Ziro Valley - Home of the Apatani Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh

Shillong, Arunachal PradeshNATURE

A scenic valley in Arunachal Pradesh, home to the Apatani tribe and their unique paddy-cum-fish cultivation system, a UNESCO World Heritage tentative site.

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NATURE

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Multiple days

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Ziro Valley is a large, flat expanse of land in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by hills covered in pine and bamboo forests. The valley is primarily inhabited by the Apatani people, an indigenous group known for their distinct culture and sustainable living practices. The landscape is characterized by its systematic and efficient land-use, particularly the wet rice cultivation fields which are integrated with fish farming. Visitors will see small streams partitioned by bamboo and earthen dams, creating a network of canals that irrigate the rice paddies and simultaneously nurture fish.

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Location & Address

Ziro Valley, Lower Subansiri District, Ziro, Shillong, Arunachal Pradesh, India

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Ziro Valley is from late September to October. The monsoon recedes, leaving the rice paddies a brilliant green, and the weather is cool and clear. This period also hosts the famous Ziro Festival of Music. Another good time is from March to May when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom. Avoid the heavy monsoon season from June to early September, as roads can be prone to landslides. Winters (November to February) are very cold, but offer clear skies.
Peak Crowd: Late September during the Ziro Festival of Music. Also October and November due to post-monsoon pleasant weather.
Moderate Crowd: March to May, when the weather is favorable for sightseeing.
Low Crowd: June to early September (heavy monsoon season) and December to February (extreme cold).

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport is Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar (Hollongi), about 100 km away (4-5 hours by road). Another option is Lilabari Airport (IXI) in Assam, around 120 km away (4-5 hours by road). Taxis are available from both airports.

Train

The nearest railway station is Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, approximately 100 km away. From Naharlagun, you can hire a shared or private taxi to Ziro, which takes about 3-4 hours. Another major station is North Lakhimpur in Assam (115 km away).

Road

Ziro is connected by road to major towns in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. You can hire a taxi or take a shared Sumo from Itanagar/Naharlagun (approx. 100 km) or North Lakhimpur (approx. 115 km). Direct overnight buses are also available from Guwahati (approx. 450 km).

Local Transport

For getting around Ziro Valley, hiring a local taxi for the day is the most convenient option. You can also use shared local taxis which run on fixed routes between Hapoli and other villages. There are no app-based ride services available.

Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

No restaurants found nearby