site by the UN.

Which are the best places to stay in Ziro?

Here are some of the best accommodation options in Ziro: 1. Ziro Palace Inn 2. Kasa Resort 3. Hotel Anne Ziro 4. Hotel CKD 5. Traditional Valley Homestay 6. Hotel Blue Pine

When is the best time to visit Ziro Valley?

Ziro Valley is a year-round destination, however, the months between October to April are ideal to enjoy a fun-filled vacation. The summer months start from April till June and the temperature ranges between 6 and 28 degrees Celsius. The winter stays between mid-october and March. During these months, the temperature ranges from 1 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Which are the best things to do in Ziro?

Here are some of the best experiences you can enjoy in Ziro: 1. Explore history at Meghna Cave Temple 2. Learn about fish farming at Tarin Fish Farm 3. Witness over 1000 varieties of orchids at Tipi Orchid Research Centre 4. Explore rich flora and fauna at Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 5. Enjoy an adventurous trek to Midey and Dolo Mando 6. Attend Ziro festival

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Ziro Tourism

The cradle to a unique tribal group and a balmy climate, Ziro is the peace seeker's paradise. Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields.

Ziro is a quaint old town in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apa Tani tribe and famous for its pine hills and rice fields. The climate in Ziro is mild through the year, making it comfortable to travel all year round.

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Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation

Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation

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Top 12 Places To Visit In Ziro Valley

Named a World Heritage Site for its stunning natural beauty, Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is headquarters to Lower Subansiri District. Apatani Plateau, as Ziro is popularly known, is situated at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. The region is rich in rice fields and it is surrounded by mountains that boast of pine trees in great numbers. The wide range of flora and fauna seen here is soul captivating. Cool summers and cooler winters are characteristics of Ziro. Every angle is above perfect and every view is spectacular; no wonder the best of cameras fail to do justice to the hues of Ziro. Here are the top 12 places to visit in Ziro , which highlight the classic beauty of the place.

1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary covers 337 sq. km. of land and it is one of the leading attractions of Ziro. The sanctuary is home to various endangered species. The beautiful forests that enjoy a much less human intervention have a wide range of flora and fauna. Silver fir trees, orchids, stunning ranges of bamboo and ferns are some of the trees found here. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is called Bio-diversity zone.

2. Meghna Cave Temple

Meghna Cave Temple is a ‘must visit’ tourist spot in Ziro. This ancient cave temple dates back to 5000 years and it was rediscovered in the year 1962. Located at an altitude of 300 feet, the temple offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Majestic mountains, dense forests presenting lush greenery to your eyes and beautiful river flowing below give you the most wonderful experience. You will be at a loss for words to describe the immense beauty of the place. Set your camera in motion so that you will be able to relive the memories on your return.

3. Kile Pakho

The ridge Kile Pakho is situated 7 km away from old Ziro. The place would delight nature lovers for the scenic beauty it has to offer. Climb on the ridge and you could have Ziro plateau’s spectacular views on one side and snow clad Himalayan ranges on the other side.

You would love the sight of blue pine trees for which Midey is popular. You will find the biggest and the tallest pine trees in the whole of Apatani Valley. If you love adventure, you are sure to love this place, as it is a great place for hiking and trekking.

5. Ziro Puto

ziro-puto

Ziro Puto is a hillock where independent India’s first administrative centre was established. The place is also known as Army Puto as army cantonment was established during 1960s. You could have spectacular views of Apatani plateau from the hillock.

6. Dolo Mando

Dolo Mando is a hillock situated west of Ziro. It attracts tourists in great numbers as old Ziro and the town Hapoli views from the hilltop are spectacular. Trekking on the hill would be exciting if you are looking to give yourself some exercise.

District administration’s headquarters is located in Hapoli . The residence of Deputy Commissioner and the Circuit House are situated on a hillock here. You could have clear view of Hapoli from the hill.

8. Dilopolyang Maniipolyang

Dilopolyang Maniipolyang is a twin hillock situated on the way to Talley Valley. The scenic grasslands views are awe-inspiring.

9. Pine Grove

pine-grove

Pine Groove is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Ziro. The entire area is pine clad and it is situated nearly 3 kms away from old Ziro.

10. Tarin Fish Farm

Tarin Fish Farm is located at a high altitude amidst pine and bamboo trees. High altitude fish are bred here and this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ziro.

11. Bamboo Grove

bamboo-grove

Bamboo Groove stands proof of the expertise displayed in farm forestry in this part of the land. One stem bamboo, referred to as monopodial, is grown here with blue clad pine. This spot is frequented by hikers as well as tourists.

12. Tipi Orchid Research Centre

Tipi Orchid Research Centre , which covers around 10 hectares of land, is located amidst hills and tropical rain forest. It houses a wide range of orchids that exceed 1000 varieties. Orchid glass house in the centre is a major attraction. This glass house with fiberglass roof has a gallery and a pond with a fountain.

Many tourist places in Ziro are declared as World Heritage Sites. The place boasts of natural beauties and all around you will find dense forests, lush greenery, beautiful hills and breathtaking valleys. If you look to be a part of nature, be a part of the world that has not been even bruised in the name of modern technology, you need to be at Ziro. Also visit: https://www.transindiatravels.com/arunachal-pradesh/tourist-places-to-visit-in-arunachal-pradesh to find out more about the heavenly land of Arunachal Pradesh.

Other Major Tourist Destinations In Arunachal Pradesh:

  • Top Places To Visit In Lohit
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About Rohit

tourist place in ziro

9 thoughts on “Top 12 Places To Visit In Ziro Valley”

Good article. Ziro is not a world heritage site yet. Its just nominated from our side along with many other sites. UNESCO is yet to approve it.And second thing Tipi orchi center is not even close to ziro its at least couple of hundred kilometers away on the way to Tawang in totally different part of Arunachal pradesh. I have been there..

Please send me some package details for ziro.

You really done good research on Ziro puto.. this i can tell as i am resident of Ziro . Ziro really is beautiful place.

hello, I want to visit this place with my friends this year. can you please tell me how to complete this trip within 2 days without leaving any places to visit?

Hi, Facing the dilemma either zero music festival or trip to tawang, we can’t go for both as limited nmbr of days we have, kindly help in making a choice, suggest or share ur experiences Thanks.

Can you give me any information about trekking from ziro to Talley valley. Information about local guide, or staying in ziro.

It is not possible to complete your trip in two days. You should come for at-least 1 week. So that your tour will be perfect for you and you can take a complete look of Ziro.

Its a great place to visit. It quite cold place specially during night.

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Visit Ziro Valley: 10 Top-Rated Places To See In Ziro Valley & The Famous Ziro Festival of Music (2024)

Visit ziro valley:.

Ziro valley is an outstanding picturesque valley in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a treasure for nature and adventure lovers with beautiful Pine Mountains, paddy rice fields, bamboo huts, and an amazing flora and fauna range. Ziro valley has been declared a World Heritage Site. The valley offers an excellent opportunity to explore and understand the culture and tradition of the Apatani tribe, which in itself is an unforgettable experience to be cherished. The place is also called Apatani Plateau because of the Apatani tribe that lives there. 

Ziro Valley is a perfect place for recreation and relaxation of mind and body by offering a peaceful and soothing atmosphere. There are interesting places like Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghna Cave Temple, Tarin Fish Farm, etc., that one must not miss during their visit to Ziro valley. There is a famous spot known as Ziro Puto, which gives a bird’s eye view of the whole Ziro Valley. It is ideal for trekkers and nature lovers.

Location:  Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh  

Best Time To Visit:  October – March

10 Top-Rated Places To See In Ziro Valley

1. talley valley wildlife sanctuary.

The Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 337 square km. It is home to a large and exotic variety of flora and fauna. It is an important and prominent wildlife reserve of the state. This sanctuary in Ziro Valley shelters the endangered clouded leopards. It also provides a remarkable spectrum of forests, including silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron. 

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary-Top-Rated Place To See In Ziro Valley

Image Source

2. Meghna Cave Temple

The Meghna Cave Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Lakulisha, the 28th incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple has marvelous architecture and some detailed carvings of Sanskrit scriptures. The temple is an ancient cave temple that is as old as 5000 years but was discovered in 1962. Since that time, it has become a huge pilgrimage. The popular site gives an incredible view of the surrounding mountains, dense evergreen forests, and rapidly flowing rivers. This place is one of the most amazing places to visit in the state. There is a grand festival here during Maha Shivratri in February, a visitor’s delight.

Top-Rated Place To See In Ziro Valley-Meghna Cave Temple

3. Kile Pakho

Situated in the Ziro Valley, Kile Pakho is a point from where one can enjoy a spectacular view of the distinct landscapes. The majestic Ziro Plateau on one side and snow-laden Himalayan Mountains on the other side. 

It is a very famous tourist attraction, situated 7 km away from Old Ziro.

4. Midey  

Midey in Ziro Valley is an ideal place for trekking and hiking and is famous for its blue pine trees and splendid views. This place offers an opportunity to see the biggest and tallest tree in the Apatani valley, about seven meters at GBH (girth at breast height). 

5. Dolo Mando

Dolo Mando is a small hill situated on the western side of Ziro on the Daporijo Road. The place is perfect for trekking. It also gives the trekkers astounding views of the surroundings. If you want to enjoy the stunning views of Hapoli town and some parts of Old Ziro, trekking is the only option.

6. Hapoli

Hapoli, the spectacular beauty is the headquarter of Lower Subansiri District Administration. There is a circuit house at the top of the hill where one can stay and enjoy the city’s mesmerizing view.

7. Ziro Puto

Ziro Puto is one of India’s first managerial institutions and is a famous destination in the Ziro valley. The place has historical importance and is known as Army cantonment, which established during the sixties. The popular spot offers a remarkable view of the Apatani plateau. To get a view of the entire Ziro town, one can trek to the top. The place is a must-visit to experience the calmness and tranquility in its atmosphere.

8. Tarin Fish Farm

This famous destination in Ziro Valley is a part of the Bulla village, which is native to the Apatani tribe. The most interesting fact about this place is that two rice crops (Mipya and Emoh) and a breed of fish (Ngihi) are raised together. The people of the Apatani tribe practice this. 

9. Dilopolyang Maniipolyang

Dilopolyang Maniipolyang is a major tourist attraction with beautiful lush greenery. The place is ideal for people seeking peace and some leisure time away from the hustle-bustle of daily life. It is also a famous picnic spot, where people can enjoy the serene environment in nature’s lap.

10. Pine Grove  

The place is also known as Myolyang, is only 3 km away from the Old Ziro town. It is a popular picnic spot and is sprinkled with pine trees. It is a beautiful and picturesque site that is perfect for a day outing.

The Famous Ziro Festival of Music

Ziro Festival of Music is the largest and most happening outdoor music festival in Arunachal Pradesh. This festival is Arunachal’s Sunburn Festival and invites music lovers worldwide and other northeast states. The festival is held for four days, where people enjoy domestic and international music artists’ performances. The music and the combination of different cultures make for a wonderful experience and memory. The festival is celebrated during the month of September.

FAQ’s for Tourists Visiting Ziro Valley

1. what is the most famous thing about ziro.

Ans: Ziro is famous for its Pine Trees and the rice fields. It is also the land of the Apatani Tribe.

2. How To Reach The Ziro Valley?

Ans:  Air: The nearest airport is at Jorhat , Assam , which is 98 km away from Ziro.

Rail: The nearest railway station is at Naharalagun, which is 100 km from Ziro.

Road: Buses are available from Guwahati to Ziro.

 3. Is There Snow In Ziro?

Ans: Ziro has winters from October-March, and the mountains are covered with snow during this time.

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Tourist Attractions in Ziro Valley

Blessed with an unmatched scenic grandeur and hiding in its store, a number of enticing trekking trails, Ziro makes for a perfect destination for trekkers and hikers satiate their adventurous desires; ‘Dolo Mando’ situated atop a hill near the valley is a must visit hiking destination and offers breath-taking vistas of old Ziro town fringed with verdant forests and snow laden Himalayas.

In case one is looking for a camping experience in Ziro, the best thing to do here would be to set up a camp near the ‘Pange River’ basin. Immersed in deep tranquillity of melodious chirps of colourful birds and stringed with tall trees and wild flowers all around.

It would truly make as one of the best places to see and feel nature in its unpretentious form. Holidays in Ziro are absolutely considered incomplete without embarking on an interesting sightseeing tour in the city visiting its famous tourism places which include the 5000 years old ‘Meghna Cave Temple’, ‘Sidheshwar Nath Shiv Linga’, ‘Tarin Fish Farm’ and ‘Pine Grove’.

To satisfy the shopaholics, there are a couple of tribal markets to explore in the valley; Ziro’s bamboo & cane items and beautiful Apatani handlooms are some of the best in the region and make for a perfect buy.

Points of Interest: Must Visit Places in Ziro

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Ziro

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Meghna Cave Temple, Ziro

Meghna Cave Temple

Kile Pakho, Ziro

Dilopolyang Maniipolyang

Pine Grove, Ziro

Tarin Fish Farm

Bamboo Groove, Ziro

Bamboo Groove

Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Ziro

Tipi Orchid Research Centre

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Things to Do in Ziro, India - Ziro Attractions

Things to do in ziro.

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  • Honeymoon spot
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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

tourist place in ziro

1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

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2. Orchid Research Centre

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3. Ziro Festival Of Music

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4. Shiva Linga

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5. Tarin Fish Farm

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6. Kile Pakho

tourist place in ziro

7. Dolo Mando

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8. Pine Grove

9. mary immaculate catholic church, 10. town baptist church.

tourist place in ziro

11. Ziro Music Festival

tourist place in ziro

12. Apatani Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

What travelers are saying.

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  • Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Shiva Linga
  • Tarin Fish Farm
  • Orchid Research Centre

Ziro Attractions Information

Travel World Planet

Explore the World Beauty

7 BEST Places to Visit in Ziro Valley

Being the oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh, it is also listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Surrounded by lush green mountains with pine trees all around, Ziro is a small hill station in Arunachal Pradesh. Further, the tourist spot famous for its rich rice fields. Apart from that, it has a wide range of flora and fauna that makes it an ideal destination for the nature lover.

The small scenic town located at an altitude of 1500 feet above sea level and it offers many spectacular views. Besides that, there are many trekking trails in Ziro which makes it a perfect destination for trekkers and hikers. The site also offers an amazing experience of Camping, which is one of the best things to do in Ziro. So here is a list of top tourist places to visit in Ziro that truly describe this place. If you want to get the best experience of sightseeing in Ziro then must explore all the below-mention tourist attraction.

Best Time To Visit – The tourist spot has pleasant weather all throughout the year, so you can visit this place anytime in a year. But the ideal time to visit Ziro is from March to October due to the comfortable climate condition. Further, between these months the entire place looks more majestic and picturesque.

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

With a diverse range of flora and fauna, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a leading tourist attraction in Ziro valley. The sanctuary boasts a wide range of flora includes ferns, orchids, bamboo and silver fir trees that create a visual treat for the tourist. Located at a distance of 30 km from Ziro, it is home to many plants, animals as well as various endangered species. Further, the wildlife sanctuary situated on a plateau hence it is an ideal spot for the trekkers too. Spread an area of 337 sq km, it is one of the most biodiversity zones in the entire Arunachal Pradesh.

Things To Do At Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – Photography, Trekking, Spot wildlife animals and Sightseeing

  • Also Read : Places to Visit in in Arunachal Pradesh

Kile Pakho, Ziro

Kile Pakho is a nature lover paradise which is located at a distance of 7 km from Old Ziro. The location offers many mesmerising views of contrasting landscapes that soothes your eyes. Surrounded by Ziro plateau on the one side and snow-capped Himalayan Mountains on another side, the beauty of this place can’t describe in words. Further, the picture-perfect tourist spot has a pleasant climate all through the year. So if you want to spend a scenic holiday vacation in the lap of nature then Kile Pakho is perfect spot in Ziro valley.

Things To Do At Kile Pakho – Nature Photography, Nature Walk, Get the stunning view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges

Meghna Cave Temple

Meghna Cave Temple

Meghna Cave Temple is a famous religious place in Ziro, the tourist spot visited by a large number of tourists every year due to its high religious significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is an about 5000-year-old temple which is situated at an altitude of 300 feet above sea level. Surrounded by lush greenery, dense forest and majestic mountains, it offers many stunning views that give you a wonderful experience. Further, a grand festival also celebrated here on the occasion of Maha Shivratri and witnessed by a large number of devotees.

Things To Do At Meghna Cave Temple – Worship to Lord Shiva, Get some spirituality & Peace, Be a part of Maha Shivratri festival and Enjoy Sightseeing

  • Also Read: Popular Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Dolo Mando

Situated on a hillock, Dolo Mando is a famous viewpoint in Ziro and one of the most preferred tourist destinations for the trekking enthusiast. Lies on the western side of Ziro, it offers the spectacular view of Hapoli town as well as Old Ziro that is truly magnificent. The scenic natural beauty and cool atmosphere of this location make it a perfect spot to relax and unwind your mind and soul.

