Info Guide | Zo Outpost by Zostel

01 · Getting there

How to reach Ziro

Ziro sits in the Apatani heartland of Arunachal Pradesh. It's a journey, and that's half the magic. Plan a full travel day on either side.

On a package with transfers? Most of the below is already handled, just skim it. Travelling solo, arriving early, or coming from abroad? This bit is for you.

You'll need an Inner Line Permit (ILP)

On most of our packages we help Indian travellers sort the Inner Line Permit (ILP). Booking on your own? It's quick to get online before you travel. A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is mandatory for all foreign nationals and should be applied for at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Carry a valid government photo ID for the whole trip, and reach out anytime, we're happy to help you sort it.

~800 m to the festival gate, fully walkable

The campground sits roughly 800 metres from the festival ground, an easy stroll. Limited shuttles also run on a first-come basis, and are the main way in for the homestay editions further out. Walk the route together with our community and volunteers, and roll back to camp whenever you like.

By air

Holongi (Donyi Polo) airport near Itanagar is about a 4 hour drive and is served by one airline from major Indian cities. Lilabari (Assam) is roughly 3.5 hours but has very limited service. Dibrugarh is a 5 hour drive, and Guwahati, the big hub with the most connections, is about 9 hours by road.

Holongi ~4 hr · Lilabari ~3.5 hr

By rail

The overnight Donyi Polo Express from Guwahati to Naharlagun is the most preferred route for festival-goers. From Naharlagun, Ziro is about a 3 hour drive with shared taxis running the route. A Guwahati to Naharlagun coach is in the works, more info TBA.

Naharlagun, then ~3 hr

By road

The last leg is a winding mountain drive up to the valley. The roads are usually fine but can get bumpy depending on the weather, and landslides are common during the rains, so plan accordingly.

The scenic final stretch

Distances and times are approximate and depend on road and weather conditions. Remember, foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) and Indian travellers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), best arranged before you set off. Anything you need a hand with, from permits to transfers, just ask, we're happy to help.

02 · Parking & directions

Getting on site

Most of our packages already include your transfers, so this is mainly for anyone travelling in on their own. The valley roads are narrow and parking is tight, so travel light, share a ride, and aim to arrive in daylight.

Limited parking · plan ahead

On-site and nearby parking is genuinely limited. We strongly recommend shared cabs or carpooling over bringing your own vehicle. If you must drive, reach out ahead so we can guide you on where to leave it.

Drop-off & pick-up

There's a designated drop-off and pick-up point near the campground. Cabs and friends can drop you here; the last stretch may be a short walk.

Shared cabs & rideshare

Shared Sumos and taxis are the local way up to Ziro and around the valley. Split one with fellow campers, it's cheaper, greener and more fun.

Walk & cycle

The campground is a short walk from the festival grounds. Around the valley, walking and cycling are the best way to soak it in.

EV charging

EV charging in Ziro is still limited and best found in town rather than at the grounds. Driving an EV up? Plan your charge stops on the way.

Group transfers

Booking as a group? Ask us about coordinated transfers from the nearest railhead or airport so the whole crew arrives together.

Campground layout

Map coming soon

03 · Camping

Camping rules & info

Life at Zo Outpost, the short version. Full inclusions for each tier are on its booking page.

The campground runs across the festival, Sep 24–27, 2026. Exact check-in and check-out times and the arrival window come with your booking and in the pre-trip notes. Arrive in daylight if you can, the last stretch is easier to navigate.

The campground has hot showers and clean washrooms shared across the site, kept serviced through the festival. The Cloud (female-only) and Alpine tiers have their own dedicated facilities. Bring quick-dry towels and your own toiletries.

Yes to personal camping gear, reusable bottles, layers and good vibes. No to littering, open fires outside designated spots, illegal substances, and anything that disturbs the valley or fellow campers. Smoking only in marked zones. The festival sets its own rules for the music grounds.

Morning chai and breakfast are on us, with food and drink available on site. Personal cooking and open flames aren't allowed in the tents for safety. There are quiet hours overnight so everyone gets some rest before the next day, the bonfire and commons are where the late-night energy lives.

No, this is ready-to-camp. Every tier comes with a pitched tent and bedding, set up and waiting for you. Just bring your bag and yourself.

Safety & medical

You're in good hands

We've taken all the necessary steps so you can switch off and enjoy the valley. Our team is on site and at your disposal at all times.

