Ziro:
Ziro is a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquillity, and culture, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the rural charm and scenic beauty of Arunachal Pradesh. Known for its vibrant and rich cultural heritage, with several festivals reflects the traditions of the indigenous communities, particularly the Apatani tribe.
It is blessed with its diverse landscapes, tribal culture, unpolluted and serene environment, offers some excellent trekking opportunities that cater to various levels of adventurers, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. There are so many key attractions and things to do in Ziro.
Ziro is known for its cool climate, & pleasant weather especially when compared to the rest of Arunachal Pradesh. It provides a refreshing atmosphere with temperatures that rarely rise too high, making it a great escape for people seeking tranquillity and cooler weather, especially during the hotter months.
How to Reach:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Ziro which is about 237 km from Tezpur Airport, Assam and 123 Km from Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. Several flights are available from Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi) to Tezpur Airport and some flights are available for Donyi Polo Airport (Itanagar).
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Ziro is Harmuti, which is about 95 km away. Some trains are available from New Delhi to Harmuti.
By Road:
If you want to explore the entire route through your car, you can drive from New Delhi to Ziro. Though it is quite a long journey but you can cover the distance of 2250 km in 42 hours depending on the route and stops. Of course, you have to take break according to your choice in between like Lucknow, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, New Jalpaiguri, Tezpur, Itanagar etc.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Ziro is from March to June and September to December, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Ziro Valley- A Scenic Paradise
The Ziro Valley is the main attraction of the region. It is a picturesque, lush green valley surrounded by rice fields, hills, and pine forests. The valley is divided into several rice terraces, adding to the charm of the area. The scenic beauty adorned with bamboo groves and pine forests, coupled with a calm and quiet environment, makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Apatanis Village
The Apatani tribe is one of the indigenous groups of Arunachal Pradesh. Visiting an Apatani village, like Hari, Bulla, Tarin or Hong village, allows you to experience their unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The women of this tribe are famous for their facial tattoos and nose plugs, which are integral to their identity.
Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
At the altitude of 2400 metres, Talley is a plateau with dense forest of silver fir trees, pine clad plateau of beautiful grandeur, and a vast wasteland. Located about 32 km from Ziro and the gateway to the sanctuary is the Pange Camp which is 7 km from Manpolyang. It is known for its pristine wilderness, rich biodiversity, and stunning natural beauty. The trek involves navigating through dense forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak trees.
The Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife and bird watchers. It homes to several species of birds, including the endangered White-winged Duck. The dense forests here also host a variety of wildlife, including deer, tigers, and elephants and most important endangered species the clouded leopard. The sanctuary offers various trekking routes that lead to isolated spots like Talle Valley’s upper reaches, making it an ideal trekking destination for those looking to explore untouched nature.
Kile Pakho
Kile Pakho is a scenic hilltop located at around 7 Km from the old Ziro. It is a popular trekking spot that offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Ziro Valley, surrounding rice fields, and the distant mountains. The trek is moderate and involves walking through dense forests and villages. Once at the top, trekkers are rewarded with scenic views of the entire valley and the mighty Himalayan ranges. It’s an ideal spot for trekking, photography, and experiencing the tranquillity of the area.
Midey
Midey is a small, serene, quaint village located amidst stunning natural surroundings, offering an offbeat trekking experience near Ziro. It promises a memorable experience of its breath-taking captivating landscape, thick forests with towering pine trees and beautiful rivers. It offers thrilling trekking experience amidst dense bamboo groves, making it a paradise for adventure trekking enthusiasts. This is a perfect place for trekking and outdoor activities like camping and offers a good opportunity to spot wildlife and birdlife. It is perfect for those seeking solitude and tranquillity in nature.
Sidheshwar Nath Temple
A miraculous Shiva Lingam of Sri Sidheshwar Nath Temple may be visited which also has the image of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha with trunk turning leftward. The Shivalinga is 25 feet tall, which makes it the tallest natural Shivalinga in the world. It is believed to be a source of divine energy. The area around it is known for its natural beauty, which is about 4 km away from Hapoli town via Shibey village.
