Ziro - a mystical place
Ziro Valley, an eastern Himalayan town cradled between lush green valleys is a quaint town in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India. The picturesque valley is inhabited by the Apatani tribe, who are a hospitable lot. The Apatanis are well known for their colorful culture, festivals, customs, intricate handloom design, and skill in cane and bamboo crafts. This valley is a testimony to man and nature co-existing for centuries, nurtured by the age-old traditional customs and spiritual belief systems. The tranquility of this town, with dreamy hillocks, luscious rice fields makes it a travelers paradise, in all its natural splendor. Perched at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, Ziro has been shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ziro's pleasant weather makes it ideal to travel all year round, however, winters can get quite chilly during the night. But the clear skies and the warmth of the sun's rays seeping through during the morning hours is a delight. Music enthusiasts and travelers from all over the world also come down to Ziro to celebrate, camp, and entertain during the Ziro Festival for Music held for four days every year. The Dree festival of the Apatanis celebrated on July 5th is an agricultural festival where the entire valley comes down in celebration for a bountiful harvest, all year long. One can witness the rich cultural heritage of the Apatanis on this auspicious day.
Places to visit in Ziro
Talley Valley
01/19 - 01/23
30 km from the town of Ziro, elevated at 2743 meters, Talley Valley is a wildlife sanctuary as well a biodiversity hotspot of beautiful grandeur, clad in silver fir trees, and pine. Home to some of the most endangered species of animals and birds like the clouded leopard. Pleioblastus Simone is a species of bamboo, found only in the valley. Trekking on this valley is an adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Shiva Linga
01/19 - 01/23
The Shiva linga at Kardo forest is located 4 km from Hapoli town. The Shiva linga is said to have surfaced in 2004 and also finds mention in the Shiva Puran. The Shiva linga is the tallest naturally occurring linga, standing at 25 feet tall.
Siikhe Lake
01/19 - 01/23
Siikhe Lake is a man-made lake and an ecotourism site, set up by the Government as an initiative for the conservation of groundwater around the area.
Kiile Pakho
01/19 - 01/23
Kiile Pakho is a ridge situated 7kms away from old Ziro town, wherein one can witness the mesmerizing and majestic Himalayan peaks on one side and an arresting view of Ziro plateau on the other end.
Tarin Fish Farm
01/19 - 01/23
Visit the Tarin fish farm offers for a delightful experience, as one can witness and learn about the indigenous farming practices of the Apatani tribe, i.e., the cultivation of rice as well as the rearing of fish together.
Hakhe Tari
01/19 - 01/23
Hakhe Tari is an old abandoned settlement enclosed by forest and hills. While embarking on a hike to Hakhe Tari, one should definitely visit the Hakhe Tari waterfall there.
Ziro Putu
01/19 - 01/23
Ziro Putu viewpoint is a little hillock offering a serene view of Old Ziro town, it's a vast stretch of paddy fields, evergreen forests, and the misty mountains standing tall at the backdrop, making for a sight that would be etched on one's mind.
Pange Valley
01/19 - 01/23
Pange Valley is the gateway to Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. On a hike to Pange Valley, one encounters dense forests, fresh breeze, and birdsongs ringing throughout the forest.