Things To Do At Dolo Mando – Trekking, Relax in the lap of nature and Get the stunning view of Hapoli town & Old Ziro

Midey, Ziro

A must visit tourist spot in Ziro which is famous for its blue pine trees. The location houses biggest and tallest pine trees in the Apatani valley. Set amidst a dense bamboo grove and lush greenery all around, it is an ideal location for the nature lover. Apart from its natural beauty, it is a great place for trekking and hiking. So if you want to feel the essence of the real beauty of Arunachal Pradesh then it will be a perfect spot for you.

Things to Do At Midey – Trekking, Hiking and Photography

Ziro Puto

Ziro Puto is a hillock from where you can overlook the whole Apatani Plateau. Further, the first administrative centre of Indian Army cantonment established here in the year 1960. So the site has high historical importance in the history of India. View from Ziro Puto is truly magnificent and spectacular that you want to capture in your camera away from the hustle and bustle of the city and stress of the fast-moving world.

Things To Do At Ziro Puto – Nature Walk, Sightseeing and Get the spectacular view of Apatani Plateau

Tarin Fish Farm

Tarin Fish Farm

Set amidst pine and bamboo trees on a high altitude located in Bulla Village, the tourist spot famous for breeding of high altitude fishes. You can also see the process of different varieties of rice that are grown here like Mipya and Emoh. The farm was established in the year 1985-86 and it covers an area of 7.4 hectares.

Things To Do At Tarin Fish Farm – See the breeding process of high altitude fishes and Enjoy vast greenery of rice paddy fields

So that’s all about tourist places to visit in Ziro and many of them declared as a World Heritage Sites. The scenic place blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and has a wide expanse of dense forest, beautiful hills and enchanting valleys. So being a natural wonder, it is a great site to behold in Arunachal Pradesh and should not be missed at any instant.

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Top Things to do in Ziro

tourist place in ziro

Table of Contents

Places to visit in ziro.

  • Places to visit nearby

Places to eat in Ziro

  • How to reach
  • Best time to visit
  • Hotels and Resorts in Ziro

Things to Do in Ziro

The beautiful hill town offers numerous options for adventures and activities.

tourist place in ziro

  • Attend the Ziro Festival . A key highlight of Arunachal Pradesh, this annual music festival showcases independent musicians and artists from all over the country. It is also known as the “ greatest outdoor music gala ”. The festival was initiated in 2012 by musician Bobby Hano and is hosted by the local Apatani people.
  • Try some of the best Ziro trekking trips to places like Midey and Dolo Mando . Midey is popular for blue pine trees and some of the tallest in the Apatani Valley. Dolo Mando is another scenic hill outside the town, offering great views of the Hapoli town below. The views are spectacular from the top.
  • Camp in the lap of nature. Surround yourself with exotic birds and misty hills when you camp on banks on the Pange River and enjoy nights under the open sky.
  • Try river rafting in the Kamle and Siang rivers , which are famous among pro-rafters during high tide. You can also go bicycling in the surrounding trails.
  • Collect your trip memorabilia from local craftsmen . The Apatani tribe is known for their handloom work and other handcrafted items like bamboo baskets, rugs, jackets, and rugs. There are weekly markets and bazaars selling native fares.

tourist place in ziro

[Also Read: Things to Do in Ladakh ]

With a picture-perfect landscape of pine forests and rolling hills, and the rich tribal heritage, Ziro Valley sightseeing is as exotic as it could get.

tourist place in ziro

Here are the most famous places to see in Ziro hill station:

  • Meghna Cave Temple – an ancient cave temple dating back 5000 years. It sits at 300 feet, offering panoramic views of the hills and valleys.
  • Kile Pakho – a hilly ridge a few miles out of the town known for stunning views. The ridge serves as a viewing point for the valley and plateau on one side and the snow-clad Eastern Himalayas on the other.
  • Ziro Puto – a nearby hillock and an army cantonment. This is where independent India’s first administrative center was established. From here, you can also see the district headquarters of Hapoli, known for Circuit House and great views of the town.  
  • Dilopolyang Maniipolyang – a twin hillock with expansive grasslands near Talley Valley. It is frequented by most trekkers and hikers, for the pristine nature trails around the grasslands and surrounding forests.
  • Tarin Fish Farm – a popular fish farming area sitting within pine and bamboo groves. It is known for the pisciculture of high-altitude fish using traditional methods.
  • Bamboo Grove – Highly popular trek destination. The area is known for dense bamboo forests grown amid blue pine and nature trails that take you through the forests and offer stunning views of the hills and valleys.
  • Tipi Orchid Research Centre – a sprawling land of hills and rainforest, housing 1000+ varieties of orchids. There is also a glass house display of orchids adorned with a pond and a fountain, perfect for photo ops.

Popular nearby places to visit

Make the most of your vacation, visit these interesting places near Ziro:

  • The Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 30 KM – Explore the region’s flora and fauna at the Talley wildlife sanctuary, spreading over 337 square km. It is a leading attraction and houses endangered Himalayan species. You can do a forest trek through silver fir, bamboo, ferns, and orchids or go on an organized safari. 
  • Ziro Pine Grove, 36 KM – one of the most popular places to visit in Ziro. It is also most frequented by travelers, for its dense pine forests that cover the surrounding hills and provide great hiking and photo opportunities.
  • Itanagar, 109 KM – the state capital and the nearest commercial district. From museums to palaces, the city is a great place to learn about regional history and ethnic tribal culture.
  • Dhemaji, 187 KM – a small town in the northeast of Assam across the eastern border of Arunachal Pradesh. The serene locales of this hamlet in the Brahmaputra basin make for a quiet time in nature.

From native dishes to contemporary Indian and international cuisines, the food scene of the valley will not let you down.

tourist place in ziro

Here are some of the best places to eat:

  • A&C’s Kitchen , M.G Road, Siiring Pakho (Treasury Down) Haopolyang – small eatery serving local dishes.
  • Bliss Bistro , Tri-Junction, Centre Point Complex, MG Rd, Cona County, Hapoli – casual restaurant with café menu, small meals.
  • Good Vibes Café , First Floor, DS Building MG Road, opposite Best Bakers, Hapoli – casual local eatery serving café menu and fast food.
  • Hotel Center Point – restaurant in a lodge serving traditional flavors and Chinese dishes.
  • Hotel Potin, Cona County, Potin – modest diner serving local flavors and homestyle meals.

Tucked away in the tranquil mountainscape of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is indeed a picturesque paradise. The sprawling rice fields, lush forest, rolling hills, misty ambiance, and warm local tribal community are what fascinate travelers about Ziro. This charming blend of nature and culture makes for a holistic travel destination, with something in store for everyone.

tourist place in ziro

The quaint and quiet old settlement of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro is the district headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. It is one of the oldest towns of the state with a population of 12,806 people. The town sits on a plateau, at an elevation of 5538 feet to 8000 feet, surrounded by pine-clad hills and lush paddy fields. The local community engages in terrace farming and fishing and is known for their practicing ecologically sustainable methods of sustenance. By efficiently managing every natural resource through traditional practices, they have successfully learned to integrate nature into every part of their lives.

Ziro’s History

Apatani women

It’s the history and culture of Ziro that makes this place so fascinating and attractive. The town has been home to the indigenous Apatani tribe , who have spent many generations here, living in harmony with nature and changing times. Their rich traditions and colorful culture are what make this place unique in its own way. Ziro is known as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the tribe’s cultural contributions through their indigenous art and festivals, like intricate handloom designs, cane and bamboo crafts, vibrant folk music and dance, and their traditional village council structure called bulyan . This historical Ziro culture defines the town as the world knows it today, making it an example of living in harmony with nature.

How to Plan a Trip to Ziro

How to reach ziro valley.

Although nestled remotely in the state, the valley is quite well-connected to the neighboring states and other major parts of the country.

tourist place in ziro

The nearest railway stations for Ziro are at Naharalagun at 100 KM and North Lakhimpur at 117 KM . There are trains also available from Tezpur. If you are traveling from Guwahati, you can take trains to Kathal Pukhuri. From there you can hire a cab or rent a car to reach Ziro.

When traveling by road to Ziro, there are two options you can pick from –

tourist place in ziro

Itanagar is the nearest major junction. You can book a cab from Itanagar or Jorhat and drive to Ziro. It takes a little over 4 hours to reach Itanagar via NH13 and makes for a scenic road trip.

You can also opt for the state-run buses from Itanagar , the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. There are also state transport buses from Guwahati to Ziro, available four days a week.

Ziro doesn’t have an airport of its own. The nearest airports are Guwahati, Jorhat, Lilabari, and Tezpur, depending on your flight origin and which airport you land at. The town is served by Jorhat or Rowriah Airport, about 98 KM away. From Jorhat, you can hire an airport taxi to travel to Ziro. For international flights, Guwahati is the closest international airport at 440 KM from Ziro Valley. From there, you can book a Guwahati airport cab to reach Ziro.

Best Time to Visit Ziro

tourist place in ziro

The climate of Ziro Valley is pleasant and mild all year round , making it perfect for exploring any time you want. The summer months, from April to June, bring quite warm weather, followed by the monsoon season, during which the temperatures decrease slightly (to 19 degrees Celsius), and the atmosphere becomes wet and misty. The winters, from October to March, are chilly and also good for traveling. Any time is the best time to visit Ziro Valley, depending on what your travel goals are.

Hotels & Resorts in Ziro Valley

To make your vacation truly comfortable and memorable, here are some of the best places to stay in Ziro:

  • Ziro Palace Inn
  • KASA Resort
  • Siiro Resort
  • Biiri Resort
  • Passa Lath Resort
  • Puttu Homestay

Install the Savaari Car Rental app to avail exclusive discounts on cabs from Guwahati to Ziro .

Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Swati Deol

Ziro: The Pine Clad Hills of Arunachal Pradesh

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  • Ziro Tourism: 7 Famous Places to Travel | Best time to Visit | How to go:
  • Popular Hill Stations
  • 29 June 2021
  • By Sweety Saha

tourist place in ziro

Ziro is a paradise for every nature enthusiast and adventure freak. It is situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. Filled with terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, and vivid trails lined with tall blue & green pines. That makes this hilly hamlet amongst the most photogenic valleys all over India. Ziro is also known for its striking wildlife treasures.

The soothe to a unique tribal group and a gentle climate, Ziro is the paradise of the peace seekers. Ziro is an exotic old town in Arunachal Pradesh. It is the home of the Apa Tani tribe. It is famous for its pine hills and rice fields. The mild weather in this region throughout the year makes it comfortable to travel all year round.

Contents Best Time to visit Ziro: Places to Visit in Ziro: Tarin Fish Farm: Kile Pakho: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Meghna Cave Temple: Shiv Linga: Pine Grove: Dolo Mando: How to reach Ziro: By flight: By train: By road: Best Time to visit Ziro:

tourist place in ziro

Ziro has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The best time to visit Ziro is from March to October. During summer, this hilly hamlet becomes a perfect destination to get away from the torrid heat of nearby cities. The lush greenery with clear blue skies makes the entire place look vivid and magical. Another perfect time to visit this hilly village is in the Early Winters from October to November. The valley is enveloped in snow during the winter season. The months from late November to January experience frigid temperatures as low as -13 degrees Celcius. Monsoon is another beautiful season to visit this region with variegated valleys and beautiful weather.

Places to Visit in Ziro:

Tarin Fish Farm:

tourist place in ziro

Paddy cultivation is the main occupation in Ziro. Two different varieties of rice are grown with one variety of fish in the water. Bamboo and Pine trees neighboured the paddy fields. Each component of this cultivation has a role to play – just like in coffee plantations.

Kile Pakho:

tourist place in ziro

Kilo Pakho is provided as a viewpoint. It serves the viewers to get unique views on both sides. The Ziro plateau on one and the snow-laden Himalayas on the other.

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary:

tourist place in ziro

This 337 sq. km. the sanctuary houses a wide and exotic variety of flora and fauna. The endangered clouded leopards are can be spotted here. The sanctuary has a spectrum of flora as well which includes silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron.

Meghna Cave Temple:

tourist place in ziro

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is nestled close to Ziro. It is a 5000-year-old structure and located at 3000 ft above sea level. The 10 minutes climb up the stairs is completely worth it.

Shiv Linga:

Ziro

The headquarters of the Lower Subansiri District is situated 1500 meters above sea level. Ziro is 167 Km away from Itanagar. This Shiv Linga is self-made having Sfatic as garland naturally. The Linga is 25 feet in length and 22 feet in width. Ziro is a hilly town in Arunachal Pradesh. It is also known as the Apatani plateau, situated at an elevation of 5754 ft. above sea level.

There exist the largest Shivling of the world. This Shivling has been discovered not long ago by the locals of the state. This is a high hilly town almost a level valley. This is a perfect destination for picturesque with quietly flowing rivers of Subansiri, Apatani, Nishi, Dafla, and Miri. It is also an ideal place for trekking and hiking.

Pine Grove:

Ziro

Pine Grove has nestled just 3km away from Ziro. This place is a beautiful picnic spot with an amazing view.

Dolo Mando:

Ziro

Dolo Mando is amongst the famous attractions of this place, travelers trek to the top of this hillock to view the Hapoli town and old Ziro. This hillock is nestled on the western side of this hilly town on the Daporijo Road.

How to reach Ziro:

Tezpur airport is the nearest airport. It is situated 280 km from Ziro. It neither has an airport nor a railway station.

Tezpur airport is the nearest airport. It is situated 280 km from Ziro. There are no direct flights from Delhi or Kolkata to Tezpur. So it takes a lot of time to reach. As Guwahati is connected to all the major cities most of the flights are via Guwahati. From Guwahati, a taxi is available. There are many govt and private taxis from Guwahati to Arunachal Pradesh.

There are many daily trains from Guwahati to Kathal Pukhuri costing around INR 750-1100. It takes 8 hrs to reach Kathal Pukhuri. From there a taxi is available. It doesn’t have a railway station. Trains are also available from Tezpur.

Your safest option is to travel is to hire a taxi from Guwahati or Jorhat. Guwahati is 470 km away from Ziro. It takes around 7 hours to travel. The road condition is good and it covers NH27 and NH15. Govt buses are also available.

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Ziro Valley: Exploring the Beautiful Tourist Spots

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Ziro valley Arunachal pradesh

tourist place in ziro

ziro valley is a beautiul valley lies in Lower subansiri district in Arunachal pradesh. The vally is well known for famous Ziro music festival, the beautiful siikhe lake, stretching paddy fields all over and last but not the last Apatani tribe and their unique and beautiful culture. Ziro valley is home to Apatani tribe. visting ziro valley is a life time memorable experience. Beautiful paddy fields, serene environment, beautiful people and their culture everything altogher take you on a beautiufuj journey and you really feel fascinated and out of the world. So let’s go to explore this beautiful valley through this article.

Exploring Ziro valley: Places to visit in ziro, Arunachal

Ziro Valley has become a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The valley is divided into two parts: Old Ziro and New Ziro. The tourist attractions are mostly located in Old Ziro, where lush greenery surrounds small, beautiful villages inhabited by the Apatani tribes. As you wander through the lanes, you’ll notice gates that bear the names of the villages.

Siikhe Lake

Our first stop is Siikhe Lake, an artificial lake that offers breathtaking views. We took a boat ride around the lake, enjoying the serene surroundings and the lush forests that encompassed the area. Siikhe Lake has even been featured in several movies, adding to its allure. The beauty of the lake is truly mesmerizing, with its tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding hills and paddy fields.

Another lake worth visiting is Seeh Lake, which is also an artificial lake. While it is often confused with Siikhe Lake due to their similar names, they are two different lakes. Seeh Lake is located quite far, near the border. The lake is surrounded by picturesque scenery, with hills and forests creating a stunning backdrop. Boating is available at Seeh Lake, allowing visitors to explore its beauty up close.

Siddheshwar Nath Temple

In Kardo, a village near Ziro, lies the Siddheshwar Nath Temple. This temple is famous for housing the world’s largest natural Shivlinga, which has emerged from the ground on its own. The Shivlinga is accompanied by idols of Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. The temple is situated amidst a beautiful jungle, with the sound of flowing water from the nearby Ganga adding to its peaceful ambiance.

Sii Biirii – A Water Conservation Project

Sii Biirii is a water conservation project located in Ziro. Apart from its objective of conserving water, it has also become a popular tourist spot. Visitors can stroll along the small bridges that traverse the lake, enjoying the scenic beauty it offers. The area also features recreational zones with huts, swings, trampolines, and food stalls, making it a perfect place for families to relax and have fun.

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Beautiful ziro valley

ziro vally

Nestled in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise. This sanctuary, surrounded by majestic mountains, boasts a rich biodiversity with a myriad of flora and fauna. Visitors can embark on mesmerizing trekking trails, witness vibrant bird species, and marvel at the untouched beauty of this ecological haven.