Nginga (Holy Grove)
This sacred grove near Ziro is an important cultural and spiritual site for the Apatani people. It is considered as a protected area, and the locals believe it to be the home of spirits that protect the village. The lush greenery and serene surroundings make it a peaceful spot for reflection and nature walks. The practice of conserving such sacred groves is unique to many indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Dolo Mando
Dolo Mando is a beautiful hillock offering one of the best viewpoints near Ziro, offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape and entire valley. It’s a great place for trekking and adventure activities. The trek to Dolo Mando is comparatively easy and is a delightful rewarding experience for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and photographers.
Ziro Padi
Ziro Padi is a traditional site in the area where the local people perform their community activities and social gatherings. It’s a great way to understand the cultural heritage of the Apatani people.
Mechuka Valley
Mechuka or Menchuka is located at an altitude of 6000 meters in the West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh near the Indo-China border. It is a stunning and offbeat destination known for its scenic natural beauty, rich culture, adventure, tranquillity and serene environment.
The surrounding areas are ideal for trekking, wildlife spotting, and bird watching. The region has a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of orchids and birds. The dense forests are also home to wild animals like the clouded leopard and various species of deer.
For more details, you may like to read my blog on Mechuka at https://www.singhontrek.in/mechuka.
Bamboo Groves and Rice Fields
Ziro is famous for its extensive bamboo groves and expansive rice fields, which add to the charm of the region. You can take a leisurely walk through these lush green areas and observe the local agricultural practices.
Trekking and Nature Walks
Ziro and its surrounding areas offer several trekking opportunities, especially around the Talley Valley, Kile Pakho, and Midey. The lush forests, valleys, and peaceful surroundings make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers.
Local Markets and Handicrafts
Visit the Ziro Market to experience the local culture and buy unique handicrafts, including traditional weaving and woodwork. You’ll find handmade products like baskets, shawls, and woven mats.
Seeh Lake, Ziro
Seeh lake, Ziro, just 2.5 Km from Hapoli town, is a tranquil and serene place surrounded by lush greenery. It’s perfect for a peaceful retreat, leisurely walks or a picnic with family and friends.
Nyla Range
A lesser-known spot, the Nyla Range offers an untouched view of the surrounding landscape. It’s a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Festivals in Ziro:
Ziro’s festivals are not only to celebrate agricultural practices but also to serve as a way to maintain the social fabric of the community, passing down traditions, folklore, and customs from one generation to the next. If you visit Ziro during any of these festivals, you will get a rare opportunity to engross yourself in the local culture and experience its naive vibrant traditions. Some festivals are given below:
Ziro Festival of Music
This is the most popular cultural event in Ziro and is set against the backdrop of Ziro’s stunning landscape. If you visit in September, you can attend the Ziro Festival of Music, a popular cultural and music festival that draws artists and music lovers from across the country and even beyond.
The festival celebrates music, culture, and the region’s unique lifestyle. It features performances by various artists, both traditional and contemporary, in genres like indie, rock, electronic, and more.
Mopin Festival
Mopin is a major festival of the Galo tribe. They celebrate it in April that marks the harvest season and seeks blessings for prosperity, happiness, and good health. Traditional dances, feasts, and rituals characterize it. Women typically wear colorful attire, and people perform the Mopin dance, which is believed to bring peace and prosperity to the community.
Dree Festival
Dree is a significant agricultural festival celebrated by the Apatanis in July and other indigenous tribes in Ziro. It marks the start of the agricultural season and is dedicated to ensuring a good harvest. It is a time for thanksgiving and seeking blessings from the gods for a bountiful harvest. It involves sacrifices, offerings to the deities, and traditional dances. Local people dress in traditional attire and celebrate with feasts, music, and dance.
Tamu Lhosar
Tamu Lhosar is the New Year festival of the Tamang people celebrated in December or January. It marks the start of the lunar year and is a time for family reunions, festive gatherings and prayers for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. During the festival, people wear new clothes, perform traditional dances, and share festive meals.
