The Ziro Festival of Music is one of India’s most celebrated outdoor music events, held annually in the breathtaking Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. This four-day indie music festival brings together artists from across the globe in a setting surrounded by pine forests, paddy fields, and tribal villages. Hosted in collaboration with the indigenous Apatani tribe, the festival is known not just for its music but also for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, banning single-use plastics and using sustainable bamboo infrastructure.
Where you stay during the festival significantly shapes your experience – be it immersing yourself in nature through camping, enjoying local hospitality via homestays, or embracing comfort in eco-glamps. This guide breaks down your accommodation options to help you choose the best fit for your Ziro journey.
Camping and Eco-Glamping
Camping remains the most popular choice for festival-goers, offering a true outdoor experience with varying levels of comfort – from budget setups to luxury eco-glamping.
Encamp Adventures
Location: ~1.8 km from festival grounds, beside a pine-forest lake.
Packages:
Dome Tent (4N/5D + breakfast) – INR 18,600 per person
BYOT – Bring Your Own Tent (4N/5D + breakfast) – INR 9,600 per person
Facilities: Clean Western/Indian toilets, showers, bonfire nights, charging stations.
Booking: Encamp Adventures
Camp Zingaros
Packages:
Camping only (4D/3N) – INR 17,500
Complete Package without Festival Pass (5N/6D) – INR 22,500
With Festival Pass – INR 31,500
Homestay Upgrade with Festival Pass – INR 45,000
Highlights: Mud-free elevated platforms, concrete toilets, 24×7 hot water, scenic views.
Booking: campzingaros.in
BagpackGo Adventures
Options: Dome/alpine tents, available for 1–4 nights.
Perks: Clean washrooms, bonfires, charging points, and Apatani cultural experiences like village walks and tribal cuisine.
Booking: bagpackgoadventures.com
BreakBag Community Camps
Budget to Premium Options:
3N/4D Tent Stay + Breakfast – from INR 6,555
4N/5D with transfers and meals – from INR 9,500
5N/6D Backpacker Tour – INR 29,999
Eco-values: Zero-plastic zones, reusable kits, community-based travel.
Booking: breakbag.com
Oddessemania Glamping
Features: Luxury tents, breakfast, activities (winery tours, village walks, paddy fishing), clean bathrooms.
Audience: Travelers looking for a premium, curated experience.
Booking: oddessemania.in
Homestays and Guesthouses
For those seeking deeper cultural immersion and comfort, homestays in Apatani villages offer an authentic and peaceful alternative to camping.
Lempia Ude Homestay
Location: Traditional Apatani village of Lempia.
Features: Cozy wooden interiors, fireplaces, local meals, kiwi orchards.
Rate: INR 3,000– INR 4,000 per night.
Experience: Cultural immersion in a tribal home.
Ziro Valley Resort (Siiro Village)
Type: Wooden cottages with large windows overlooking paddy fields.
Rate: ~INR 3,000 per night.
Appeal: Scenic tranquility and basic comfort.
Siiro Resort
Design: Rustic elegance with Apatani cultural influences.
Facilities: Modern bathrooms, local décor.
Rate: INR 3,500 per night.
Ziro Palace Inn (Hapoli)
Budget-Friendly: Simple, central accommodation with basic facilities.
Rate: INR 1,000– INR 1,500 per night.
Good For: Easy access to transport, markets, and eateries.
Note: All homestays and guesthouses get booked months in advance during the festival – early booking is essential.
Tips for Visitors
Comfort over Budget: We recommend prioritizing water availability, hygiene, and proximity over saving money. Budget camps with poor maintenance can ruin your festival.
Proximity Matters: Camps located more than 2 km away can become difficult to access at night, especially due to muddy, poorly lit roads.
Permit Requirement:
- Indians need an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
- Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
- Apply online via eilp.arunachal.gov
Essential Packing:
- Warm clothes (nights are cold in September)
- Raincoat / poncho
- Gumboots or waterproof shoes
- Torchlight
- Power bank
- Mosquito repellent
- Reusable water bottle
Network & Cash: Network coverage is patchy (Airtel works best); carry cash as ATMs are scarce and unreliable.
Summing Up
Choosing where to stay for the Ziro Festival of Music depends on your priorities – adventure, comfort, budget, or cultural immersion. If you’re a free-spirited traveler with gear and a sense of adventure, BYOT camping offers the cheapest and rawest experience. For those who want a balance of comfort and festival vibes, organized camps like Encamp, Zingaros, or BreakBag are ideal. If you’re keen on cultural connection, homestays provide unique opportunities to engage with the local Apatani community. And for premium seekers, eco-glamping or boutique resorts offer a luxurious yet eco-conscious escape. Whichever you choose, the essence of Ziro lies in its serenity, sustainability, and the shared joy of music amidst nature.