Shiva Linga

In the serene landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, the Shiva Linga stands as a symbol of spiritual tranquility. This sacred site draws pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat where one can connect with both nature and divinity. The tranquil ambiance and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of spirituality and natural beauty.

https://countingtrails.com/gwalior-vyapar-mela-2024/

Tarin Fish Farm

Dive into the world of aquaculture at the Tarin Fish Farm, where innovation meets sustainable farming practices. This fish farm not only provides a fascinating insight into pisciculture but also contributes to the local economy. Visitors can witness the meticulous process of fish farming, gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between conservation and agriculture.

Orchid Research Centre : ziro valley

ziro vally orchid centre

Arunachal Pradesh’s Orchid Research Centre is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and botanists alike. With a diverse collection of orchid species, this center is a celebration of nature’s artistry. Visitors can explore the vibrant orchid gardens, learn about conservation efforts, and appreciate the delicate beauty that graces this unique corner of the world.

Kile Pakho, a hidden gem in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, invites travelers to soak in its panoramic vistas. Perched at an elevation, this vantage point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Whether it’s a sunrise or sunset expedition, Kile Pakho promises a visual feast, leaving visitors awe-inspired and rejuvenated.

Natural Gua Zero valley: Exploring Hidden Lakes and Traditions

Are you ready for an adventure? Join us as we explore the hidden gem of Natural Gua Zero and uncover the rich traditions of this beautiful location.

Discovering Hidden Lakes: Ziro valley

One of the highlights of our trip to Natural Gua Zero was the opportunity to visit the hidden lakes in the area. These lakes are a hidden treasure, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With the help of Google maps, we were able to locate these hidden gems and enjoy their breathtaking beauty. The serene surroundings and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Immersing in Local Traditions of ziro valley arunachal pradesh

Aside from the hidden lakes, we also had the chance to immerse ourselves in the local traditions of the area. Natural Gua Zero is known for its vibrant festivals, and we were lucky enough to witness one during our visit. The festival showcased the unique cultural heritage of the community, with colorful costumes, traditional dances, and delicious local cuisine. It was a feast for the senses!

Ziro Music Festival : ziro valley

Ziro Valley is renowned for its annual music festival, a grand event that attracts music lovers from all over India and abroad. The festival takes place in a picturesque valley, surrounded by paddy fields and hills. During the festival, numerous activities and performances are organized, including music concerts, food stalls, handicraft exhibitions, and camping facilities. The festival creates a unique ambiance that is both lively and peaceful.

Exploring the Surroundings : ziro valley

apatani

During our stay, we took the time to explore the surroundings of Natural Gua Zero. We strolled through the charming village, admired the beautiful landscapes, and even flew a drone to capture the breathtaking views from above. The town itself is filled with quaint cafes, cozy rooms, and picturesque balconies. It truly felt like a hidden paradise.

Farewell and Future Plans

As our journey came to an end, we bid farewell to Natural Gua Zero with a heavy heart. However, we are already planning our next adventure in Meghala. Stay tuned for more exciting trips and make sure to follow us on TikTok for behind-the-scenes footage. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey!

Places to visit in Ziro valley: More Information

●      how to reach ziro, arunachal pradesh:.

  • The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, and the closest railway station is Naharlagun Railway Station. From there, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Ziro.

●      Local Transportation :

  • In Ziro, local taxis and shared cabs are common modes of transportation. Auto-rickshaws and rented bikes may also be available.

●      Accommodation:

  • Ziro offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, is advisable.

●      Food Options:

  • Ziro has local eateries offering traditional Apatani cuisine. Additionally, you can find North Indian, Chinese, and other regional cuisines in restaurants.

●      Local Attractions:

  • Ziro is known for its scenic beauty and Apatani culture. Visit Tarin Fish Farm, Ziro Puto (Ziro Point), Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and the traditional Apatani villages.

●      Cultural Etiquette:

  • Interact respectfully with the Apatani people. Learn about their culture and traditions, and ask for permission before entering sacred places.

●      Safety Measures:

  • Stay updated on weather conditions, and inform someone about your travel plans. Carry essential medications and a first aid kit.

●      Best Time to Visit:

  • The best time to visit Ziro is during the Ziro Festival of Music in September or October. However, the weather is pleasant from March to October.

●      Language

  • While Hindi and English are understood, knowing a few basic phrases in Apatani can enhance your experience.

Remember to check for any travel advisories or restrictions before planning your trip.

https://www.savaari.com/blog/things-to-do-in-ziro/

Conclusion : Ziro valley

Ziro Valley is a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re exploring the serene lakes, visiting ancient temples, or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the music festival, Ziro has something for everyone. So, make sure to include Ziro Valley on your travel bucket list and experience the magic it has to offer.

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Apatani Tribe of Ziro Valley– Places to see

Last Updated on January 21, 2021 by asoulwindow

Apatani Tribe of Ziro Valley – Places to see

During my Arunachal Pradesh tour, Ziro valley was one of the most rewarding destinations. I mingled with the Apatani tribe community, a dream nurtured since long. The beautiful Apatani women and their nose plugs are the main attraction of Ziro valley!

Despite not knowing Apatani language, I had a good time as most people in Ziro valley Arunachal speak and understand Hindi. Dressed in Apatani traditional dresses, the locals of Ziro were unlike any I have met before! If you have not been on Arunachal Pradesh tour, read this complete guide and plan now. Read on to know why Arunachal Pradesh is so special!

This travel guide lists down the best places to visit in Ziro.

  • Visit home of an Apatani Tribe

During our trip to Ziro, Holiday Scout helped us visit the home of many Apatani people. We spent a lot of time in different Apatani homes, chatting over on bonfire, learning about Apatani culture, Apatani  food habits, Apatani  traditions, Apatani  festivals etc. Ziro is famous internationally because of the Apatani tribe and their unique culture! Your tour to Arunachal Pradesh is incomplete without sharing a lalcha (red tea) with Apatani people!

Every traditional Apatani home adheres to basic guidelines for construction and design. The hearth which is the heart and soul of an Apatani home, lies in the middle of the first room or the main hall where most of the family members and guests spend most of the time at. Both the family members as well as the guests congregate at this open fire place for all their meals and teas. The fireplace has a wooden double chambered wooden platforms dangling above it from the ceiling. This platform is used to keep items like cheese, knives, utensils, mugs, cups and much to my chagrin, massive meat blocks.

Built on an elevated platform, the house is entirely made up of wood. The walls are constructed with hand woven mats and tied together with sturdy bamboo poles.

The Apatani people happily posed for pictures and entertained all our questions we had for them. Dressed in their sartorial best, they looked stunning against the backdrop of a wooden façade. They told us that the entire Ziro valley dresses up like this during big festivals such as Mopin . This is what is Ziro famous for!

We spent a lot of time in the various Apatani homes. We were offered the local alcoholic drink, tea made on bonfire etc. My roving eyes were scanning the home for interesting objects. No matter how bright the sun is outside, these homes are always dark from inside. Sometimes a small bulb lights up a corner. I feel that is the charm of it!

With permission, I took a tour around the homes and observed the various pictures hung on wall, pots and pans, books etc. I was impressed to see that most home had modern toilets even if the overall architecture of the houses was traditional. Pretty impressive!

Architecture – The Apatani bamboo houses are single storey and sometimes made on ground and sometimes on an elevated platform, supported by low stilts in a neat pattern. I saw many elderly people, ‘hanging out’ at their balconies, soaking in some sun and waving to the kids cycling past them.

I also noted few cemented houses in the vicinity which had cropped up as an eyesore. Though most homes in Ziro are made in traditional way, still many homes and shops in the market area are made with brick and cement. They look odd and ugly when compared with the traditional wooden homes.

  • Visit home of head Apatani  Tribe priest

The local culture is what ZIRO is famous for. We also visited the home of the elderly head priest of Ziro valley. The wife of the priest wore the traditional nose plugs Apatani tribe people are so famous for. Despite his old age, he showed us a midsized squirrel he had just hunted. This is one of the most exclusive places to visit in Ziro Arunachal Pradesh. Apatani tribes food is mostly foraged from the forest or grown.

Both husband and wife spent a lot of time with us, posed happily with various things they used and also served us hot lal cha (red tea) which they had just made on the bonfire. Every traditional house in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and other states of North East India has similar bonfires in the middle of the main hall. It is an amazing place to not just warm yourself up in the super cold Ziro but also interact with the owner of the house right in his living room.

The family cooks here, chats here and receives guests here. They also showed us a special wooden utensil used to pour liquids. He enthusiastically showed us his prized possessions which included weapons and accessories made with animal parts such as bear’s hair, claws, wings etc. I personally do not approve of such use of animal parts in objects of everyday use but that is how it has been in Ziro and other parts of North East India. I also tasted a unique salt called Tapyo here. More on that below.

Their home was made up with a lot of wood. The external platform or balcony was not only charming but served as a great place to chill with family and friends. The balcony had an attached chamber where the hens were kept without any locks.

As I entered the main door, a huge hall swallowed me. There were some attached rooms to the main hall. I was surprised to see modern washroom in the backyard of the house. It was adjoined by a huge kitchen garden. The incongruous washroom was the only modern frills I saw in the house apart from the electricity boards, of course. How do you find this Ziro travel guide?

  • See Nose Plugs & Face Tattoo of Apatani women

If you are wondering why Apatani tribe women wear nose plugs and have face tattoos, you are reading the right blog. You will be surprised to know that these Apatani Tribe nose plugs, face piercing and face tattoos are not meant to enhance the beauty of Apatani tribe women but to make them look less attractive. This is why Arunachal Pradesh is so special!

As the folklore goes, in earlier times, the men of other tribes used to abduct Apatani women, smitten by their beauty. The attacks were also made, owing to the advance integrated farming practiced by the Apatani s. There are conflicted views on why the women started wearing nose plugs and face tattoos though.

How it started –

While some believe the Apatani tribe women started wearing the nose plugs themselves, other hold the view that the elders of the community encouraged Apatani women to do the same in order to make them less appealing and attractive. The nose plugs made their nose appear bigger than they were, helping them shield their beauty and save themselves from being kidnapped.

About nose plugs & tattoos- These nose plugs exclusive to Apatani women are known as Yaping Hullo. Made from wood foraged from the jungle, it is thoroughly cleaned so that any infection can be avoided in future.

I saw some of these women in Naharlagun market also, before we even arrived at Ziro valley. These tattoos are also a symbol of pride, dignity and honor.

The face tattoos of Apatani women are known as Tippei . These tattoos are made on young Apatani girls, about the age of 10 by older Apatani women from the community. The ink, hold your breath, is derived from soot from the hearth and fat of pig. Incredible India indeed! The face tattoos are made vertically extending from the forehead to the chin. The women also wear special beaded jewellery, common to Apatanis.

Declining Tradition

Not many such women are left these days. I was probably meeting last of Apatani women who had face tattoos and nose plugs. They were the last such generation. Thanks to a Government ban on nose plugs of Apatani women, the only such women who can be seen are old, who take pride in their unique tradition and extraordinary culture.

Ban – The ban started in 1970s to protect the women from finding jobs in other cities where they could be humiliated and discriminated against. This age old custom will soon fade away soon. So, visit Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh soon.

  • Visit tallest Shiv Ling at Siddheshwar Nath Mandir

I have written an entire blog on this. Yes, the world’s tallest naturally formed Shivling is right here in Ziro. It was not easy to find this one. Read my full travel guide on the Shiv Ling and Siddheshwar Nath Mandir. You will be surprised to meet pujaris from as far as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar manning this temple all by themselves. Also, get to know the interesting story about how this Shivling was found in Ziro. This and more on my blog! Please see the link in the box at the bottom.

  • Attend the famous Ziro Music festival

Ziro Music festival is an annual festival which happens in the month September or October. Ziro festival dates vary each year. This festival is also what Ziro is famous for! It is one of the best Music Festivals In India !

Scores of Urban young crowd from across India congregate at the open air concerts at the Ziro festival of Music every year. Entry tickets for Ziro music festival can be bought from the Music Festival website. You can enjoy live performances by a variety of independent artists with some local alcohol.

Some of the artists who have performed at the 4 days long Ziro Music festival are Indus Creed, Lee Ranaldo, Barmer Boys, Divine, Steve Shelley, Guru Rewben Mashangva, MONO, Damo Suzuki and many others. Now you know why Arunachal Pradesh is so special! Ziro Music Festival reviews have been great so far. Do enjoy this North East Music Fest.

Where to stay during Ziro Music Festival-

While some stay in the concrete home-stays for creature comforts, others prefer to stay near the Ziro Music festival venue in tents and camps.

  • Taste the Tapyo – local salt

I even tasted an indigenous home-made salt in the home of the head priest. I saw the same salt in Dwijing Festival in remote Bodoland, Assam. Known as Tapyo or popularly as brown salt, this traditional food of the Apatani  is also seen as a medicinal condiment. It is a condensed form of ash juice. It is used by the local people as a preventive measure against medical conditions like goitre. Native grass and herbs like Pepu ( Phragmites karka ) and Sarshe ( Eleusine coracana ) are used for preparing the Tapyo.

  • Understand local Apatani  culture & heritage

Babo: Our local tour guide arranged by travel company Holiday Scout took us around the Ziro town and showed us all the important places where ritualistic events take place during festivals and other occasions. He showed us various wooden structures, mostly huge in size. These are known as Babo .

Babo is erected in front of the house in the residential complexes. These represent the clan or family.  During the annual Myoko festival, the entire community comes together to erect the Babo for various rituals and ceremonies. The Babo ceremony happens 2-3 months before the Myoko festival.

Lapang: Lapang is a huge wooden platform which is used as a venue for holding public meetings, community discussions and carrying out some rituals. There is also a ritual alter located in residential areas. The Lapangs also become a magnet during the Murung festival in January. People congregate on Lapangs and make merry. Murung festival is a festival of prosperity.

The cows and Mithuns are tethered to the lower portion of the lapangs . The logs on which the platform of lapang is built is very sturdy. Traditionally, male child from each clan used to bring a pole each for the construction of the base of lapang . Naturally, you can easily count how many male child there are in a clan by just counting these poles.

You can figure out how many clans exist in a particular village by just counting the number of Lapangs it has. Concrete and metallic Lapangs are also being built these days. But the authentic wooden Lapang remains popular. The construction of lapangs was a big community event in the old days.

These structures are used in carrying out various rituals during the festivals. Some cemented versions of the same had cropped up too, which he showed to us with much disdain. The cemented ones indeed looked ugly when compared to the wooden structures. We visited one such huge Lapang made out of wood and bamboo in the Hari Village.

Since it is a very authentic and original example of a lapang , it has been declared as a heritage Lapang by the authorities. The heritage Lapang is known as Nami Tilling  Heritage Lapang Babo. A signboard warned strictly, “Notice: Throwing of garbages (sic) nearby Nami Tilling  Heritage Lapang Babo is strictly prohibited.

The defaulter shall be imposed with a fine of Rs. 5,000 by NTYG- Hong.” The people in Ziro sure are conscious of the environment and their heritage.

Some of the other Lapangs are Lapang Ho Nyimii Chama Ke and Lapang Mi Lengo Mi Darii Atii Toh. Do not miss these intriguing places to visit in Ziro.

  • Visit a local school of Ziro India

We even visited some schools in Ziro. Not wanting to disturb the school kids, we saw it from outside. Visiting schools gives a nice experience of the local lifestyle and values. I had also loved my visit to a school in the Majuli river Island in Assam.

  • Visit a Hindu Temple in Ziro

Some of the common features are that both Donyi Polo and Hinduism worship sun and moon. There are many Hindu temples in Ziro, thanks to the Hindus living here. Some of these temples are Shri Sidheshwar Nath temple, Temple of ‘Santoshi Maa baideu’, hill top mandir dedicated to Shiv bhagwan, Hindu temple at CRPF camp. Read interesting details in my Sidheshwar Nath temple blog. Link is shared in the box at the bottom.

  • Visit a Church in Ziro

There are some Churches in Ziro India which you can visit. Town Baptist Church in Hapoli is one such Church. Another one of them was visible right from the roof of our home stay in Ziro. The locals originally follow a unique religion Doni Polyo which is much like Hinduism. However, many local people were tricked by clever Christian missionaries into converting into Christianity.

The orthodox Apatanis still treat Christianity as an inferior religion. That explains why there are as few as just 1,000 Christians in Ziro India. In fact Danyii Piillo Meder Nello is a local organization located in Hari Lemba area, which aims to preserve ancestral practices, values and beliefs and guides the ignorant community members from the disadvantages of mindlessly converting to Christianity.

I saw similar agenda pedaling not only in India but also in some parts of Africa. Thanks to years of mass conversion, many Africans now have a Christian name instead of tough to pronounce (by Western standards) African names. Things are changing and the local have started to rebel. The local people of Ziro have been resisting Christian missionaries off late in order to preserve their culture, traditions and heritage. Rightly so!

  • Visit a Doni Polyo Temple

Doni Polyo is a shamanic religion followed by majority of Apatani  tribe people. Much like Hinduism, people who follow the Doni Polyo religion worship Sun and Moon, both of which represent the duality of nature.

