How to Reach Ziro Valley - Travel Routes, Tips & Permits

September 14, 2025 | Suvam Ghimire
Let’s be real, Ziro isn’t the easiest place to get to, and honestly, that’s kind of the charm. No direct flights, no overnight luxury trains. But the journey? That’s half the adventure. And we’re here to break it down for you, step by step, route by route, no confusion, no fluff.

Whether you’re coming in from Guwahati or landing at Holongi, here’s exactly how you can reach Ziro without needing a PhD in logistics.

First Things First – Where Is Ziro?

Ziro is a picturesque valley in Arunachal Pradesh, sitting about 115 km from Itanagar (the state capital). It’s surrounded by pine-covered hills and dotted with rice fields, Apatani villages, and cloud-hugging mornings.

But yeah, it’s remote. Which means you’ll have to break your journey into parts. Don’t worry, we’ve got you.

How to Reach Ziro Valley

Ziro doesn’t have its own airport or railway station. So your first task is to reach one of these key points:

Option 1: Fly to Holongi Airport (Itanagar)

  • Nearest airport to Ziro, around 120 km away

  • Flights available from cities like Kolkata or Guwahati

  • Best for flyers who want to avoid the long Guwahati train ride 

Option 2: Train to Naharlagun (near Itanagar)

  • Naharlagun is the nearest railway station (100–120 km from Ziro)

  • Daily/night trains from Guwahati available

  • Great option if you’re coming from Assam or want a cheaper route

Option 3: Start from Guwahati (Full Road + Rail Journey)

  • For overland adventurers who want to keep it old-school

  • Start with a train or overnight bus to Naharlagun or North Lakhimpur

  • Then take a cab up to Ziro

Pro Tip: The Guwahati route is longer, but scenic as heck. If you’ve got time to spare and a good playlist, it’s worth it.

You’ll Need an ILP (Inner Line Permit)

Because Ziro is in Arunachal Pradesh, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for Indian travelers.
Apply online via the Arunachal ILP portal

Don’t Want to Stress? We’ve Got Your Back!

You can opt for our reliable pickup & drop services from your arrival point to Ziro. These are exclusive to our package travelers and are chargeable as follows:
Pickup/Drop LocationRound-Trip Cost per Person
Naharlagun Railway Station₹4000
Holongi Airport₹4500
Guwahati ₹6000
₹6000
When you book with us, you don’t just get a ride, you get the whole deal:
  • Transport from your arrival point
  • ILP (Inner Line Permit) assistance
  • Tented stays
  • Local guides, meals, and more
All you have to do is pack, we’ll handle the rest.

By default, transfers from Naharlagun are arranged in a shared Tata Sumo (9–10 people).
Prefer something more private and comfortable? Let us know—we can hook you up with a personal vehicle and driver at an added cost.

Final Words: The Journey is Half the Trip

Yes, getting to Ziro takes a little effort. But here’s the truth, every extra hour on the road just makes your first breath of that mountain air hit harder. Ziro isn’t meant to be “easy.” It’s meant to be earned.

So whether you fly into Holongi, hop off at Naharlagun, or take the long road from Guwahati, just know this: we’ll make sure you get there safely, smoothly, and stress-free.

Suvam Ghimire
Suvam Ghimire

Business Development Manager

Suvam Ghimire is the Business Development Manager at Encamp Adventures, where he curates meaningful travel experiences across Northeast India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Passionate about sustainable tourism, he blends cultural insight with a love for storytelling to inspire conscious journeys. Through his work with Encamp and Carbon Trace, Suvam advocates for travel that builds connections, celebrates local heritage, and leaves a positive impact on the environment.

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