Solung Festival
Solung is an important festival celebrated by the Adi tribe in month of September. It is dedicated to agricultural fertility and is a time for thanksgiving to the deities for a good harvest. The Adi people offer sacrifices to their gods, and the celebrations include folk songs, dances, community feasts and sporting events.
Chalo Loku
Chalo Loku is an important festival of the Mishmi people celebrated in October/November. It marks the harvest season and is celebrated to ensure good health and prosperity for the community. The festival involves feasts and family gatherings, traditional music, dancing, and animal sacrifices.
Nyokum Yullo
The Nyishi tribe celebrates Nyokum Yullo festival in February to honour the gods and seek blessings for a prosperous life. Nyokum Yullo involves traditional prayers, rituals, music, dances, and feasting. It is a time of cultural renewal, and the community celebrates with great enthusiasm.
Boori Boot Festival
The Boori Boot Festival is celebrated by the Apatanis in December to mark the end of the harvest season and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness. It is a festival of gratitude to the gods for a good crop. The festival involves rituals, offerings, and traditional dances, with the entire community coming together for feasts and celebrations.
Tulang and Festival of Eya
Tamang community celebrates the Tulang Festival in November/December. It marks the end of the harvest and honours the spirits and deities. It is a joyous occasion for family reunions and community bonding. Traditional dances, games, rituals, and feasts are the highlights of this festival.
Cultural Immersion:
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, is a unique and culturally rich destination, offering a blend of stunning natural beauty, indigenous culture, and traditional practices. Here are some of the unique things about Ziro that set it apart:
Apatani Tribe's Traditional Practices
Facial Tattoos and Nose Plugs: One of the most unique aspects of the Apatani tribe, which predominantly inhabits Ziro, is the practice of tattooing women’s faces and inserting large nose plugs. These traditional practices were once used to distinguish them from other tribes, although the practice has largely declined in modern times. The Apatani people wear vibrant traditional costumes, including handwoven shawls, headgear, and ear ornaments, often during festivals and special occasions.
Apatanis Traditional Houses: The Apatani villages in Ziro are known for their unique architectural style. Their homes are built with bamboo, wood, and thatch, designed to blend into the landscape and withstand the local weather conditions. Many of these houses have intricate carvings and colorful paintings that represent the tribe’s culture and beliefs.
Dress & Attire: Traditional attire plays an important role in these festivals, with men and women often dressing in elaborate, handwoven garments made from wool, cotton, or silk.
Rice-Fish Culture: One of the most unique agricultural practices in Ziro is the integration of fish farming with rice cultivation. The Apatani tribe has developed a system where rice is grown in flooded fields, while fish are also farmed in the same water. This practice ensures that the fish contribute to the fertility of the soil while providing a source of protein for the community.
Food: During these festivals, you’ll find traditional food, including rice beer (Apong), local rice preparations, and meats like pork and fish.
Rituals: Many festivals involve intricate rituals and ceremonies conducted by priests or shamans, often involving offerings to local deities, animal sacrifices, and prayers for prosperity, health, and fertility.
Local Handicrafts and Weaving
Handwoven Textiles: Ziro is famous for its intricate handwoven textiles, made by the Apatani and other tribes. Local artisans weave beautiful shawls, mats, and clothing, using natural fibers and dyes. These handwoven items are popular as souvenirs and are a reflection of the region’s craftsmanship.
Bamboo and Wood Crafts: Ziro’s communities also produce a variety of bamboo and wooden crafts, including baskets, trays, and household items, which showcase the tribe’s close relationship with nature.
Tips for Trekking in Ziro:
Permits: Ziro is a remote area. Some trekking routes around Ziro, particularly in areas close to the Arunachal Pradesh border, may require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) at https://eilp.arunachal.gov.in/preTuristEIlpKYC by paying a prescribed fee, so make sure to get the necessary permits before embarking on the trek.
Guides: If you are unfamiliar with the area, it is advisable to hire a local guide. The locals are knowledgeable about the terrain and can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.