Four days at the Ziro Festival of Music
The Ziro Festival of Music began in 2012 and has grown into one of India's best-loved independent music festivals, while staying small and outdoor. It takes place over four days in late September, on grounds at the edge of the valley, with stages framed by pine hills and paddy. Line-ups mix indie rock, folk, electronic and music from the North East, and Apatani hosts are part of the experience.
The festival places emphasis on sustainability, with bamboo structures, local food stalls and limits on plastic. Most attendees camp, and the campsites can be lively and muddy if it rains. We prefer to book a homestay or small hotel in Hapoli or a nearby village, with transfers to and from the grounds at the hours you choose.
Days are free to explore the valley, walk the villages and rest before the evening sets. Rain is still possible in September, so waterproof footwear and a jacket are essential. Festival passes sell through the official website; we buy them for you when they go on sale.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the Ziro Festival of Music?
It is held over four days in late September each year. The 2026 edition ran from 24 to 27 September. Dates for the next edition are announced months in advance on the official website. Check current status before you travel, and book rooms and passes early.
Where do people stay during the Ziro Festival?
Most attendees camp at official festival campsites. Others stay in homestays and small hotels in Hapoli and nearby villages, which sell out months ahead. We book the best available rooms early and arrange transfers to the festival grounds.
Do I need a permit for the Ziro Festival?
Yes. Ziro is in Arunachal Pradesh, so Indian citizens need an eILP and foreign nationals a Protected Area Permit. Apply well before the festival, as demand is high. Check current status before you travel.
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