The Hong village has an impressive number of people who follow Doni Polyo. During your tour to Arunachal Pradesh, you will come across many such unheard of cultures and customs. Ziro is worth visiting for sure! This is one of the best offbeat places to visit in Ziro Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Visit grave sites of Apatani

Most villages in Ziro have their own community burial grounds. These places are often located in remote location, undisturbed and unexploited. The very unique death ceremony followed by Apatani  tribe had me surprised. I had not seen anything like that before.

The graves in Ziro are built after tying bamboo poles in a pyramid shape. Called as Biyu , the graves of important Apatani men stand out due to the larger size of the grave. When a loved one dies in Ziro, the Apatani people sacrifice an animal such as Mithun . The skull (with horn) of the sacrificed animal is tied to the bamboo structure on the grave. Special rites and rituals are also performed during the burial ceremony.

Not far from the Apatani grave site, I also observed the Christian grave. It was a flat grave on mud. Someone had offered fresh flowers on the grave when I saw it.

The more complex and ornate burial structures were reserved for the important people and shamans. The simple structures belonged to regular people. The people who died an unnatural death such as a disaster or accident were buried separately.

  • See local concern for environment

I saw a genuine care for environment throughout Ziro. Common signboards by P.H.E. & W.S. division of Ziro says, “Construct a compost pit. Ensure safe disposal of the kitchen waste.” And “Say no to plastic bags. Plastic bags destroy the environment’. These placards were accompanied with a logo of Swachch Bharat, of course.

  • Eat Vegan and vegetarian food in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Contrary to popular belief, vegan and vegetarian food is easily available in Ziro. Our local host at the homestay served us satisfying vegan meals for dinner in their home. It included Dal-chawal (lentil and rice) with potatoes curry, brinjal curry and tomato chutney. We had nice vegan Chinese meals at a standalone restaurant in the middle of the wide open fields. In fact many Assamese people live in Ziro too. They cook vegan food effortlessly. Also, you can get nice vegan and vegetarian meals in restaurants, thanks to the proximity to Assam.

  • See ritualistic egg site

This sacrifice venue which I found bizarre was another first for me. I had never seen or heard of anything like what I saw here. Scores of thin bamboo sticks were tied together and embellished with egg shells and feathers. I saw many such altars located next to each other.

Animist rituals, rites and animals sacrifices are performed here mostly by the resident of nearby Hong village. These ceremonies take place where the village goes through some upheaval, disaster or some unforeseen adverse situations. Mostly hens are sacrificed but it may include other life forms as well. Watch out for the blood stains of freshly sacrificed chicken, if any.

This ceremony is performed once in a year at a fixed spot outside the main villages and residential areas. Called as Myokum , this ceremony is done in order to ensure the welfare of the family members. This tradition passes hands through generations.

Not all families are allowed to perform this tradition. The family members whose ancestors have been continually performing these rituals over the years are the ones allowed to perform it. It is a very ancient practice.

This site is present near the Hong village in the Eastern direction. I passed a school and under maintenance dirt track to arrive here. I saw an amusing set of metal rods arranged over a drain of the dirt track to keep cows and mithuns entering this area.

A signboard on a tree read, “Not allowed to erect Myokum Ageying inside boundary. Find (Fine). Rs. 50,000. Of Bamboo Field by order of owner K. Yombin.” It seemed like a private ceremony ground to me. I saw a fully loaded rifle lying carelessly on the ground. I dare not erect a Myokum here.

  • See locals toting Rifles casually

It is not uncommon to see local men walking nonchalantly with fully loaded rifles and guns. Mostly they use the rifles for hunting, which I do not approve of though. I did see some rifles casually thrown on the floor. I saw many more people carrying rifles everywhere I went to in Nagaland whether it was Mon or the Hongphui village near Longwa , known for its last surviving headhunters. Are you still wondering what to see in Ziro valley Arunachal?

  • Visit hill top – places to visit in Ziro

If you have time, you must drive to this hill top area where very few go. Enjoy the views from Ziro Putu Hillock and explore the area on foot if you can! There are surprises galore in the tour to Arunachal Pradesh. There are also some Hindu temples here. You will be amazed with great bird’s eyes view from here. From Dolo Mando Hill , you can enjoy panoramic views of both old Ziro as well as Hapoli aka New Ziro.

  • Nanakoo Orchid Farm

What more can you do in Ziro? North East India is home to some of the most beautiful, rare and endangered orchids in the world. I saw some orchid parks and conservatories in Kaziranga National Park and on the way to Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang during my 15 days long epic trip to North East India. Distance between Nanakoo Orchid Farm and Hapoli is just 1 km.

  • Visit Hapoli

Hapoli town offers amazing views of the sprawling hills. You can even walk upto Hapoli from Hari village. The district museum is also in Hapoli. Hapoli is also known as the New Ziro.

Old Ziro has some charming small villages. Old Ziro has rich Apatani culture alive and thriving. Old Ziro is just 7 kms away from Hapoli. You can get there by shared cabs and Tata Sumos. That’s how the locals travel.

  • Ziro District Museum and Craft Centre

A visit to the Ziro District Museum and Craft Centre will give you a deep insight into the local lifestyle, crafts, custom and traditions. And of course, you can pick some souvenirs as well. Do check out local crafts made from bamboo, cane etc. The intricate handloom designs by Apatani  people are also worth a dekko!

  • Pine Tree Walk

There are many well preserved pine tree forests in and around Ziro Valley. Have a leisurely walk at the rolling Pine Hills, if it is allowed! Check with your local travel guide if you are not sure! The pine grooves are locally called as Myolyang . You can visit lovely towering blue pine plantations at Midey. Just ask around! Ziro sure is worth a visit!

  • Visit the Ziro market

The most ‘un exotic’ thing about Ziro was Ziro market. It looked like any other small town Indian market from say, Assam or even Uttar Pradesh. Ziro market is an unorganized market populated mostly by outsiders from other states. I saw many Muslim shopkeepers here and even shops selling mainstream food in Ziro market. It is run of the mill thing but you can still explore the market. Just keep your eyes peeled for something exotic or unusual.

  • Dress like an Apatani

Yes, you can even dress in an Apatani traditional dressif you fancy so. Just let the tour agent know about your desire before the trip starts so that it can be arranged for you. The ethnic dress, mostly whites looks amazing in the backdrop of verdant fields and against the rough texture of wood. Sange Tsering from Holiday Scout has a great rapport with the local people and that helped! You will see many Apatani girls wearing this dress.

  • Explore different villages

Ziro is huge. There are many big and small villages where you can explore. Some of the villages worth a visit in Ziro are the stunning Hari village, Hong Village etc. In fact, Hong is the second largest village of Asia. By merely taking a walk in these traditional Apatani  villages you can observe how closely humans co exist with nature in Ziro. Other villages in old Ziro are Baro, Biilla, Hija,Bula, Bamin Michi, Dutta, Siiro and Mudang-Tage etc. The villages are very clean, have fresh air and are picture postcard perfect. A ere walk will tell you why Arunachal Pradesh is so special!

  • Go on long walks in Ziro valley

Exploring Ziro on foot is very rewarding. The fresh air, pollution free pleasant climate of Ziro and very few cars and bikes on road makes walking in Ziro enjoyable. There is a lot to see in Ziro. Arunachal is so special and Ziro is one of the reasons!

  • Go Cycling in Ziro

Cycling is Ziro is equally pleasurable thanks to above mentioned reasons. There are hardly any cars or pollution in Ziro. Compared to walking, cycling helps you access more parts of Ziro at your own leisurely pace. Solo cycling also helps you get better shots as you can access and explore parts of Ziro which your group might not want to see. Watch out for the puddles and zig zag paths though. The tour to Arunachal Pradesh is very soothing!

  • Get a portfolio shoot done

Do not forget to carry some fancy clothes and accessories for a memorable photo shoot in Ziro.

Just ask your local travel guide to click pictures for you. In my case, I requested Sange Tsering from Holiday Scout to take my pictures. Not only is he an excellent tour operator but is also great at taking pictures creatively.

The backdrop of wide open fields, wooden planks and unusual architecture of homes look beautiful in pictures. Just think of unusual angles and ideas and you are all set for a fabulous photo shoot of your own. Have a little fun while your tour to Arunachal Pradesh is still on! Because why not?

Soul Window Tip: White and brown clothes look really great in the Ziro landscape. Throw in some great creative ideas and you have a few winner profile pictures.

  • Have local drinks of Ziro Arunachal

Almost every home we went to, we were offered local alcoholic beverages. While we had a potent milky white alcoholic drink at one Apatani  home, we tasted a slightly harder drink at other Apatani  house.

We even had the sweet but very potent Poka also known as Apong. It brought back fantastic memories of my 3 month long epic trip to North East India. I had gallons of Apong during my earlier trip to Basar, also in Arunachal Pradesh. Basar is populated with Galo people. The drinking habits though still overlaps.

We even had a factory made fruit wine in a real wine factory. It was not as touristy an experience as it is in the vineyards and wine factories of Nashik in Maharashtra . It was, however, a one of its kind of experience in North East India. Read on to know more about it.

  • Visit fruit wine factory of Arunachal Pradesh

I even visited a real factory and had locally made fruit wine right at the factory. The factory had a kiosk where you could taste the wine and even purchase the wine right from the kiosk. Do not forget to visit this factory. You can even have a tour of wine factory with prior permission. Told you, there is lots to do in Ziro!

  • Dine at Hotel View Point

Stop at View Point for amazing vegan lunch.

Address: Potin 9km, Lower Subhansri District, Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Unique Integrated Agriculture with fishing culture

The Apatanis follow a unique culture of growing indigenous rice varieties such as Emoh and Mipya along-with farming local fish species like Kotia Ngii and Ngihi in the same field. This unique tradition of Ziro village is much talked about. February and March, which is spring season is a good time to see this. Although I am a vegetarian and abhor any sort of animal farming, but that is how it is in this region.

We have a lot to learn from the Apatani people on how to optimize the resources. They even grow millet ( Eleusine coracana ) on the raised partition bunds between different rice fields. Fertility of the soil is maintained by recycling crop residues. The organic waste produced by the village also makes up for the nutrient loss after every harvesting season. Below are some local related terms and meanings:

  • Emoh – variety of rice
  • Mipya – variety of rice
  • Ngihi- variety of fish
  • Mugo – Water drain

Understand local Agro-Pisciculture of Apatani  Tribe

We have a lesson or two to learn from Apatani tribe on ecology and environment. What also makes the Apatani tribe community unique and famous is their extraordinary agriculture practices. The rice and fish is farmed in the same land in Ziro by Apatanis . These sustainable and self sufficient agricultural practices make Apatani people unsung Eco warriors. This is what is ZIRO famous for?

The sophisticated cultivation is done in permanent wetlands. The cultivation land is used very judiciously and best use of available resources is made.  Animals and machines are not used as a mark of respect. Instead, the farming and ploughing is done with bare hands. Catch some of them immersed knee deep in paddy fields.

While rice is grown in the beds made for its cultivation, millet is grown alongside on the elevated bunds bordering the beds.

Terin Fish Farming –

Tarin fish farm is the main farm from where the locals buy fish. You can pay a visit here to get an idea of the same. It is located just 3 kms away from Hapoli.

Small channels are made near between the paddy fields for the cultivation and harvesting of fish. These channels are basically water supply systems which are mainly used for irrigating the paddy fields. This integrated rice fish farming has won praises. No wonder Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh finds its mention in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites . The world has a lot to learn from the Apatani style sustainable natural resource management.

Apatanis always leave back crop residues and straws in the paddy fields after harvesting the crops. This helps conserve the nutrients of the paddy fields. What’s more? Even the animal excreta and organic garbage of the village is used to make the land more fertile. Nothing goes for waste in Ziro.

Who would have thought that our real heroes exist in a lesser known Lower Subansiri district in the eastern Himalayan region of North East India?

I also noticed swathes of agricultural fields filled with reddish pinkish water. I saw these in homes of Hari Village as well. Curious, I asked my local guide who told me that the red color is due to a natural Nitrogen fixer called Azolla Pinnata , locally called as tapang . Azolla is mixed with soil while the fields are being prepared. Azolla Pinnata is also known as water velvet, mosquito fern or feathered mosquito fern. You will see it floating on water surfaces.

  • Visit Bamboo Groves

What else to do in Ziro valley? Visit bamboo groves! Bamboo is also cultivated is large number in Ziro. In fact Apatanis have separate fields for dry cultivation, wet cultivation, social cultivation, terrace farming etc. There are no ordinary bamboos here. You can see some of the tallest temperate bamboos in Ziro. Some bamboo varieties grown in Ziro include Japanese tinder bamboo aka Phyllostachys bambusoides and 1 stem Monopodial bamboo.

There are also many terraced fields where Apatanis grow other agricultural products such as kiwis . There are separate storage houses as well. Such practices have continued ever since Apatani people settled in the Ziro valley Arunachal.  

  • Enjoy Myoko Festival

This festival is celebrated for almost an entire month in Ziro village. Celebrated in March every year, Myoko celebrates a sense of fraternity, friendship and prosperity for the village. Myoko is celebrated on a grand scale in Ziro.

  • Nyokum Yullo Festival

This unique festival is traditionally celebrated by members of the Nyishi tribe in the lesser known Yazali village. Yazali to Ziro distance is 25 kms and its takes around 1 hour via NH 13 and NH 15. This is an offbeat thing to do near Ziro.

  • Celebrate Dree festival of Apatani

This unique festival celebrated every year by Apatani people is the main agricultural festival of this region. It is celebrated during the month of July every year. You will have a different experience if you time your visit during the Dree festival.

  • Murung festival.

Murung festival happens in Ziro every year in the month of January. The local people congregate at the wooden Lapangs and celebrate this festival.

  • Attend an Apatani ritual

While I and other travelers huddled around the bonfire at the home of head priest, he suddenly stood up and asked us to close our eyes for a ritual. I gingerly accepted the offer. The bear skin hanging on the wall was not helping. Neither were the traditional Apatani weapons like dao .

The Priest chanted a mysterious mantra in language unknown to us. It was all silent. The only sound, apart from mantra came from the hiss of the bonfire.

Then he suddenly sprinkled ‘holy water’ with a leaf from a container and asked us to open our eyes. I still don’t know what it meant but I had not experienced anything like this before. The tour to Arunachal Pradesh is made up of such unique experiences!

  • See Apatani weapons

We saw many Apatani weapons in the homes of Ziro. These were somewhat similar to the weapons I saw Galo people using in Basar (see bottom box), also in Arunachal Pradesh.Some of the traditional Apatani weapons are as below:

Dao – Dao is a multipurpose weapon, which I saw was also used by Galo people in Basar. It is kept in a wooden scabbard. Dao has a sharp metallic blade and a wooden handle. It can be used to cut branches, undergrowth, or a limb or two if required. Ilyo is used for slicing bamboo.

Chiri – It is a ceremonial sword, which was used in old days for wars. In ancient times, chiri was imported from Tibet . It was procured by Apatanis through barter, mostly with Nyishi tribe.

Sala – It is a traditional sword from Tibet , also in Asia. Nyishi people call it sala.

Ahi Hipin – It is a feline lower jawbone, strapped to the ceremonial swords. I saw it also in Basar, Nagaland and the nearby north Burma.

Some related terms are:

  • Ilyo or pare sala – Tanii machete
  • Lyoli or kortu – wooden handle
  • Hubyu – scabbard
  • Takhe Hubyu – Another type of scabbard
  • Tarin – Plaited cane strips
  • Aha – strap of cane plaits which is attached to scabbard.
  • Enjoy Bonfire

The fireplace is very common in the homes of Ziro and elsewhere in North East India. Every traditional bamboo house has it where they congregate, eat, sing and chat the night away. This is a must do activity when in Ziro or North East India aka chicken’s neck. The fire place is multipurpose.

The hearth is used for making tea, roasting a quick snack, storing things (on a dangling basket), throwing in some junk and even smoking food such as cheese. Since most of North east India gets very cold in winters, the families and guests gather around the indoor hearth every night for some warmth. The most intimate of conversations happen here!

These bonfires are also a great place to listen to some interesting oral history of Ziro and Apatani tribe. Here is one more reason why Ziro is worth a visit. Ziro Arunachal Pradesh tourism shines bright!

  • Meghna Cave Temple – tour to Arunachal Pradesh

Visit the ancient Meghna Cave Temple engulfed in a dense coarse jungle in Daporji. Devoted to Lord Lakulisha, the 28 th incarnation of Shiv Bhagwan, Meghna cave temple is known for its precious Sanskrit scriptures.  These carvings in stone are very ancient.

It takes approximately 8 hours to arrive at Daporji on an uncomfortable sumo ride. It is located at a height of 300 feet.

  • Talk to the locals of Ziro

Before we talk to the local people, let’s have a look at the language Spoken in Ziro

Almost everyone, including old people speak good Hindi, thanks to Ziro valley’s proximity to Assam. It is easy to ask around as some people understand English as well.

