Ziro Festival is part-music-festival, part-community celebration, and wholly set inside the breathtaking paddy-field amphitheatre of Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. You’ll be outdoors all day and night, often on grassy or muddy ground, with weather that can flip from warm sun to chilly rain in hours. Smart packing keeps you comfortable, dry and focused on the music – not on soggy socks or a dead phone. This checklist covers everything from documents and permits to camping gear, mud-survival items, health & hygiene, electronics, and a compact daypack so you’re ready for Ziro’s indie stages and Apatani hospitality.
Quick Festival Facts You Should Pack Around
- Typical festival window: late September (Ziro Festival dates frequently fall at the end of September; check official site/ticketing for the exact year).
- Altitude and climate: valley sits at ~1,500–1,700 m; nights can be chilly and rain is common – pack for both humidity and cold.
- Facilities: festival-run camps, food courts and drinking water are available, but ATMs/shops in town are limited – carry cash and basic supplies.
Before You Leave: Documents, Permits & Bookings
- Tickets & booking confirmation (digital + printed).
- ID: government photo ID (Aadhaar/driving licence/passport).
- Permits: Indian citizens may need an ILP (Inner Line Permit); foreigners require Protected Area Permit (PAP) – arrange these in advance. Festival FAQs often list this.
- Travel copies: one photocopy of passport/ID and one digital photo in cloud/email.
- Cash: small denominations (ATMs scarce). Bring a secure money belt or neck pouch.
Clothing — Layers Win
- Base layer: breathable T-shirts for daytime.
- Mid layer: light fleece or thin wool sweater for evenings.
- Outer layer: waterproof breathable jacket (packable) or poncho – it rains often.
- Bottoms: quick-dry pants + one pair of shorts.
- Sleepwear: warm thermal top or hoodie – nights can be cold.
- Extras: warm hat/beanie, buff/scarf, thin gloves.
Footwear — Comfort + Mud Protection
- Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots (broken in).
- Waterproof gumboots / rain boots — lifesavers when fields turn to mud. The festival explicitly recommends gumboots.
- Comfortable camp slippers for evenings in the campsite.
Camping & Sleep Kit (If You’re Camping)
- Tent: 2-person with good rainfly and seam-sealed flysheet (festival also offers pre-booked tents sometimes).
- Sleeping bag rated to ~0–5°C or a good 3-season bag (nights can be cold).
- Sleeping pad / inflatable mattress for insulation from the wet ground.
- Pillow (compressible or inflatable).
- Groundsheet / tarp – protects tent base & gives extra dry space.
- Earplugs & eye mask for noisy nights.
Rain, Mud & On-Site Extras
- Poncho or raincoat (packable).
- Dry bags / ziplock packs to keep clothes and electronics dry.
- Microfiber towel (dries fast).
- Spare ziplock for wet shoes/soiled clothes.
- Foldable camp chair or picnic mat — but check festival rules about leaving large items unattended.
Toiletries, Health & First Aid
- Basic first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, antihistamine, blister plasters, oral rehydration salts.
- Prescription meds + copy of prescription.
- Toiletries: biodegradable soap, toothbrush, small towel, hand sanitiser, toilet paper/tissues.
- Mosquito repellent and after-bite cream.
- Sunscreen & lip balm (UV can be strong at altitude).
- Water bottle (reusable) — refill at festival water stations; festival sources say drinking water is safe.
Electronics & Power
- Power bank (high capacity; multiple full charges).
- Charging cable, travel adapter, and a tiny power strip if travelling with friends and sharing.
- Headlamp (hands-free light) + small flashlight.
- Phone + protective waterproof pouch.
- Portable Bluetooth speaker? Check festival rules about sound – avoid bringing items that disturb others. (Pro cameras and drones are often restricted.)
Food, Snacks & Drinks
- The festival has food vendors, but carries snacks (energy bars, nuts, instant soups) for late nights or slow lines.
- Electrolyte sachets for hydration after dancing.
- Note: many festivals restrict outside cooked food and alcohol rules vary – check current festival policies.
Safety, Rules & Local Etiquette
- Follow festival T&Cs: don’t leave belongings unattended; don’t set up items that block others’ views; respect local Apatani customs.
- Prohibited items typically include drones, professional cameras, weapons, illegal substances – check updated prohibited list before packing.
- Respect local communities: Ziro is hosted by Apatani hosts – avoid loud behaviour in villages, ask before photographing people, and support local vendors.
Sustainability: Pack Like A Low-Impact Traveller
- Reusable water bottle & cutlery (no single-use plastic). Many Ziro Festival editions emphasise eco-practices.
- Biodegradable wet wipes, small trash bags to carry your waste out, and a plan to leave no trace.
Daypack Essentials (For The Festival Site)
- Lightweight daypack (15–20 L) containing: tickets/ID, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, rain poncho, phone, power bank, headlamp, small first-aid, cash, and a compact scarf or extra layer.
Summing Up
Ziro Festival is magical but rustic: think paddy-field stages, sudden showers, cold nights and heartwarming Apatani hospitality. Pack smart – layers, waterproofs, gumboots, a warm sleeping bag, power bank, permits and cash are essentials. Respect local rules (no drones/pro cameras where prohibited), minimise waste, and keep a compact daypack for essentials. With the right gear you’ll stay dry, warm and present for the music – and help preserve the valley that hosts this beautiful, eco-forward festival.
