Ziro Valley Diaries : A journey into the heart of the Apatani Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

This September, I had the rare privilege of spending four unforgettable days in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh—a land where time slows down, mountains breathe calm, and traditions whisper stories from centuries past.

The Picturesque Ziro Valley

My visit was twofold: I was invited to deliver a scientific talk at PhysioSphere 2025, the first National Conference of Physiotherapy organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Physiotherapy Association in collaboration with IGTAMSU, Ziro. The conference itself was set in a picturesque village framed by golden paddy fields and pine-clad hills—a setting so serene that it felt like nature itself was part of the audience.

Delivering scientific talk by sporting a head gear of Nishi Tribe 

But beyond the academic exchange, Ziro offered me a life-changing cultural immersion. I spent a day with the Apatani indigenous tribe, one of India’s most fascinating communities. The highlight was meeting senior Apatani women adorned with Yaping Hullo (wooden nose plugs) and facial tattoos—a practice now fading into history.

The vanishing Apatani tribe of Ziro 

  

A few decades ago, Apatani women were considered exceptionally beautiful and often risked abduction by neighboring tribes. To protect them, the community introduced this tradition of facial modification—wooden plugs and tattoos that made women appear less attractive to outsiders. While the practice was banned in the 1970s due to stigma and employment barriers, today, these elderly women are the last living storytellers of a unique cultural heritage. Sitting beside them felt like touching history.

  

The Apatanis are deeply rooted in the Donyi-Polo faith, worshipping the Sun (Ayo Danyii) and Moon (Atoh Piilo). Their homes proudly fly flags symbolizing this cosmic balance. Linguistically, they belong to the Tani group, speaking a dialect of the Tibeto-Burman family. Ziro Valley, with its harmonious blend of ecology and culture, is already on the path to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and it’s easy to see why.

Lush green paddy fields of Ziro 

What struck me most was the valley’s living landscape of sustainability. The Apatanis practice a rare form of paddy-cum-fish farming, where rice fields double as fish ponds—a brilliant model of ecological balance. Their wooden houses, decorated with flowers woven into the walls, look like postcards from another era. The winding mountain routes reveal breathtaking views of valleys dotted with bamboo groves and pine forests. And yes, I even dared to taste their protein-rich cuisine—worms, insects, and bamboo shoots! It was both earthy and surprisingly flavorful, though I’m sure my wife and mother would shake their heads in disbelief at my adventurous appetite.

  

One of my most cherished moments was at Bije Camp in Hong Village, the hub of Apatani culture. “Bije” means bamboo, and the camp truly reflected the tribe’s sustainable lifestyle. There, I met Tapi Gyati uncle and his family, who embodied the valley’s spirit of hospitality. They served us herbal tea, homemade plum wine, fresh fruits, and vegetables from their garden—even gifting me dry seeds for my farm. Such generosity from strangers reminded me why travel is as much about people as it is about places.

Medical Consultation 

Instagram Frame - House from Hong Village

Valley, Paddy Field & Ray of hope  

In addition to cultural exploration, I offered medical consultations during a community health camp—addressing fractures, non-communicable diseases, and fall-prevention strategies for elderly women. It was my way of giving back to a community that had given me so much in warmth and wisdom.

As I walked through the lush paddy fields, breathed in the crisp mountain air, and listened to tribal songs echo across the valley, I realized Ziro is not just a place—it’s an experience, a lesson, and a treasure. My time with the Apatani tribe was truly a lifetime memory, and I left with a heart full of gratitude, stories to share, and seeds—both literal and metaphorical—that will stay with me forever.

Travel Tip: If Ziro is on your list, don’t just visit—immerse yourself. Listen to the elders, sip their tea, join their conversations. Because in Ziro, every interaction is a doorway into history.

My sincere gratitude's to Dr.Duyu Nipa, Dr.Vineeth, Dr.Nabam Peter, Dr.Duyu Radhe, Arunachal Physiotherapy Association (APA), entire staff of IGTAMSU-Ziro for their incredible hospitality