The original language of Ziro Valley is Apatani which is a Tani language. It is a Sino Tibetan language spoken in North East India. The villages where Apatani  is spoken are Hari, Hija basti, Biilla, Bamin Michi, Hong, Dutta and Mudang-Tage. Apatani language didn’t have a script until recently the Christian missionaries seized the opportunity and Roman script became the official Apatani script. It was an endangered oral language before.

  • Hire a local guide in Ziro

I had hired a very knowledgeable local guide arranged by Sange Tsering from Holiday Scout. Our guide spoke in both Hindi and English and had a deep knowledge of local Apatani culture and heritage. He showed us places which we would have missed or not understood the meaning of. You will see many mysterious places and structures which can be deconstructed only by a local guide. Please get in touch with Holiday Scout for a memorable experience.

  • Talley Wildlife Sanctuary

Known for the rare and she clouded leopard, Talley Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to colossal silver fir trees, rare orchids, delicate ferns, tall bamboo plants and rhododendrons (blooms in spring). The forest type here is subtropical. The alpine landscape is dotted with famous rivers such as Subansiri, Pange, Karing and Sipu. Do not miss this offbeat biodiversity hotspot and wildlife reserve .

  • Dilopolyang Maniipolyang

This is a beautiful place on the way to the Talley Wildlife Sanctuary from Ziro. This twin hillock, located in Talley valley is some of the lesser known gems you will see during your Arunachal Pradesh tour. The lush green grasslands and sweeping views from Dilopolyang Maniipolyang are awe inspiring!

  • Learn About Hinduism, Donyi Polo and other religions of Ziro

Apatani people worship Sun and moon and invented their own religion called Donyi Polo. This one of its kind religion was formed to display resistance to Christian Missionaries which were infamous for converting people to Christianity (and they did succeed through deceptive means). The Apatanis , which are often called animists, started adopting some Hindu beliefs in the 1980s and 1990s.

Many Apatani and Hindu beliefs often cross paths without interfering with each other. The worship of moon and sun is common in both Hinduism and Apatani culture with variations, of course. Both Hinduism and Donyi Polo thrive alongside each other and without losing their identity and beliefs.

1980s and 90s was also the time when Christian missionaries worked overtime to convert local people into Christianity. However, resistance against forced conversion worked and Ziro is now home to 12 Donyi Polo temples known as Meder Nellos. The Meder Nellos were instrumental in keeping many Apatani  people away from the ‘lure’ of Christianity.

In fact, many converted people get disillusioned and return to their Apatani  culture and religion over time. At present, 40 % of 60,000 strong Apatani  people are Christians.

This explains the stark white Churches which stand out in the uncomplicated landscape of Ziro valley Arunachal Pradesh. I saw some mosques too. I even saw many skull capped Muslim men in small numbers. They were running shops and Muslim restaurants (as written on their signboard) in Hapoli market and other places in Ziro valley Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro Tourism has many shades for sure!

  • See Sacred Forests

If Ziro Tourism intrigues you then you must read this as well. While navigating through the Ziro valley, I also saw some sacred groves or forests lining the dirt tracks. These holy forests consisted of trees which were planted by ancient Apatani people to commemorate their journey to Ziro village. Hunting and any nefarious activity is strictly prohibited in these sacred forests.

I saw something similar in Meghalaya as well while trekking to the Double Decker Living Root bridges in Nongriat . You must hire good travel agents in Arunachal Pradesh such as Holiday Scout to show you such hidden gems.

You will come across many signboards while traveling across Ziro which says ‘Sacred Groves’. These are sacred forest areas which are of immense religious value to the Apatani people. It might be a unique concept in India, but it is very common to have sacred groves in many different cultures of the world as well as North Indian states such as Meghalaya.

You will be surprised to know that even the western ghats of Goa and Maharashtra practice the maintenance of the sacred groves known as ‘Devrais’.

The Apatani people call their sacred groves as ‘ ranthiis’ in local language. Each clan has their own ranthii . Some of the ranthiis of Ziro village are named as Hong Ranthii , Bamin–Michi Ranthii, Mudang  Tage  Ranthii,  Tajang  Ranthii and Dutta Ranthii. These ranthiis mostly belong to their corresponding village. There are as many as 3 ranthiis in the Hari Village of Ziro. Some villages might just have only 1 ranthii . There is no rule as such.

 In these sacred groves or sacred forests, many trees are identified as pious, are given some association with a locally worshipped deity and any disturbance or external interference is strictly prohibited here. The trees in these sacred groves were planted by the forefathers of the Apatani  village. As their descendents preserved the land, the forest grew over time.

Unchecked hunting of birds and animals is pretty common in Arunachal Pradesh and many other states of North East India. However, the locals make an exception by boldly writing on the signboards outside sacred groves saying, ‘Hunting is strictly prohibited here’. The locals follow the rules as a mark of respect for their forefathers. The locals also hold the belief that many spirits live in these groves and any kind of alteration or destruction of any tree or plant is seen as a crime. Such interference with the forest is also seen as disturbing the spirits which result in misfortune for the village.

The good news is that this primitive tradition is all we need in modern times to stop environmental degradation and deforestation. Both clusters of trees as well as individual trees can be considered sacred and it is punishable if some-one is caught doing any harm to these pious forests. The ancestors of Apatani  people were foresighted for sure. These sacred groves were most likely introduced by the ancestors of Ziro village as a means to protect the nature. These forests also act as a useful resource during a natural disaster.

These native forest management practices and taboos were perhaps introduced in the Apatani  culture as an indigenous way of preserving the nature. It also helps preserve the rare plants and trees which might become extinct due to callous real estate sharks or carelessness of local people. Economic exploitation of these groves is strictly prohibited as well.

Until Christianity invaded the Ziro village, such practices were exclusively followed in Ziro. However, this belief in the supernatural and a traditional way of life is facing a massive threat from external forces such as Christianity and other external frills.

RANTU PUSSA OF HARI RANTU – The 6 trees in the Ranta Pussa of Hari Rantu in Ziro are a heritage site in itself. These trees are seen as the protector of the Hari village. It is believed that centuries ago when the first of ancestors of Apatani people settled in this area, the women from their clan had planted these trees.

According to a signboard I saw (interpreted in my words)–

One of the most pious and ancient groves in entire plateau is Hari Rantu. The ‘Rantu Pussa’ viz Pumin – Pubyan, Yalyo – Yabo, Soki – Soli, Sai – Taje . It is generally called by the local Apatani  people as Pumin Pubyan trees. These tall trees stand guard to the village and protect it from all evils. The trees ensure the welfare of the Apatani  people.

The trees, some of which are very tall, can be traced back to a few centuries. These were planted by a woman in ancient times when people migrated to this part. The trees are named after the woman. The trees thus represent the important roles women played in the vibrant Apatani  culture ever since the ancient times.

Courtesy: Apatani Youth Association (AYA)

Inner Line Permit aka ILP for Ziro valley Arunachal Pradesh

All Indians who are not a resident of Arunachal Pradesh need to get an inner line permit aka ILP before they enter the border of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh.

Foreigners should get a Protected Area Permit aka PAP before they start the tour of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a mandatory requirement.

Easy way – My ILP was arranged by Sange Tsering of Holiday Scout, even before I had started my 15 days epic trip to North East India. I had just shared my documents with him on mail and whatsapp and the Inner Line Permit was delivered to me very quickly. It saved me time, money and energy.

Hard way – You can also get an ILP from the state tourist offices of main Indian cities like Guwahati, Tezpur, Delhi. You can also just show up at respective offices of the state or destination you intend to visit. However, you may lose time as these offices get closed early. It gets dark early and the transport is not regular in North East India. Expect to lose 1-2 days if not planned well. Also, you will waste time in locating the address, getting there and starting the formalities. I would prefer the ‘easy way’ mentioned above.

Facilities in Ziro

Road Condition

The road condition of the path leading to Ziro from Assam is not the best. But once you reach Ziro, the roads are reasonably good. Some of the paths are just dirt tracks, while some remote mountainous regions of Ziro can be very rough. But that is where the thrill is!

Mobile Network

My mobile network was surprisingly working fine in Ziro. I was even able to upload pictures on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook right from Ziro.

Electricity

Electricity was not an issue when I visited Ziro. I was able to charge my electronics easily in my hotel room.

Water can be an issue in Ziro. The water supply is not always good. Your hotel staff will provide stored water, in case of a failure in regular water supply. You can also get cold or hot water as per your desire.

Ziro valley weather

The Ziro valley weather is pleasant throughout the year. It can get real chilly during night and pleasantly sunny in day during winters.

Arunachal Pradesh tour package

I visited Ziro via an exciting private road trip organized by Sange Tsering who runs the successful Holiday Scout . He is a major tour operator in North East India. Holiday Scout offers tailor made Arunachal Pradesh tour package.

How to Reach Ziro Valley

Ziro valley is located in lower Subhansri district of Arunachal Pradesh, North East India. The below travel guide will give you best idea of location of Ziro as I have mentioned distances.  Not many people know where Ziro valley is. It is, however, easily accessible.

Reach Ziro by private taxi/cab on road:

How to travel to ziro valley by private cab? Despite its remote location, it is easy to arrive at Ziro Valley. The road conditions in and around Ziro valley are not the very best. Expect a bumpy ride as your jeep snakes through the hilly terrains. We even stopped at many places for views and food.

Reach by shared cab

Shared cabs to Ziro are available from Naharlagun, North Lakhimpur, Itanagar etc. These, though cheap are uncomfortable and overpacked. The taxis are mainly Tata Sumo, popular everywhere in North East India. These shared cabs are packed like sardines and they make you wait till it is full. These privately owned cabs on bumpy roads can be pretty tiring but gets the job done anyways.

Just to give you a rough idea, cost of shared cab per person from Itanagar to Ziro Valley is INR 400. The cabs leave at 5:30 a.m. and takes around 6 hours (110 kms). Just in case you are wondering “How do I get to Ziro from Itanagar?”

Reach Ziro by bus:

How to go to Ziro valley by bus? There is a Ziro to Guwahati bus and vice the versa!

You can catch the overnight bus from Guwahati to Ziro. It is tiring though. This bus is a government bus and is run by Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. It runs for 4 days.

Reach Ziro by Air:

This guide answers how to get to Ziro valley by flight! This will also help you plan your tour to Arunachal Pradesh.

The nearest airport from Ziro valley is at Lilabari airport in North Lakhimpur in adjoining state Assam. It is located 140 kms away from Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro does not have an airport.

Your next option is Dibrugarh airport , also in Assam. Distance between Dibrugarh and Ziro valley is 300 kms. It is the most expensive option. This is how you get to Ziro from Dibrugarh.

Jorhat airport which is 188 kms (8 hours) away from Ziro via NH13 is also an option.  This is how to reach Ziro valley from Jorhat.

I had started my trip from Guwahati airport though. It is also known as Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU). This is how you can also reach Ziro valley from Guwahati

Reach Ziro by Train:

This guide will answer your query on how to travel to Ziro valley by Indian Railways. Enjoy your tour to Arunachal Pradesh.

Naharlagun : You can catch an overnight train on Indian Railways which starts at Guwahati and halts at Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh. From Naharlagun, it takes only 3 hours to arrive at Ziro Valley. You can get shared cabs from here. Train from New Delhi also stops at Naharlagun once a week. This is how do you get to Ziro from Naharlagun.

Dibrugarh also has a railway station connected to most major cities in India.

North Lakhimpur railway station can also be considered depending on your convenience and movement in North East India.

How to reach Ziro valley from Mumbai?– You can take a flight or train to above mentioned places.

How to reach Ziro valley from Kolkata? – You can take a flight or train to above mentioned places.

How to reach Ziro valley from New Delhi? – You can take a flight or train to above mentioned places.

Distances from Ziro to other places in North East India

Mentioned below are some distances to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh from major places in North East India. Time taken to cover the distance and route is also mentioned in this chart. This chart will also clear all your doubts on where is Ziro valley.

Distances from Arunachal Pradesh destinations to Ziro:

  • Naharlagun to Ziro distance – 99 kms, 4 hours 10 minutes via NH13
  • Itanagar to Ziro distance – 110 kms, 4:30 hours via NH13
  • Daporijo to Ziro distance – 167 kms, 8 hours via NH13
  • Koloriang to Ziro distance – 167 kms, 9 hours via Yachuli-Koloriang road.
  • Tawang to Ziro distance – 567 kms, 18 hours via NH15 and NH13

Distances from Assam destinations to Ziro:

  • North Lakhimpur to Ziro distance –117 kms, 4 hours 27 minutes via NH13
  • Jorhat to Ziro distance  – 188 kms, 7 hours 40 minutes via NH13
  • Dibrugarh to Ziro distance -255 kms, 7 hours 10 minutes via NH15
  • Tezpur to Ziro distance – 280 kms, 8 hours via NH13 and NH15
  • Bhalukpong to Ziro distance – 295 kms, 8 hours 27 minutes via NH13 and NH15
  • Guwahati to Ziro distance – 448 kms, 11 hours 45 minutes via NH15

Excursions:

You can also travel to nearby Itanagar, Bomdilla, Dirang, Sela Pass, Tawang and Basar as I did

Best Time To Visit Ziro valley

When I visited in January, Ziro valley Arunachal was very cold but tolerable. The green fields one sees during the Ziro music festival was no-where to be seen. It was replaced by a golden field. Yes, it was harvest time in winter. Swathes of yellowed fields had a beauty of its own. I saw similar scenes during my travel to Manipur and Majuli in Assam on the same trip, same month!

September is also a very good time to be in Ziro. This is when the Ziro valley is carpeted with green and yellow paddy fields. It is a sight to behold. Most people who go to Ziro music festival Arunachal Pradesh are rewarded with this landscape.

Where To Stay in Ziro valley Arunachal

I stayed with a local politician named Mr. Hage Dolo. He runs a lovely multi story homestay in Ziro. I stayed on 2 nd floor. I and my companions used to gather every night at the fireplace of his home on the top floor. At my request, his wife also roasted some raw potatoes in the smoldering aftermath of fire. It tastes great with just salt. That makes it different from other Ziro valley hotels.

The rooms at this Ziro home stay were spacious and airy. There was a balcony for some fresh air too. The roof top had amazing sweeping views of Ziro valley. We even shot a drone footage from here! There are many traditional bamboo and wooden houses near this home.

They also had a cute dog who loved me a bit too much! The vegan food which we had here was daal , rice, aalu sabzi (potato) and delicious local bamboo chutney. Please get in touch with Sange Tsering from Holiday Scout for booking a stay here.

Where else to stay in Ziro? There are many independent hotels in Ziro valley and home-stays and tents where you can enjoy a stay. The accommodation can be made of concrete or the traditional bamboo/wood. Pick one of these places to stay in Ziro as suited to your style of travel.

Is Ziro Arunachal Pradesh a safe place to visit?

Yes, in fact Ziro is safer than many other places. The Apatani people are very friendly and the wars are a thing of the past. I know many female solo travelers who have visited Ziro and had a pleasant experience. Just take necessary precautions. You also need to take care during Ziro Arunachal Pradesh Music festival when hooligans (from outside of Ziro) may create a ruckus.

Conclusion – Is ZIRO worth visiting

My visit to Ziro valley in Arunachal Pradesh and rubbing shoulders with the Apatani tribe was the highlight of the 15 days long tour to Arunachal Pradesh, Nagalad and Assam.

The friendly people, good weather, unique customs and the festivals of Ziro valley make it a very unique and rewarding destination in all of India.

Hope you enjoyed reading this detailed story on Ziro at A Soul Window, top travel blog of India.

Do read my other exciting travel blogs on North East India for exciting free travel stories and pictures!

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  • 1.1 Culture
  • 1.2 Climate
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 3 Get around

Ziro , also spelt Zero , is a picturesque town in Arunachal Pradesh , India. It is known for a four-season tourist place and gives a pleasant feel in every season with variant colours in different seasons. It is included the Tentative List for UNESCO's World Heritage Site for the Apatani cultural landscape.

Understand [ edit ]

The part of the town which is the centre of economic activities and where the administrative offices are found is Hapoli, known by the Apatanis as "Hao-Polyang".

Culture [ edit ]

Ziro is home to the Apatani people who have a different culture from other tribes in Arunachal Pradesh with traditional crafts and festivals. They practice wet rice cultivation and are careful in land management, which allowed sustainable agriculture for several centuries. The resulting cultural landscape reflects the ability of the tribe to make the adverse environment habitable.

Climate [ edit ]

The cold weather season is from December to February. March to May is the pre-monsoon season of thunderstorms. The southwest monsoon from June to about the middle of October. The second half of October to November, which constitutes the post-monsoon or the retreating monsoon period and is a period of transition.

Get in [ edit ]

Ziro is 115 km from Itanagar, 123 km from Lilabari, and 96 km from Naharlagun railway station.

By plane [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ].

Map

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

  • Ziro Festival of Music . Late Sep-early Oct . An annual outdoor music festival held over four days. The festival features about 40 independent music acts from around the world, and has infrastructure built almost completely of locally sourced bamboo and a heavy emphasis on eco-friendly practices. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

  • 27.5436 93.8105 1 7th Heaven Ziro , Pai Road . Daily 9AM-7PM . Bakery and hot dishes. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ].

