Ziro Music Festival with Kids: My Experience as a Mom Travel Blogger
As a mom and a travel blogger, I am always searching for experiences that are not only exciting for me but also enriching for my children. had been dreaming of attending the Ziro Music Festival for a long time, and this year I finally made it! What made it even more special was that I went with my 4-year-old daughter. She’s very attached to me—so much so that she can’t sleep without me and isn’t used to staying with her dad—so bringing her along felt like the only way to make it happen.
And let me tell you—this decision was one of the best travel choices we made.
Why I Chose Ziro Music Festival: The Complete Guide
As parents, we often default to safe holiday choices—beaches, hill stations, theme parks. But I wanted my kids to experience something offbeat and immersive.
The Ziro Music Festival is not just about music; it’s about culture, sustainability, and community. It takes place every year in the month of September in Ziro Valley, the home of the Apatani tribe, known for their unique traditions and sustainable way of life.
Getting to Ziro with Kids
Getting to Ziro Valley is an adventure in itself. We flew from Mumbai to Kolkata, and then took a connecting flight to Itanagar. That flight was buzzing with excitement—many passengers were headed to the festival, and we even spotted artists like Kailash Kher and Piyush Mishra who were scheduled to perform. Most flights from major cities route through Kolkata, so you’ll likely have a layover there before catching a flight to Itanagar. From Itanagar, it’s a scenic 3–4 hour drive to Ziro. My advice? Spend a night in Itanagar to rest, then leave early the next morning for Ziro Valley.
And the other way is travel by train to Naharlagun (near Itanagar) and continue to Ziro Valley by road.
Please Note: Inner Line Permit is required to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Entry for kids below 14 years is free. Click on this link to apply for ILP: https://eilp.arunachal.gov.in/preTuristEIlpKYC
Tip for moms:
Pack snacks, water, and some entertainment for the kids during the journey. The roads are beautiful but curvy and not in very good condition, so be prepared for a slow, scenic drive, and if you have motion sickness then don’t forget to take your medicines.
Also Read Tips for taking road trips with a 5-Year-Old:
Music, Culture, and Family Vibes
The location is so breathing. You will not feel as if you are in India. What makes Ziro Music Festival truly unique is that it’s more than just a music event—it’s a cultural celebration. Indie bands, global artists, and local musicians perform against the backdrop of the Apatani tribe’s homeland. My kids loved dancing to the beats, and surprisingly, the festival vibe was very family-friendly.
Why Ziro Music Festival is Perfect for Families
Many people think music festivals are not for kids, but my experience at Ziro proved otherwise. The open spaces, natural beauty, cultural richness, and community vibe make it welcoming for families. It’s a chance to show children how music connects people from around the world, and how travel can be about learning, not just sightseeing.
The Apatani people were incredibly warm and welcoming, often engaging with the children and sharing stories. My kids came back with new friends, both local and international, and a sense of how big and diverse the world is.
Food & Local Culture: The Complete Guide
No trip to Ziro is complete without indulging in the local food. The festival grounds had plenty of food stalls serving both familiar options (noodles, momos, fried snacks) and authentic Apatani delicacies like bamboo shoot dishes, smoked pork, and rice beer.
Of course, I kept it simple for my kids—momos, fried rice, and fruits I carried from the market. But what I really appreciated was the effort to keep everything eco-friendly. No plastic bottles were allowed; reusable cups and plates were encouraged. It became a good lesson for my children in sustainability.
Beyond food, the Apatani tribe’s culture added so much richness to the experience. From interacting with locals to seeing their bamboo houses and traditional attire, it was like stepping into a different world. I loved that my kids were not just listening to music but also absorbing cultural diversity.
Where to Stay in Ziro?
One of the highlights of the festival is the camping experience. But Homestays and Hotels are also available. Please book in advance like 4-5 months before you visit. Several festival organizers and local operators provide ready-made tents, complete with bedding, sleeping bags, and basic facilities. We stayed at a homestay mainly because of washroom. I was not comfortable walking to the washroom in the middle of night to take my daughter or myself leaving her alone in the tent.
Our homestay
I am sure sleeping in a tent under the stars will be the ultimate adventure. The faint echo of music drifting in from the main stage, mixed with the chorus of crickets can be an amazing experience.
Pro tip: Carry warm clothes, especially for the kids. Ziro gets chilly at night, and it’s better to be layered up.
Tips for Parents Planning Ziro Music Festival: The Complete Guide
If you’re planning to attend Ziro Music Festival with kids, here are some tips:
- Book tickets and stays early – camping and homestays fill up fast.
- Pack smart – include warm clothes, rain gear, ear protection, and basic medicines.
- Keep kids engaged – carry sketchbooks, small games, or let them join local activities.
- Balance schedules – don’t overpack the day; allow rest time.
- Stay flexible – kids may not always want to follow the festival pace, and that’s okay.
There are other places in and around ziro which one can visit with there kids.
Parenting Lessons at a Music Festival: Ziro Music Festival,The Complete Guide
As a mom, I had my fair share of anxious moments—keeping an eye on the kids in a crowd, making sure they were hydrated, ensuring they got enough rest. But I realized something important: kids adapt far better than we give them credit for.
They enjoyed the freedom of running in the open fields, the novelty of camping, and the excitement of live music. More than that, they learned about respecting different cultures, sharing spaces with strangers, and appreciating nature.
Traveling to Ziro Music Festival as a family reminded me that children don’t just belong in classrooms or playgrounds—they thrive in experiences.
You can also visit other NorthEastern Places like Nagaland during this time.