How to Reach

How to Reach

Ziro is a remote yet breathtaking destination, located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Since there is no direct train or flight to Ziro, travelers need to combine multiple modes of transport to reach this beautiful valley.

Here’s a complete guide on how to reach Ziro by air, train, and road

 By Air (Nearest Airports to Ziro)

Ziro does not have its own airport, but travelers can fly to the nearest airports and then continue by road.

1️ Lilabari Airport (Assam) – 110 km from Ziro

✔ Nearest airport to Ziro, located in North Lakhimpur, Assam.
✔ Direct flights available from Guwahati & Kolkata (operated by Alliance Air).
✔ From Lilabari:

• Take a shared taxi or private cab (4-5 hours drive to Ziro).

2️ Tezpur Airport (Assam) – 280 km from Ziro

✔ Limited flight connectivity (only from Kolkata).
✔ From Tezpur: Travel by road (8-9 hours drive).

3️ Guwahati Airport (Assam) – 450 km from Ziro

✔ Best option for frequent flights from major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata).
✔ From Guwahati:

• Take a train or taxi to Naharlagun, then continue by road.
• Take a bus/shared taxi directly to Ziro.

 Best Option: Fly to Lilabari Airport, then take a taxi to Ziro.

 By Train (Nearest Railway Station to Ziro)

Ziro does not have a railway station, but the nearest stations are:

1️ Naharlagun Railway Station – 100 km from Ziro

✔ The closest railway station to Ziro.
✔ Well-connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati & North East cities.
✔ Major Trains:

• Arunachal Express (New Delhi – Naharlagun)
• Donyi Polo Express (Guwahati – Naharlagun)

 From Naharlagun to Ziro:
✔ Take a shared Sumo taxi or private cab (4-5 hours drive).

2️ North Lakhimpur Railway Station – 120 km from Ziro

✔ Well-connected to Assam & Arunachal Pradesh.
✔ From North Lakhimpur: Take a taxi or shared vehicle to Ziro.

 Best Option: Take a train to Naharlagun, then a taxi to Ziro.

 By Road (Best Way to Reach Ziro)

Ziro is well-connected by road from Assam & Arunachal Pradesh. Travelers can hire a cab, take a bus, or drive themselves to reach the valley.

 Road Route to Ziro from Guwahati (Best Option)

 Route: Guwahati → Tezpur → North Lakhimpur → Ziro

 Total Distance: 450 km
 Travel Time: 10-12 hours (depending on road conditions).

 Taxi & Shared Sumos

✔ From Naharlagun or North Lakhimpur: Shared Sumo taxis available for ₹500-₹700 per person.
✔ Private taxis available from Itanagar, Naharlagun & Lilabari.

 By Bus

✔ APST (Arunachal Pradesh State Transport) buses operate from Itanagar, Naharlagun & North Lakhimpur to Ziro.
✔ Bus tickets are cheaper but Sumos (shared taxis) are faster & more comfortable.

 Best Option: Take a Sumo taxi from Naharlagun or North Lakhimpur for a comfortable journey.

 Important Travel Permits (ILP & PAP) for Ziro

Since Ziro is in Arunachal Pradesh, Indian citizens & foreign tourists need a special permit to enter.

1️⃣ Inner Line Permit (ILP) – For Indian Citizens

✔ Mandatory for Indian tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh.
✔ Apply online or offline at: Arunachal Pradesh ILP Portal
✔ Offline: Available at Arunachal Pradesh government offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Itanagar.
✔ Required at Bhalukpong, Naharlagun, and North Lakhimpur checkposts.

 Documents Needed:
✅ Valid Government ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
✅ Passport-size photo

2️ Protected Area Permit (PAP) – For Foreign Tourists

✔ Required for all foreign nationals visiting Arunachal Pradesh.
✔ Available from:

• Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi
• Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs)
• Arunachal Pradesh government offices
  ✔ Minimum of 2 people must travel together (solo foreign travelers not allowed).

 Documents Needed:
✅ Valid passport & visa
✅ Passport-size photo

 Best Way to Reach Ziro (Recommended Travel Plan)

1️⃣ Fly to Lilabari Airport (Closest airport to Ziro).
2️⃣ Take a taxi (4-5 hours) to Ziro.
3️⃣ Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes & Apatani culture!

 Best Time to Travel to Ziro

✔ March – May: Best for sightseeing, trekking & nature walks.
✔ September: Best for the Ziro Music Festival.
✔ October – November: Ideal for cultural exploration & photography.
❌ Avoid June – August (Monsoon): Heavy rains cause landslides & travel delays.

 Travel Tips & Safety

✅ Acclimatize in Naharlagun or North Lakhimpur before heading to Ziro.
✅ Book transport in advance – Shared Sumos fill up quickly.
✅ Carry warm clothes – Even in summer, nights can be chilly.
✅ Have extra cash – ATMs are limited in Ziro.
✅ Check weather & road conditions – Monsoon season can cause landslides.

Reaching Ziro requires some effort, but the stunning landscapes, rich tribal culture, and peaceful atmosphere make it 100% worth it! Whether you're visiting for the Ziro Music Festival, trekking, or cultural experiences, this hidden paradise is a must-visit.