  • 27.5447 93.8197 1 Ziro Palace Inn , Salang Road (NH13) in the centre of town . in-house restaurant, 24-hour front desk, internet access, power back-up and parking. From ₹3,800 . ( updated Jan 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

tourist place in ziro

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Ziro valley arunachal pradesh – home of apatani tribe.

We enter the Ziro Valley, as arenaceous and lovely as any backcountry is expected to be. The Apatani tribe’s abode in this region in Arunachal Pradesh is all about wilderness at its best.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

It’s a clear sunny day but the air is cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.

One of the unusual, unique, and loveliest landscapes nowhere to be found, this valley looks like a mythical land. In the midst of the untouched wilderness, a flat plain covered in the intricate scheme of rice paddies – the sight makes you gawk. I feel like running around the lush fields and singing, “Yeh  Kahan  aa  Gaye  hum…” My crazy Bollywood moment!

Landscape view of the Ziro Valley

“It’s not the greenest green as I saw in the pictures but the brown or rather golden, and saturated”. I verbalize breaking the silence in the cab. “Because it’s February” replies our driver. “September is the time when the valley is awash with impossibly green and yellow patterned paddy fields” adds the driver. “I’m coming back in September for sure” I announce to myself while glancing out of the car window.

Exploring Hija Basti, Ziro Valley

When we got an invitation to attend the Nyokum Yullo Festival of the Nyishi Tribe in Yazali, we fit Valley into our itinerary after talking to our host. He not only organized our visit but also arranged a delicious lunch at one of her Apatani friend’s houses. And here we are!

We are in Hija Basti located in the valley. The aura and vibes are authentic here.

Women cultivating Paddy

Apatani women farming knee-deep in the paddy fields occasionally look up and when I ask for a picture, they shyly look away.

Why Ziro Valley?

Right from its name to its unusual landscape to the people who seem to belong to a different universe, to its innovative paddy cum fish cultivation and its music festival that has put this place on the world map – The valley continues to intrigue people across the world.

This valley is beautiful beyond all reason.

A photographer’s muse, a lush and remote valley distinguished by its unique tribal heritage and culture, It is a tiny, charming town gracefully hidden away in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The town is famous for its rolling Pine Hills, sophisticated wetland cultivation, traditional bamboo houses, and intriguing Apatani tribal people. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in India with terraced rice fields, humming rivers, and pretty villages.

Hapoli or New Ziro is the major town in the valley. Hong, Hija, Hari, Bula, Baro, and Siiro are the villages in Old Ziro. Hong is, purportedly, the second-largest village in Asia.

What are must-visit places in Ziro Valley?

This is a place where you can sit back while exploring the fascinating tribal culture and history. Life at this hypnotic village is uncomplicated and calm.

  • Meeting the Apatani tribe is an undoubted highlight of a trip to Ziro Valley. Stay with the Apatani family at one of the picture-postcard villages (Hong or Hapoli) of Ziro to know the warmest of people I’ve ever met.
  • Trek to KilePakho Ridge offers panoramic views of Ziro plateau on one side and NyimePembu (lofty snow range of Himalayas) on another side, on a clear day of course.
  • Pine Groove or Myolyang is a beautiful and scenic pine-clad area ideal to have day picnics.
  • Midey is a rustic and beautiful place best known for its tall blue pine trees.
  • A photographer’s delight, Ziro Putu Hillock gives a bird’s eye view of the Apatani plateau.
  • Trek up to Dolo Mando Hillock to witness the spectacular views of Hapoli on one side and old Ziro on another side.
  • The ancient cave temple, at an altitude of 300 ft, Meghna Cave Temple is encircled by dense forest and is worth visiting. The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakulisha who was the 28 th incarnation of Lord Shiva . Ancient Sanskrit scriptures carved in stone are the highlight of the temple.
  • Just 3 km from Hapoli, Tarin Fish Farm is a beautiful high-altitude fish farm where one can see innovative cultivation practices followed in the Apatani plateau, paddy cum fish cultivation. After sowing the paddy in the wet rice cultivation field, the fish fingerlings are placed in the channels in the rice field for drainage of water ( MUGO ) at knee-deep which is kept for 2-3 months before harvesting of fish. Two crops of rice M ipya and Emoh and one breed of fish N gihi  are raised together.

Sidheswar Nath Temple and more

  • The Shiva Lingam of the Sidheswar Nath Temple at Kardo forest is known to be the largest Shiva linga miraculously discovered by a local while cutting a tree during the holy Shravana month.
  • Bamboo Grove is home to one of the largest temperate bamboos – one stem Monopodial Bamboo Plant or Phyllostachys Bambusoides also called Japanese timber bamboo.
  • Talley Wildlife Sanctuary is a famous wildlife reserve and biodiversity hotspot of Arunachal Pradesh located at quite an altitude with rivers viz. Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri flow through the reserve. It comprises a range of subtropical and alpine forests marked by giant silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron. A clouded leopard can be spotted here.
  • A twin hillock on the way to Talley Valley, Dilopolyang Maniipolyang is a perfect place to enjoy the work of art by Mother Nature.
  • Just about a kilometer from Hapoli, Nanakoo Orchid Farm is worth visiting to see the rare orchids and flowers.

Meeting the Warm Apatani Family – A Captivating Story

Old Apatani couple sitting outside their home in Ziro Valley

A visit to the Apatani family gives us a glimpse into the simple, uncomplicated, and placid lives of the Apatani tribe. People untouched by the modern world and its complications… yeah, those kinds. The kinds that touch the hearts.

As we enter the flame-lit hut, our host Danyi H. Mamung gives a welcoming smile. The dark hut flickers in the firelight from the fire hearth in the center of the house. It’s hard to imagine that the sun is shining high above because it’s as dark as pitch inside the house. The ambiance inside the traditional Apatani houses is always dark even during the daytime. “It can get depressing,” I thought to myself.

Food cooking on the fire hearth

We all sit around the fire hearth and enjoy a glass of A pong  (local beer) with light chitchat. Mamung (In Apatanis the first name comes second) tells us about the Apatani culture and practices while her mom serves us a delicious lunch.

He seems to be concerned about the way old rituals are fading in the wake of conversion to Christianity.

Apatanis believe in the omnipresence of God. And thus, never felt any need to have temples. But given the wave of Baptism, Donyi Polo temples are cropping up to encourage people to follow their own religion.

Mamung’s mother and a fellow blogger

Elderly Apatanis

After lunch, Mamung takes us to meet her grandparents who stay close to her house. Walking through the Apatani village is like unfolding the Apatani tribe’s traditions and rituals. The single-story bamboo houses are elevated from the ground by low stilts in neat rows. The old woman sitting on the patio observing other people and kids of various ages running around and cycling – a laidback village life.

Young Apatani boy cycling around Haji Basti

A look of awe creeps into everyone’s faces as an old yet beautiful lady walks towards us holding a little girl’s hand. That little girl is Mamung’s younger sister. And the elderly lady is Mamung’s grandmother.

Apatani Women – old & young

She smiles as she blesses every one of us with her feeble hands. “I could have spruced up a bit if you would have informed me about your friend’s visit” she complains to Mamung while showing her dirty hands after the day’s fieldwork. She smiles all through as we pose to get pictures with her.

Apatani grandmother

Mamung’s grandfather joins us making this an absolute experience.

Apatani tribe old man

It’s time to bid adieu to the wonderful family. Words fall short to convey thanks for the lovely time and great memories.

Who is Apatanis? What are the traditions and practices they follow?

Apatani people are said to have come from Mongolia. But we don’t know why, when, and how. The origin and migration of Apatanis continue to be a mystery. The Apatanis are supposed to have settled down in Talley Valley situated at the south-east of the Ziro Valley for some time before relocating to Ziro.

The name Ziro comes from a clan within the Apatani tribe that was the first to arrive here but no longer lives here.

They call themselves descendants of  Abotani – a mythical forefather.

Unlike other tribes who are normally nomadic, Apatanis like to be settled in one place. And practice advanced wetland cultivation in the hilly terrain by carving the hills which is unique to them. They are known for their entrepreneurial skills and economic acumen.

Apatani Traditions

The most fascinating members of the tribe are the oldest women who wear massive nose plugs called Yapping Hurlo , huge pieces of hollowed bamboo called Yaruhukho (earplug) in-ears to attach the earrings, and facial tattoos known as Tiipe .

While women would tattoo a long line from the forehead to the tip of the nose and five vertical lines on the chin joined by a horizontal line, men would get a ‘T’ inked on the chin.

The tradition antedates to the pre-modern era when the men of the other tribes abduct Apatani tribeswomen because of their exceptional beauty. Apatani tribesmen made them look unattractive by tattooing their faces and wearing massive nose plugs. However, some say that women got face tattoos, nose plugs, and stretched earlobes to get good husbands. Most say that these facial adornments were considered the mark of beauty and fashion.

The skin was cut using thorns and ash was mixed in animal fat to fill in the deep blue color. The wounds were not treated for long. So that they get infected making the tattoos larger, darker, and clearer.

Although wearing big nose plugs and getting facial tattoos have been the intrinsic part of their roots, Apatani Youth Association in the mid-1970s chose to ban this tradition as the association finds them old-fashioned and non-progressive practices.

Evening scenes from Hija Basti

Traditional Bamboo Huts

They live in traditional bamboo huts settled on vertical wooden stilts and form close-knit settlements known as Bastis. They worship nature and believe in being in harmony with nature. And that belief is imitated in their homes too. Apatanis believe that a totem made of bamboo is sacred. And install two types of totems ( Aanggya/Babo ) outside their houses.

Ornamented with eggshells and feathers of hen, one of the two totems called ‘Aanggya’

The fire hearths in the center of the house become their kitchen. And also serve as a living room where family members sit, chat and eat together.

Each village has a ritual performing platform called Lapang .

Apatanis worship nature. They follow the animistic, shamanic religion called  Donyi-Polo  which is centered around the worship of Donyi (the Sun) and Polo (the moon)

They are majorly agriculturists by occupation. The tribe exercises sustainable farming by harvesting fish in the wet fields alongside rice. Apatanis also cultivate a salt called Tapyo unique to them within the fields which increases their food production. Apatani salt is briny, solidified ash made from burnt plant matter. Some are engaged in other occupations like basketry, poultry, hunting, rearing Mithuns, pigs, goats, and fishing.

Apatanis eat Mithun meat, pork, and boiled rice mostly. Bamboo chicken is a local delicacy. Not to forget the local rice beer. I have heard that they eat silkworms if you enjoy wild cuisines.

Read More – Araku Valley Bamboo Chicken

What are the Major Festivals of Ziro Valley?

Myoko is celebrated every year in the month of March to honor the arrival of spring. It’s the time of the year when new paddy is planted in the checkered fields. And the villagers pray for a good crop. The festival is hosted by a different village each year. It strengthens the clan ties too as the festival is the celebration of friendship and harmony. People from nearby villages are invited and guests are offered the local beer and meat. They dance to the tune of traditional songs. For eons, Apatanis and other tribes for that matter have basked in the glory of sacrificial rituals as they consider them as a good omen. They sacrifice pigs during Myoko.

Murung is celebrated every year in the month of January to bring prosperity and success to the family members as well as the members of the community. Mithun and cows are sacrificed and the meat is distributed among villagers. This festival is considered to be the most expensive and time-consuming festival of the Apatani tribe. And sponsoring or hosting this festival remains a goal for Apatani families to enhance their social status.

Dree is celebrated every year on July 5th when Apatanis appease the Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi Polo Gods collectively called DriWuhi by offering sacrifices of fowls, dogs, pigs, chickens, eggs, Mithuns, and cows to ensure bountiful crops and prosperity to mankind.

Ziro Music Festival

This Music Festival is held every year in September in Hong Village, Ziro. It’s known to be one of the best outdoor music festivals in India. It’s a perfect time to soak in some soulful music and breathtaking vistas.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Ziro Valley?

The climate is lovely all through the year. However, September is the best time for lush green rice fields. If you are a music lover then you must visit it around September to witness the grand Ziro Music Festival.

Golden sunset over the Ziro valley

For culture and festival lovers, January (Murung Festival,) March (Myoko Festival), and July (Dree Festival) are the best months to visit.

During the farming season, you can indulge in paddy fish cultivation, wherein fish are reared in the rice fields.

Ziro Valley Sounds Like a Cool Idea, How do I Get There?

The whole journey to this place is an adventure in itself.

Guwahati in Assam acts as the nodal point that very well connects North-East India via rail and air to the rest of India.

The nearest Airport is the Tezpur Airport in Assam. However, flights to Tezpur are capricious. The best alternative is to fly to Guwahati.

There are three alternatives. One (The fastest way) is to take a flight to Guwahati and then catch Donyi Polo Express (9:20 p.m.) or Shatabdi Express (15:20 p.m.) to Naharlagun (Itanagar.) Take a shared taxi to the valley (3 1/2 hours) from Naharlagun.

Another economic alternative is to opt for a direct train from Delhi to Naharlagun ( Naharlagun Arunachal AC SF Express ) and then reach the valley by hiring a shared cab from Naharlagun. I’d obviously not recommend this option as it’s time-consuming. The train takes good 38 hours to reach Naharlagun.

Alternative three for road trip lovers is to drive from Guwahati to the valley which takes almost 12 hours. The unique selling point of this alternative is the sight of the beautiful landscapes of North-East India.

Do I Need a Permit to Enter Arunachal Pradesh?

Arunachal Pradesh comes under a restricted zone, so official permission is needed to enter the state. You must get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) if you are an Indian national and a Protected Area Permit (PAP) if you are a foreign national. ILP can be applied online as well as offline. One needs to furnish a passport-size photograph, ID proof, and address proof to obtain the permit. One local reference is also required. Online ILP takes a day but offline ILP takes somewhere between 2-4 hours.

Please note that PAP is usually only granted to foreigners in a group of two or more.

How do I get the permit?

The best and easiest way is to get it online. Apply online to ILP  here .

Offline ILP is issued at Arunachal Bhawan in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur, Jorhat, and from the office of all the Deputy Commissioners of 16 Districts of the state. Tourist ILP facilitation centers at Naharlagun railway station, Gumto railway station, Guwahati Asom Paryatan Bhawan, and Guwahati LGBI Airport provide ILP on arrival.

The fee for getting ILP online is 100/- while it’s 200/- for offline ILP. ILP on arrival costs 400/-

Foreign nationals can obtain Protected Area Permit (PAP) for the period of 30 days from the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, All Indian Missions Abroad, FRROs at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Amritsar, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Home Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar. Resident Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh at Delhi and the Secretary (Tourism) by paying USD 50.

Citizens of Afghanistan, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin need to take approval in advance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to get the PAP.

Where can I stay?

There are many small hotels, resorts, and homestays to choose from. Ziro Valley Resort is a great place to stay.

Essential travel tips

  • Carry your ID card with your address on it (preferably an Adhaar card) with you.
  • Don’t forget to carry your ILP/PAP.
  • It normally rains every season so don’t forget to carry an umbrella or rain gear.
  • Carry a light jacket or sweater because nights get a bit colder regardless of the season.
  • You can’t miss tasting their local beer (Apong) even if you are a non-drinker like me.
  • Be conscious of culturally sensitive concerns.
  • Last but not least, though Apatanis open their hearts and doors to the tourists; it’s always a good idea to respect their privacy. And ensure that they are happy and comfortable to have you. Be aware that you are in someone else’s home. They are proud of their cultural heritage. And are more than happy to pose for the pictures. But wouldn’t it be nice to take their permission before you do that?

Anything else I Need to Know?

You are ready to embark on a journey to one of the most beautiful places in India. Just one step away from making some lifetime memories.

This is a guest post by Anjali Chawla

Anjali Chawla

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25 comments.

Thanks Anjali and Anuradha for this beautiful and captivating compilation on zero valley. Although Arunachal Pradesh is slowly getting the tourist attention and everyone is talking about zero valley, I wonder how much in depth people really know about this place. Your story throws light on the history, origin, culture and traditions of Apatani , which is as interesting as the landscapes of zero valley.

Thanks, Neha. Anjali has worked hard for this post and that shows.

Thanks for your kind words, Neha. Ziro has gained a lot of attention lately because of Apatani Tribe and their unique practices and the famous Music Festival. It still remains unspoilt the reason being its remoteness. The valley looks like a traveler’s dream. Must visit 🙂

Anjali, this must have been such an experience. Thanks for sharing it. Ziro Valley is definitely an interesting place to visit.

Thanks, Ambika! Yes, Ziro Valley was a beautiful experience and the one that I’ll cherish. It certainly is a fascinating place to visit.

Great to read. Hope soon visit Ziro.. Thanks for the post.

Thank you, Rupam. You muct visit Ziro. It’s a lovely place.

This is great read ..lovely compilation by both of you..

Thanks Mayuri. It is all Anjali’s hard work.

Thank you so much, Mayuri. I’m glad you like it.

