Ziro

Picturesque Ziro is 200 km from Itanagar. Situated on the Apatani Plateau (in the lower Subansiri region) and surrounded by pine mantled hills all around, it is spectacular. Well connected by bus to Daporijo (home of the Tagin and Miri tribes) the district headquarters of upper Subansiri, it’s a tourist’s delight with its dazzling landscapes and tribal culture. Make a point to visit Tarin, the high-altitude fish farm, the famous whispering pine grove and the craft centre. From a hilltop, catch the first rays of dawn lighting up the stunning emerald patchwork quilt of nature.

A visit to an Apatani tribal home is a must. The Apatanis are one of most advanced and intriguing of Arunachal’s tribal people. Both men and women tattoo themselves and the woman are distinctive with their great nose plugs (dat) made of bamboo and face tattoos. It has now been banned. The Apatanis grow rice by terrace farming; they also have created an indigenous irrigation system which is unique amongst the Arunachal Tribals.

The Apatani village comprises of long rows of houses with a fertility totem in front of each one. In their cooking, they use an indigenous herbal salt that’s rich in iodine. Living in perfect harmony with nature, for every tree they fell, five fresh saplings are planted. The weaving skills of their women are legendary as can be seen from the wonderful Jikhe pattern, woven jackets and intricately patterned Jilang shawls. The men are skilled in metallurgy and bamboo craft.

Driving down to picturesque Along (the district headquarters of West Siang) and on to Pasighat, on the road that hugs the Subansiri river is pure delight.

Tourist Attractions

Tarin Fish Farm (a high altitude fish farm), Pine & Bamboo groves, villages, indigenous method of rice cultivation, craft centre.

Getting There

By Air: Nearest Airport Tezpur by Indian Airlines and Lilabari by Vayudoot.

By Rail: North Lakhmipur by Arunachal Express from New Bongaigoan.

By Road: By bus from Itanagar/Naharlagun and from North Lakhimpur.