Things to do in Ziro

[Travel Freak]

Discover the Best Things to Do in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro, a scenic valley in Arunachal Pradesh, is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. Famous for its Apatani tribal heritage, lush green landscapes, and the iconic Ziro Music Festival, this hidden gem has something for everyone.

Why Visit Ziro?​

• A peaceful retreat away from tourist crowds
• Unique Apatani tribal culture and traditions
• Stunning landscapes with paddy fields, pine forests, and mountain views
• A hub for trekking, birdwatching, and photography
• Home to the Ziro Festival of Music – India’s biggest outdoor music festival

Best Things to Do in Ziro Valley​

Activity	Why It's Special	Best Time to Visit
Trek to Kile Pakho Ridge	Offers a panoramic view of both the Ziro plateau and snow-capped Himalayan peaks	October – April
Visit the Apatani Villages	Experience the unique Apatani culture, famous for their nose plugs, tattoos, and sustainable farming	Year-round
Explore Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary	Spot rare species like clouded leopards and hornbills while trekking through dense forests	October – March
Attend the Ziro Festival of Music	India’s most scenic outdoor music festival featuring indie bands	September
Trek to Dolo Mando Hill	A short, scenic trek leading to stunning valley views and a perfect sunset spot	October – April
Birdwatching in Ziro Valley	Home to rare Himalayan birds, making it a paradise for bird lovers and photographers	November – March
Visit Meghna Cave Temple	A centuries-old cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched on a cliff with breathtaking views	October – April
Try Local Apatani Cuisine	Enjoy bamboo shoot pickles, smoked meat, and locally brewed rice beer called Apong	Year-round
Fishing and Boating at Pange River	A peaceful retreat with crystal-clear waters, ideal for nature lovers	October – March
Walk Through Pine Grove	A tranquil forested area, great for nature walks and relaxation	Year-round

Tips for Travelers​

• Best Time to Visit: September to April (avoid monsoons as the valley gets heavy rainfall).
• How to Reach Ziro:
  • By Air: Nearest airport – Lilabari Airport (100 km) or Guwahati (best option for major flights).
  • By Train: Nearest railway station – Naharlagun (100 km away).
  • By Road: Regular bus and taxi services from Itanagar and North Lakhimpur.
• Where to Stay: Homestays are the best way to experience Ziro. Some popular options include Abasa Homestay, Siiro Resort, and Ziro Valley Resort.
• Essential Packing List: Warm clothes (it gets chilly), trekking shoes, rain gear (if visiting in monsoon), and power banks (limited electricity in remote areas).

Final Thoughts​

Ziro is a must-visit for those looking to explore Northeast India’s offbeat destinations. Whether you’re into trekking, cultural experiences, or simply soaking in nature, this valley won’t disappoint. If you’ve been to Ziro, share your favorite experiences below!

 

[Gabydi]

Just yesterday I was asking here in the forum if anyone knew of great places for trekking and hiking in India, and now I see your post.

It’s a great list you have in here, I already checked pictures and reviews and Ziro seems like another awesome place in India. I think that visiting places that are not inundated with tourists is a good option, because you get the chance to really absorb other cultures. After all, this is why we travel in the first place.

 

[Debapriya Deb]

The unchartered territory of Mechuka Valley, located in close proximity to Ziro, is also a great choice for trekking. To add to that, both Ziro and Mechuka Valley are amazing honeymoon destinations as well.

For more information, you may refer to this post - 5 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in North East India that You Are Unaware Of

Regards,
Deb

 

[travelguide]

Ziro is a World Heritage Site and a natural beauty. To add, I will just point out some more tourist destinations at Ziro valley :

Talley Valley Wild Life Sanctury - This 337 sq km of land is home to various endangered species. It is called a bio-diversity zone.
Kiley Pakho - This place is a feast to the eyes, especially for nature lovers. Climbing on the ridge will give you a magnificent view Ziro and snow clad Himalayan ranges.
Midey - This place is famous for blue pine trees. Ideal for adventurous persons and a perfect place for hiking and trekking.

 

[briannagodess]

I would also recommend trying the local cuisine in Ziro. Rats are a delicacy in Ziro. Try to eat from hotels and accommodations. Momo which is dumpling filled with vegetables or pork and meat are delicious. Thukpa is a soup made of vegetables, meat and noodles. Gyapa Khazi is a kind of rice pulao with fermented cheese, shrimp, dried fish and spices. Good luck!

 

[amelia88]

I would also recommend trying the local cuisine in Ziro. Rats are a delicacy in Ziro. Try to eat from hotels and accommodations. Momo which is dumpling filled with vegetables or pork and meat are delicious. Thukpa is a soup made of vegetables, meat and noodles. Gyapa Khazi is a kind of rice pulao with fermented cheese, shrimp, dried fish and spices. Good luck!

I think I'll stick to the pork and vegetable filled dumplings if I go there, rather than eating rats!

 

[xeylonfm]

I would also recommend trying the local cuisine in Ziro. Rats are a delicacy in Ziro. Try to eat from hotels and accommodations. Momo which is dumpling filled with vegetables or pork and meat are delicious. Thukpa is a soup made of vegetables, meat and noodles. Gyapa Khazi is a kind of rice pulao with fermented cheese, shrimp, dried fish and spices. Good luck!

Oftentimes cultural shock is a major issue when visiting new places and I have always experienced this firsthand. Looking at food for instance, in south china dogs are a delicacy which was not something I was prepared for. Rats are a delicacy in this region which is not also something very welcomed in my hometown. For my case eating and living with the natives is very special and as they eat on rats, I shall get down with them on that. I would love to visit here someday.

 

[Benti]

Thanks for the tip, as a bit of hiking would actually be something that would very much interest me. While I love beaches, I enjoy a trip away from all the touristy stuff. That's my idea of a 'getaway'.

 

[Mindy]

I'm an avid hiker, too, and I love the sound of an animal sanctuary. It's great to allow animals the freedom to enjoy their natural habitats.

 

[Tamboa]

Tarin Fish Farm
Tarin Fish Farm is a place where breeding of high altitude fishes is done here. The fishes you see here are not found in plains and in many cases are unique to this habitat.

High altitude fish is something I have not heard of. I would love to find out more about this. Is it a single kind of fish or are there many different types bred there?