Woow, what a post. Loved the way you you narrated and the pics. great one

Thanks for taking out time to read and appreciate, Pam 🙂

Ziro, the place or should I say this entire state is on my bucketlist from so long. You have amazingly presented the beauty of this place through your words and pictures. Keep rocking and happy travelling!

Wow. Anjali.. this is such a wonderful piece of words put together that not only conveys the touristic vibes of ziro valley but also the emotional attachement one would observe on their visit..loved the details shared in the post and pics are awesome

Anjali you shared a great blog. Thanks for sharing.

Such a lovely and comprehensive post on Ziro Valley. This is a place that I have wanted to visit for a long time. And Anjali, I can literally see you singing and dancing ‘Yeh Kahan aa Gaye hum’! 🙂 Thanks to both Anjali and Anuradha for such a lovely post.

Apart from the regular information, there is a lot of insights on the Apatani culture and lifestyle which is simply brilliant! This truly brings forth the essence of the place.

Oh what a wonderful post,thanks Anjali and Anuradha . I could feel the excitement you must have got by even scripting this article .. I mean so much to write, so many stories to reveal .. the article kept me enthralled till the end. . got to know a hell lot abt the place I have been wanting to visit for a longish time now

Thank you, Debjani. Every time we travel to a new place it is like discovering a whole new world.

Pictures are simply amazing and the way you have described everything, well, it want me to leave everything and visit zero right now. Lovely post Anjali ????

Anjali you are doing great job.keep up the good work. Thanks

You are on the right track and doing a great job. Thanks for sharing such an informative post with the best details.

Interesting information and interesting valley

So detailed. Thank you for sharing. Ziro has been on my travel list for years. I am again inspired to make this trip happen after lockdown.

Ziro vally looks amazing, nice description. The pictures are so beautiful.

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Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro

Ziro is a small town in Lower Subansiri district situated in the beautiful state of Arunachal Pradesh . Ziro is named as the World Heritage site for its natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush green rice fields, thick bamboo forest, and rolling mountains. You cannot find a more picturesque town than Ziro. The landscape is so beautiful; you will feel that you are seeing a painting. The delight of fresh air and the unspoiled view is breath-taking. It is also called the peace seeker's paradise. It is home to Apa Tani tribe. The climate here is mild throughout the year hence it is comfortable to travel throughout the year. Some of the beautiful places you must visit in Itanagar are listed below.

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary:  Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro

It is one of the most favourite places for visitors. It covers an area 337 km. It is at an altitude of 2400 m and many rivers like the Pange, Sipu, Karing, Subansiri flow through the sanctuary. It is rich in flora and fauna. Pleioblastus is a bamboo variety found only in this region. It houses many endangered animals like leopards, clouded leopards etc. It is also home to many varieties of flora like ferns, orchids, silver fir trees, bamboo and rhododendron. Arunachal Pradesh as a whole is home to 40% of total flora and fauna found in India .

Meghna Cave Temple

Meghna Cave Temple:  Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro

It is a 5000-year-old temple dedicated to Shiva who is worshipped as Lord Lakulisha. It was rediscovered in 1962. It is a must visit for any visitor, the architecture of the temple is quite unique. It is built in a cave. The cave has Kali Purana carved in Sanskrit. The temple is located at a height of 300 feet on a mountain; you can reach the temple by steps. Once you reach the top the view is breath-taking with the scenic beauty of mountains and forest around the temple. People in and around Ziro come here in large numbers during Mahashivaratri.

Kile Pakho:  Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro

It is around 7 km from Ziro. It is a high hill point which is also used as a viewpoint. You can stand on the top and you will experience the most amazing wonders of the world, with dense forests and paddy field of the Ziro plateau. There is the mesmerising snow-clad Himalaya Mountain on the other side. You will be totally bowled by the scenic beauty of Kilo Pakho.

Tarin Fish farm

Tarin Fish farm:  Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro

It is located at a very high altitude surrounded by bamboos and pine trees. High altitude fishes are bred here by the traditional Paddy fish cultivation method; where two crops of rice to one crop of Fish (Ngihi) are cultivated together. It is a rare practice of growing rice and fish together and it is one of the major attractions in Ziro.

Dolo Mando - Trekking

Dolo Mando - Trekking:  Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro

It is a pine tree covered hill near the Hapoli town. It is situated on the western side of Ziro. It is one of the major tourist attractions. Travellers trek to the hilltop to get the view of Hapoli town and Ziro. The view is worth every step you take towards the hill. No camera has done justice to the Wonderful view.

Shiv Linga:  Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro

Ziro to Hapoli is 15-20 min drive; there is a side road which takes you to the largest monolithic Shivling in the world. The Shivling is 25 feet in height and 22 feet in diameter. It was discovered not too long ago by the local people when they were clearing the forest. The atmosphere is clean and serene and ideal for meditation.

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  • Ziro Valley

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro is a small town located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh . Blessed with an abundance of green landscapes and exotic topographies, the town has been nominated for shortlisting in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 . What makes the valley stand out from any other place in the region are the exotic paddy fields surrounded by tall pine and bamboo trees. Besides being a major tourist destination in Northeast India , it is also a trekkers’ paradise. The people of the valley mostly comprise of local Apatani tribe who are very friendly and loving.

tourist place in ziro

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Ziro valley is blessed with breathtaking tourist destinations to welcome its visitors with. Some of the popular attractions are as under:

  • Meghna Cave Temple
  • Tarin Fish Farm
  • Dolo Mando Trekking

Things to do in Ziro Valley

tourist place in ziro

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Ziro Valley. Some of the best things are listed as under:

  • Trekking in Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary : Located as just 32 km away from Ziro and engrossed with lush green landscape, this sanctuary offers an adventurous trekking trail through dense forests like ferns, bamboo, orchids, silver fir, and rhododendron. One can trek while enjoying the natural retreats and exotic flora and fauns.
  • Visit to Tipi Orchid Research Center : This orchid center is home to around 1000 species of orchid. This place is a must visit.
  • Donyi-Polo Shrine : The villagers gather at the Donyi-Polo shrine on Sundays for mass prayers to worship the Sun, moon, and nature. You can visit the shrine to pay your homage.
  • Relish over sumptuous local cuisines : The local cuisines of Ziro valley are the yummiest and healthiest among cuisines of mainland India. The food is prepared with minimum oil and spices. Mostly home-made herns are used. Non-vegetarian food is widely popular. People mostly consume rice with boiled veggies, and meat like beef, pork, boar, fish cooked with bamboo shoot and ghost chilli.
  • Experience the local life : Explore the simple life of the local people. They have opened up their homes as an accommodation option to boost tourism in the region. You will be greeted with warm hospitality and awesome food. Spend time with them and learn about their rich cultures and traditions.
  • Ziro Music Festival : If you are lucky enough to visit the valley during the last week of the Festival, you should not miss out on the Ziro Music Festival. It is one of the grandest outdoor music festivals in India.

Education in Ziro Valley

The education scenario in Ziro is quite developed and up to date. It is termed as the schooling center of Arunachal Pradesh as it has a large number of schools. It also has a University by the name Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University and an Arts college named Saint Claret College. The young generation of the region is quite dedicated and serious about studies and education. The literacy rates of the region are also impressive.

The climate of Ziro Valley

The valley witnessed three major seasons during the year, namely, summer, winter, and monsoon. Summer months are from April to June in which the average temperature remains between6 to 20 degrees Celsius making the climate quite warm.

Monsoons begin from July and last till mid-September with the average temperature ranging between 2 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Winters occur in October and last till March. The temperature at night drops as low as -13 degrees Celsius during winters making the valley extremely cold. However, during daylight, the temperature is quite normal remaining at around 10-15 degrees Celsius.

Best Time to Visit Ziro Valley

tourist place in ziro

Ziro Valley enjoys pleasant climatic conditions throughout the year. Hence, one can plan a visit to Ziro valley at any time of the year. However, the period from October to April is considered the best time to visit this place. The valley is seen at its best appearance at this time with vivid greenery everywhere and clear skies during daylight. The temperature drops quite low during winters, but during the day the temperature is pleasant and bearable.

How to Reach Ziro Valley

Ziro Valley is a popular tourist destination in Northeast India and has good connectivity from different parts of the country. One can reach Ziro Valley through the following modes:

By Air: If you are traveling from any other place in India, then you can board a flight to Jorhat Airport, Jorhat or Lilabari Airport, North Lakhimpur. Both these airports are situated in the northeastern state of Assam. Jorhat Airport is just at a distance of 98km from Ziro with several road and bus services till Ziro. Lilabari airport is 123km away from Ziro.

If you are a foreign traveler, you can board a flight to Guwahati, as the above-mentioned airports do not serve international flights. The rest of the journey can be completed by road.

By Rail: To travel to Ziro Valley by train, one must board a till to Naharalagun (100km) or North Lakhimpur (117km). There is only one train from New Delhi that runs once in a week till Naharlagun by the name “Naharla

New Delhi AC Superfast Express”. The “Arunachal AC SF Express” operates from New Delhi to North Lakhimpur. There are multiple trains that run till North Lakhimpur and Naharalagun from Guwahati. The rest of the journey to Ziro can be done by bus or shared cabs.

By road: Travelling to Ziro all by road is not a popular choice, as it would attract multiple difficulties. Hence, boarding a train or a flight to the nearest destinations would be the best choice. From, night bus services are available operated by Arunachal Pradesh Government. The buses run four times a week and take about 11 hours.From North Lakhimpur and Jorhat, one can take a shared taxi or bus to reach Ziro Valley.

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Places to visit and Tourist attractions in Ziro

Ziro is a pristine location endowed with both natural beauty and historical importance. It attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are several tourist attractions in Ziro. Following is a list of most visited places in Ziro.

ZIRO PUTU, Top attraction in Ziro

ZIRO PUTU: Located at the top of a Hillock in old ziro, ZIRO PUTU is a mesmerizing and calm place filled with the enchanting wind breeze blowing at a moderate speed. The spot is enriched with the breathtaking view of ziro plateau amidst colorful paddy field, filled colored with all shades of green and yellow. The first administrative centre was set up after India's independence and old ARMY cantonment is located here.

DOLO & MANDO, Ziro valley places to visit

DOLO & MANDO: Situated in the top of a hillock, which is famous for the legendary love story between the couple "DOLO & MANDO". From the top of the hillock, one can witness the wide panoramic view of Hapoli town, Ziro, aerodrome, rice farms and the mountains around Ziro Valley.

ZIRO PUTU, Ziro valley tourist attraction

HAPOLI: Hapoli (New Ziro), about 7km south of Ziro, has basic urban infrastructure and road transport. A scenic beautiful place served as the headquarter of Lower Subansiri District Administration. It is a beautiful town surrounded by lush green rice fields behind the majestic Pataki hills. Hapoli has derived its name from "Hao-Polyang". In the local language, "hao" means high or above and "polyang" means plain or plateau.

Tarin Fish Farm, High altitude fish firm at Ziro valley

TARIN FISH FIRM: Aptani people practice traditional breeding and fishing practices. Fishes are raised here and sold to farmers, who later place them in their terraced rice farms for PADDY CUM FISH CULTIVATION. This place is must visit to witness the Aptani Fish cultivation method. It is located at a distance of about 3.5 km from Hapoli Town, The fingerlings are sold during paddy cultivation season.

Taley valley Wild Life Sanctuary, Ziro

TALEY VALlEY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Covering an area of 337 sq. km. Taley wildlife sanctuary is a home to a large number of flora and fauna ranging from sub-tropical to alpine forests which is one of the largest wildlife centuries in India Talley plateau is covered with thick dense forest of silver fir trees and pine trees, varieties of rhododendron, orchids, ferns and varieties of bamboo. Pleioblastus Simone is a bamboo species that is found only in Talley Valley. The trekking trail goes as Hong village - Pange - Moko - Talley Valley. which is nearly 32 KM north east of ZIRO.

Meghna Cave Temple, Daporijo

MEGHNA CAVE TEMPLE: Meghna Cave Temple is an ancient cave temple around 5000 years and it was rediscovered in the year 1962. Located at an altitude of 300 feet, the temple offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Majestic mountains, dense forests presenting lush greenery to your eyes and the beautiful river flowing below give you the most wonderful experience. You will be at a loss for words to describe the immense beauty of the place. Set your camera in motion so that you will be able to relive the memories on your return.

Shiva Linga, Ziro valley Arunachal pradesh

SHIVA LINGAM AT KARDO FOREST : Located at a distance of 4 Km away from Hapoli town, It is a giant stone 25ft. and 22 ft width curved in the shape of big Shiva Linga. Million of devotees offer their prayers here. It was an ethereal and spiritual experience to trek up the hill and view the Shiva Linga. A fable is also associated with this temple. People believed that one can see images of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha with tree trunk turning leftward.

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Money blog: 9 key financial moments in March will affect your pocket - starting on Sunday

Rail fares, pension credit and interest rates are all on the agenda in March. Read this and more in the Money blog, your place for consumer and economic news. Listen to the latest Ian King Business Podcast as you scroll.

Thursday 29 February 2024 19:47, UK

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  • Where have house prices risen and fallen?
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  • Budget speculation : What do we know? And who is calling for what?
  • Fines for parents whose children miss school to rise by 33%
  • A guide to Sharia fixed-term savings accounts

If you're around London's West End next week, you could be able to get yourself a free pizza. 

Covent Garden restaurant Fatto a Mano (which has a very decent 4.5 stars on Google Reviews) is giving away pizzas next week in partnership with restaurant discovery app Appetite. 

The offer is available between 4-8 March, and you'll just need to turn up.

You may need to be quick, though - a recent pita giveaway from Miznon Soho led to hundreds of Londoners queuing outside. 

The cost of insuring your home has risen by 36% in the last year, new data has revealed.

Data shows the average combined policy now costs £215 - this falls slightly for bungalows which cost on average £204 to insure, while a flat costs on average £199 for a combined policy.

And it not just combined home insurance policies that have risen - contents-only premiums have seen an increase of 30%, rising from £57 to £74, and buildings-only saw a similar increase of 29% from £130 to £168.

Data suggests the more bedrooms a property has, the higher the cost is likely to be. 

The average cost of a combined policy for a one-bedroom place is £158, with the cost rising with each additional bedroom, to £385 for properties with five or more bedrooms.

Ceri McMillan, home insurance expert at Go.Compare , said the data also showed that combined home insurance policies are on average the most expensive for those in Northern Ireland, although Greater London is only £38 less at an average of £309.

Costs are lowest for those in the North East of England, with the average cost of a premium sitting below average at £179.

Here are the average costs for home insurance by region: 

  • Greater London - £309
  • Scotland - £210
  • North East - £179
  • North West - £188
  • East Midlands - £197
  • West Midlands - £187
  • Wales - £193
  • South West - £196
  • South East - £237
  • North Ireland - £347

Asda shoppers have expressed their annoyance after being left unable to use the supermarket's loyalty scheme.

The supermarket's app-based Rewards scheme allows customers to collect loyalty points and receive vouchers to get a discount on their shopping bill.

However, customers have been unable to use the loyalty scheme at any of the supermarket's new Express convenience stores.

An Asda spokesperson told the Money team its Express stores were currently unable to process Rewards but it would be available eventually.

"Asda Express is a new shopping format for us and we are currently going through a process of updating the systems to enable Asda Rewards to be accepted," they said.

"We have a team of people focused on this and expect this to be rolled out into all of our stores in the future."

One shopper, Alison, told The Mirror she was "shocked" to find she was unable to use her £10 voucher. 

"I was shocked and a little saddened as £10 off would've really helped but I thought I would just collect my points instead but they told me I couldn't even do that," she said.

Asda said it would open 110 Asda Express convenience stores this month - a record for a single month - to accelerate its growth strategy.

It comes after it acquired 470 convenience stores and petrol stations from Co-op and EG group in 2022, with plans to convert the sites acquired to Asda Express stores before the end of March. 

Sainsbury's has revealed plans to cut around 1,500 roles as part of a previously announced shake-up of its operations.

Sky News revealed earlier this month how the company, which also owns Argos, had  refused to rule out job losses  under the strategy update for investors.

It included a greater focus on food within its supermarkets, claiming more space from general merchandise and clothing.

Read the full story here ...

Rail fare rises, an interests rate decision and an end to cold weather payments are just some of the money changes taking place next month. 

Most of the changes are likely to impact how far your money can stretch, so we've put together a list of the most important ones for you to bear in mind. 

3 March - Rail fares increase

Regulated train fares in England will rise by up to 4.9% on Sunday.

The cost of a ticket usually rises annually, but the government stepped in to cap them amid soaring inflation. 

About 45% of fares are regulated, including most season tickets, travelcards, some off-peak returns, and anytime tickets around major cities.

5 March - Pension credit deadline 

Hundreds of thousands of pensioners could pocket an extra £299 if they claim Pension Credit by 5 March.

Those who successfully apply for the benefit by Tuesday would be able to secure the final cost of living payment thanks to backdating rules.

Pension Credit, which averages over £3,900 a year, is there to lend a hand with day-to-day expenses for those who have reached state pension age and are on a low income.