Looked after, around the clock

From first aid on site to coordinating help when it's needed, we've planned for it. Our crew is around the clock through your stay, so if anything comes up, find any team member and we'll sort it.

First aid on site

A stocked first-aid setup and trained team are on the ground for the little scrapes and the just-in-cases.

Medical help nearby

We know the local clinics and hospitals and can coordinate transport quickly if something more serious comes up.

Team on call

Our crew is reachable through your whole stay. Carry any personal medication you need, and tell us about anything we should know.

04 · Good to know

Frequently asked

The quick answers. Full inclusions, exclusions and day-by-day itineraries are on each booking page.

Your pitched tent and bedding for four nights, hot showers and washrooms, morning chai and breakfast, the bonfire and common areas, and a short walk to the festival grounds. Tiers differ in comfort and privacy, see each campground for its full inclusions.

Campground stays don't include the festival pass, buy it directly from Ziro Festival, or add it on at checkout where available. The Boutique Homestay package does include the festival pass. We don't sell standalone passes.

Layers for cool valley nights, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, a power bank, basic toiletries and any personal medication. Your government photo ID and ILP are essential. Pack light, you're carrying it up a mountain.

The campground runs across the festival dates, Sep 24–27, 2026. Exact check-in and check-out times and the arrival window are confirmed on your booking and in the pre-trip notes we send before you travel.

Yes. The Cloud is a female-only campground, designed as a safer space and staffed around the clock. The whole outpost is staffed and lit at night, with help on call. It's a Zostel original, run by a team that has hosted travellers across India for years.

Late September in Ziro is pleasant by day and cool at night, with the chance of a shower, it's the tail of the monsoon turning to autumn. Bring layers and a light rain jacket and you'll be comfortable around the clock.

Absolutely. The Terrace is built for crews, companies and big squads, a private corner of Zo Outpost with its own bar, host and custom catering. Drop us a line and we'll build it around you.

Everyone's welcome. Zo Outpost is for solo travellers, couples, friends and families alike. Minors should be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and the festival's own entry rules still apply for the music grounds.

Ziro is remote, so plan to go a little off-grid. Carry enough cash, ATMs are limited and card/UPI coverage is patchy. Mobile signal can be spotty in the valley, and Wi-Fi at the campground is limited. Think of it as part of the unplug.

05 · Travel right

Leave it better

Ziro is the Apatani homeland, not a backdrop. We pitch up, we pack down without a trace, and we leave the valley as we found it. Travel like a guest.

Zero-litter campground · strict by design

We run a strict zero-litter policy and clear norms to keep Ziro clean, designated smoking zones only, no littering anywhere on site or the trails, and proper waste segregation. Break the norms and we'll ask you to set it right. It's how the valley stays this beautiful.

Leave no trace

Carry out what you carry in. Use the bins and refill points, skip single-use plastic, and keep the campground and trails clean.

Respect the locals

Ask before photographing people, dress with awareness, support local stays and food, and follow community customs around the village.

Tread lightly

Stick to marked paths, don't disturb the rice fields or wildlife, keep noise down after hours, and let the valley stay wild.

Refill, don't bin

Free water refill points are spread across the site, so single-use bottles aren't needed. Bring your own reusable bottle and cup, fill up, and help keep Ziro plastic-free.

The Pledge

Light footprint.

Bamboo & wood first, solar-lit, sorted and sourced local. The village arrives, the village leaves, nothing stays but the photos and the friends you made.

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Solar Lit

Pathway and zone lights run on the sun. Already in the layout.

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Waste Sorted

Compost · Recycle · Landfill at every zone. Sorted on site.

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No Single-Use

Reusable cups and refill stations. Deposit-back system. No plastic bottles.

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Bamboo & Wood

Stages, bars and arches from local bamboo and wood. Leaves no concrete, the Ziro way.

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Locally Sourced

F&B from the valley first. Apatani kiwi, rice, bamboo, smoked pork.

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Tree Planted

Carbon offset per ticket. We plant in Ziro and neighbouring villages.

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Water Refill

Free refill stations at every zone. Bring a bottle, drink mountain water.

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Apatani Crew

Build, kitchen and hosts, hired from Ziro Valley. The village pays it forward.

All set? Grab your spot.

Pick a campground or a homestay and we'll see you in the valley.

Secure your spot →