About 1.4 million people are already receiving pension credit, but an estimated 880,000 eligible households are yet to claim it.

6 March - spring budget

The chancellor will reveal the government's spring budget on Wednesday, outlining the financial plan for the rest of the year. 

Tax cuts, a new vape duty and proposals for a 99% mortgage scheme are just some of the changes reportedly being considered by Jeremy Hunt. 

He has also hinted he's open to shaking up Lifetime Individual Savings Account rules and raising the threshold at which the controversial high income child benefit charge applies. 

20 March - Inflation data released

The Office for National Statistics will release its latest consumer price inflation (CPI) data.

The figure measures the change in prices paid for everyday items and services. 

The government uses CPI for the Bank of England's target inflation rate of 2%. 

It's also used when it reviews and uprates certain state benefits and tax thresholds.

21 March - Interest rates decision

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee will make a decision on interest rates. 

The current bank rate sits at 5.25%. 

The Bank rate anchors the rates high street banks charge on mortgages and those they offer on savings (though often not the latter, to the chagrin of savers). 

28 March - Benefits paid early 

Some benefits claimants may receive their payment earlier than usual at the end of March due to bank holidays. 

If your normal payment date lands on Friday 29 March or Monday 1 April, then money will land in your account on Thursday 28 March.

31 March - Broadband, TV and mobile contracts rise 

Millions of customers will see their broadband and mobile bills increase on either 31 March or 1 April as telecoms providers raise the price of their contracts. 

Customers of common providers face hikes of between 6.7% and 8.8%.

 31 March - Household Support Fund closes 

The £842m Household Support Fund scheme is due to close on 31 March.

The support has been extended four times, but the government has not confirmed if it will be extended for a fifth time. 

The fund helps people struggling to pay for food, energy and other essential items. 

It typically comes in the form of supermarket vouchers, energy assistance or cash grants. 

31 March - Warm Home Discount scheme ends 

Households will stop getting £150 off their energy bill from 31 March. 

The scheme worked as a one-off discount applied to electricity bills for those who were eligible between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

The French government has said it will outlaw the use of meat terms on plant-based meat products - meaning customers will no longer see labels for "vegan ham" or "veggie sausages". 

Terms that have been banned include "steak", "ham", "prime rib" and "escalope". 

New labels will include "cultured nut products" instead of vegan cheese, while vegetarian sausages will become "veggie tubes". 

Companies will be fined €7,500 for breaching the law, which comes into force in May.

Exceptions are being made for products containing a small amount of plant-based content that "does not replace foodstuff of animal origin".

For example, Merguez sausages can contain up to 5% plant-based proteins. 

Producers have a year to sell their remaining stock before facing penalties.

Mortgage approvals to home buyers jumped to the highest level since 2022 in January.

Some 55,227 mortgages for purchase got the green light, up from 51,506 the previous month. It's the highest level since October 2022.

The Bank of England figures offer reason for optimism in the housing market at the start of 2024 - and they echo the sentiment of data from Rightmove and Zoopla.

But what's actually going on in the housing market?

Buyers are accepting 'new normal'

Danny Belton, head of lending at the Mortgage Advice Bureau, says more mortgage approvals is a symptom of buyers accepting that higher rates are "the new normal".

"January was an incredibly positive month, starting the year off with a bang," he said. "The cuts to mortgage rates at the start of the year undoubtedly had a role to play, but the data tells the story of buyers realising the new normal, and those who are unwilling to wait for homeownership any longer. 

"Now we're almost certainly past the peak of the Bank of England's rate hikes, and prospective homebuyers are feeling confident that the worst is behind us."

Average mortgage rates have ticked up in recent weeks as expectations for a base rate cut pushed back from May to June - and while this is likely to be a temporary blip, there is still a way to go before optimism is translated into a full-on market revival.

Phones lines to brokers have 1,500-long queues as rates come and go

Hina Bhudia, partner, Knight Frank Finance, said that a gentle easing of mortgage rates "has given way to much more volatile conditions".

"The cheapest lender on the high street is often inundated with calls and is forced to notch rates up to cool demand - we've seen phone line queues of as many as 1,500 brokers attempting to secure rates for customers before they are withdrawn overnight."

Not all the data is positive

Data put out by the Bank of England today is positive, but not all the numbers offer cause for celebration.

Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, said: "Completed housing transactions, which remained subdued, continue to lag on more up to date activity indicators.

"Real time data from TwentyCi indicates that there was an improvement in underlying housing market conditions in February, with activity levels 10% above the pre-pandemic average, even accounting for slightly higher than normal fall thorough rates.

"The biggest uptick in activity has been in the £300,000 to £500,000 price band, where activity levels in the month were 30% higher than the same time last year.

"But despite increased activity, the market remains price sensitive. The same data indicates that there has been a 52% increase on the number of properties experiencing a change in asking price (compared with the 2017-19 norm)."

(Graphics: iStock)

The Body Shop will shut dozens more of its stores within weeks, administrators have said. 

The closures will result in 489 job losses.

It previously announced it would close nearly half of its stores in the UK, along with cutting 40% of roles at its London headquarters. 

Administrators said the brand's current portfolio is "no longer viable" after "years of unprofitability".

The latest company accounts showed The Body Shop had 927 administrative staff and 1,641 store workers in 2022.

By Emily Mee, Money team

You could be forgiven for feeling a twinge of jealousy when you see someone packing it all in to go travelling for a few months. 

Perhaps it's made you wonder if you could do the same thing yourself. 

Of course, it won't be realistic for everyone and the reality is it takes a lot of planning and saving. For many people during the cost of living crisis, it's simply not possible to save much, if at all.

But if you're wondering where to begin (and how much you might need to save), we've got some advice from two travel bloggers who have been there and done that...

Megan Wright ( @travelwrighter ), who is originally from Chicago, ended up travelling the world when her UK visa expired in 2017.

Her travels saw her get her scuba licence, go island hopping in the Philippines, explore Vietnam and join a surf camp in Sri Lanka. 

While she says she would go travelling long-term again "in a heartbeat", she warns that not being financially prepared can put a dampener on your trip. 

"If you don't have financial security, you're probably not going to enjoy it as much and you're going to be stressed about it the whole time," she says. 

At the very least, you should know where you're going and have a breakdown of the costs in advance so you can plan your saving.

Megan shares lots of budgeting tips on her Instagram page and talks about how she worked out the money needed for her trip. 

She suggests estimating a daily budget based on where in the world you'll be by looking up the average costs of accommodation, food and activities.

If you're travelling to different places, she says you should do this for each region. 

For her trip, she budgeted £50 per day to spend in southeast Asia - although she says she would now budget £60 to £65 per day because of inflation. 

She has some basic steps in her Instagram post below about how she saved £20,000 for her trip - and there is more in-depth advice on her Instagram and on the Travel Wrighter Podcast . 

Michelle Halpern, who runs travel blog Live Like It's The Weekend , says she was planning for a year and a half before she left for her travels. 

She decided to take the plunge after feeling "burnt out" by her work at a fashion company and seeing a colleague leave to travel around southeast Asia. 

"For me, it took a long time of saving a percentage of my salary and freelancing on the side, all while cutting back on some of the luxuries I was used to in order to save about $30,000," she says.

"Even after I left, I still had a freelance gig that I knew would continue on during my travels and help support me financially."

Both women said cost was a big reason for why they chose their travel destinations. 

"During my round-the-world trip, I focused a lot on traveling to destinations where my money would go furthest like Vietnam, the Philippines, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, India and Indonesia," says Michelle.

She says she even ended up joining a coding retreat in Bali to learn to build her website, before turning the experience into a work/stay trade partnership. 

Megan says she chose southeast Asia based on how much she could realistically save in a year. 

Is there anything else to consider? 

Aside from the financial considerations, it's also worth thinking about why you want to take the plunge - and whether you're doing it for the right reasons.

"Your problems don't disappear just because you're jetting halfway across the world," says Michelle.

"Not that I necessarily expected them to, but I do think this idea of 'quitting your job to travel' can be romanticised on social media. 

"Just because you're sitting on an epic beach in Thailand doesn't mean you're automatically going to be happy and content. You have to do the inner work to get to that place."

She also says long-term travel comes with its "own set of challenges" - sometimes loneliness, tiredness, and the inevitable things going wrong, so you'll need to be prepared for it not always being a walk in the park. 

Megan adds that solo travel is "not necessarily for everyone" - but the best way to find out is to give it a go. 

Overall, both say travelling long-term changed their lives for the better. 

"If I had to do it all over again, it wouldn't even be a question," says Michelle. 

"I think if someone is in a place in their life where the idea of exploring long-term travel keeps them up at night, then they should go for it, but plan for it in a smart way so that they're able to enjoy the experience rather than stressing over finances."

Wealthy Britons' spending habits are hampering the Bank of England's efforts to hit its 2% inflation target, according to a rate setter on its Monetary Policy Committee.

Immune to higher interest rates, people on higher incomes are spending "disproportionately" on non-essentials like entertainment, travel and eating out, Catherine Mann told the Financial Times .

Services inflation is not falling fast enough as a consequence, despite easing energy and goods costs.

She said there is "a lack of consumer discipline", resulting in business' charging more.

"There is not a lot of consumer discipline on a large enough fraction of categories of services to represent active deceleration in services price inflation," the FT quoted Ms Mann as saying.

Services inflation rose by 6.5% in the year to January, according to Office for National Statistics.

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tourist place in ziro

IMAGES

  1. Ziro Valley Arunachal Pradesh

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  2. Ziro

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  3. Ziro Valley Tourism

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  4. Top 10 Places to Visit in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

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  5. How to Reach Ziro Valley, Arunachal

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  6. Places to Visit in Ziro: Tourist Places in Ziro, Ziro Tourism, Best Holiday Destinations

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. 8 Places to visit in Ziro India 2024

    1. Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation. Must Visit 3.6 /5. 3 km. from city center 1 out of 8. Places To Visit in Ziro. Paddy cultivation is a major occupation in Ziro. Here, two different varieties of rice are grown with one variety of fish in the water. Bamboo and Pine trees surround the paddy fields.

  2. Places to Visit in Ziro

    Places to visit in Ziro. Top Things to Do in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. Places to Visit in Ziro. Enter dates. Attractions. Filters. Sort. Map. Category types. Attractions. ... Temple is under construction. The location is amazing. It is very different from the regular crowded places of worship that you visit. Read more. Review of: Shiva Linga ...

  3. 8 Places To Visit In Ziro Valley For A Soulful Holiday

    3. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of 337 sq. km is home to an array of exotic flora and fauna, making it one of the best places to visit in Ziro Valley. Established in 1995, the sanctuary is a biodiversity zone. The impressive range of fauna includes orchids, ferns, silver fir trees, and bamboo.

  4. Ziro Tourism (2024)

    Places To Visit In Ziro. Tarin Fish Farm - Paddy cultivation. Kile Pakho. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Meghna Cave Temple. Shiv Linga. Dolo Mando - Trekking. View All Places To Visit In Ziro.

  5. Top 12 Places To Visit In Ziro Valley

    Here are the top 12 places to visit in Ziro, which highlight the classic beauty of the place. 1. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary covers 337 sq. km. of land and it is one of the leading attractions of Ziro. The sanctuary is home to various endangered species.

  6. Ziro Valley Tourism & Travel Guide

    Next. C - 81C, Sector - 8, Noida - 201301. +91-120-4052615 - 99 (85 hunting lines are available) +91-120-4052699. +91-9212777223/24. [email protected]. +91-9212777225 (Only for Whatsapp) tourmyindiadelhi. Ziro Valley Travel Guide- Find Info about best things to do, tourist attractions, sightseeing places, hotels & holiday packages to plan a ...

  7. Visit Ziro Valley: 10 Top-Rated Places To See In Ziro Valley & The

    The place has historical importance and is known as Army cantonment, which established during the sixties. The popular spot offers a remarkable view of the Apatani plateau. To get a view of the entire Ziro town, one can trek to the top. The place is a must-visit to experience the calmness and tranquility in its atmosphere. 8. Tarin Fish Farm

  8. Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Ziro Valley

    It would truly make as one of the best places to see and feel nature in its unpretentious form. Holidays in Ziro are absolutely considered incomplete without embarking on an interesting sightseeing tour in the city visiting its famous tourism places which include the 5000 years old 'Meghna Cave Temple', 'Sidheshwar Nath Shiv Linga', 'Tarin Fish Farm' and 'Pine Grove'.

  9. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ziro

    Things to Do in Ziro, India: See Tripadvisor's 153 traveler reviews and photos of Ziro tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ziro. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  10. Top 7 Places To Visit In Ziro Valley

    Meghna Cave Temple. Meghna Cave Temple is a famous religious place in Ziro, the tourist spot visited by a large number of tourists every year due to its high religious significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is an about 5000-year-old temple which is situated at an altitude of 300 feet above sea level.

  11. Things to do in Ziro

    Ziro Pine Grove, 36 KM - one of the most popular places to visit in Ziro. It is also most frequented by travelers, for its dense pine forests that cover the surrounding hills and provide great hiking and photo opportunities. Itanagar, 109 KM - the state capital and the nearest commercial district. From museums to palaces, the city is a ...

  12. Ziro Tourism: 7 Famous Places to Travel

    Ziro has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The best time to visit Ziro is from March to October. During summer, this hilly hamlet becomes a perfect destination to get away from the torrid heat of nearby cities. The lush greenery with clear blue skies makes the entire place look vivid and magical.

  13. Ziro Valley: Exploring the Beautiful Tourist Spots

    Exploring Ziro valley: Places to visit in ziro, Arunachal. Ziro Valley has become a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. The valley is divided into two parts: Old Ziro and New Ziro. The tourist attractions are mostly located in Old Ziro, where lush greenery surrounds small, beautiful villages ...

  14. Apatani Tribe of Ziro Valley- Places to see

    Last Updated on January 21, 2021 by asoulwindow. Apatani Tribe of Ziro Valley - Places to see. During my Arunachal Pradesh tour, Ziro valley was one of the most rewarding destinations. I mingled with the Apatani tribe community, a dream nurtured since long.The beautiful Apatani women and their nose plugs are the main attraction of Ziro valley!. Despite not knowing Apatani language, I had a ...

  15. Ziro Valley Tour Plan

    World's Largest Natural Shiva Linga, Ziro Music Festival, Siikhe Lake, Seeh Lake, Boat riding, breathtaking viewpoints, and so much more to explore in the Zi...

  16. Ziro

    Ziro, also spelt Zero, is a picturesque town in Arunachal Pradesh, India.It is known for a four-season tourist place and gives a pleasant feel in every season with variant colours in different seasons. It is included the Tentative List for UNESCO's World Heritage Site for the Apatani cultural landscape.

  17. Ziro Valley Arunachal Pradesh

    Hapoli or New Ziro is the major town in the valley. Hong, Hija, Hari, Bula, Baro, and Siiro are the villages in Old Ziro. Hong is, purportedly, the second-largest village in Asia. What are must-visit places in Ziro Valley? This is a place where you can sit back while exploring the fascinating tribal culture and history.

  18. Fun Things to Do in Ziro

    Best Time To Visit Ziro. The best time to visit Ziro is from October to April.During this period, the weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for exploring the scenic beauty of the region. The monsoon season from May to September should be avoided as heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans and make outdoor activities difficult. Additionally, winter months from December to February can be ...

  19. Ziro : The Land of Paddy Fields and Pine Clad Hills

    Ziro is a beautiful and offbeat destination in Arunachal Pradesh that is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and tranquil surroundings. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in the town. 1. Ziro Puto - This is a beautiful hill located near the town. Ziro Puto offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a ...

  20. Tourist Places To Visit In Ziro (2024)

    Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most favourite places for visitors. It covers an area 337 km. It is at an altitude of 2400 m and many rivers like the Pange, Sipu, Karing, Subansiri flow through the sanctuary. It is rich in flora and fauna. Pleioblastus is a bamboo variety found only in this region.

  21. Ziro Valley Arunachal Pradesh

    Ziro is a small town located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.Blessed with an abundance of green landscapes and exotic topographies, the town has been nominated for shortlisting in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.What makes the valley stand out from any other place in the region are the exotic paddy fields surrounded by tall pine and bamboo trees.

  22. Places to visit and Tourist attractions in Ziro

    Ziro is a pristine location endowed with both natural beauty and historical importance. It attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are several tourist attractions in Ziro. Following is a list of most visited places in Ziro.

  23. 9 Places To Visit In Ziro To Make The Most Of Your Trip

    Guide to places to visit in Ziro. Things to know about 9 Ziro sightseeing attractions, tourist places addresses, travelers reviews & activities.

  24. India in March: A Guide To The Best Places To Visit In 2024

    Discover the best places to visit in India in March 2024! From the adventurous Ganges flow in Rishikesh to the vibrant flora of Mahabaleshwar, experience the beauty of spring. ... Ziro Valley. Located in Arunachal Pradesh, it is renowned for its natural beauty and is home to several World Heritage Sites. Ziro is a nature lover's dream come true ...

  25. Money blog: 9 key financial moments in March will affect your pocket

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