Zostel joins hands with Ziro Festival 2026 as official accommodation partner

NEW DELHI: Finding a place to stay at one of India’s most-loved music festivals just got a little easier. Zostel has been named the official accommodation partner for Ziro Festival 2026, expanding its presence at the annual celebration of music, culture and community.

Scheduled to take place from September 24 to 27 in Ziro Valley, the festival draws music lovers, travellers, artists and creators from across India and overseas for four days of performances set against the backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas.

The partnership brings together two brands that have built their identities around community-driven experiences. While Ziro Festival is known for its intimate atmosphere, eclectic line-up and close association with the local Apatani community, Zostel has established itself as a preferred stay option for independent travellers seeking social and immersive travel experiences.

Zostel has supported festival attendees for several years through its Zo Trips travel packages, helping visitors navigate one of India’s more remote festival destinations. This year, however, the company is significantly expanding its role with new accommodation options, dedicated community spaces and on-ground experiences tailored for festivalgoers.

The centrepiece of the initiative is a new experiential campground located around 800 metres from the main festival venue. Alongside it, Zostel will also create a dedicated branded space within the festival grounds, offering travellers, creators and music enthusiasts a place to connect throughout the event.

Sustainability remains central to the partnership. Both the campground and the on-site experience zones will be constructed using bamboo and reusable materials in an effort to minimise environmental impact while complementing the natural surroundings of the valley.

The campground has also been developed in collaboration with local communities and partners, with a focus on showcasing regional cuisine, handicrafts, performers and businesses. The aim is to give visitors a deeper connection with the destination rather than simply providing accommodation.

For those looking for a hassle-free festival experience, Zostel will continue to offer its Zo Trips packages, which bundle accommodation, local transportation and curated sightseeing into a single itinerary. The packages are designed to simplify travel planning for visitors heading to the remote festival destination.

Commenting on the collaboration, Zostel and Zo World chief executive officer Aviral Gupta said both brands share a common belief in community, culture and meaningful travel. He added that the partnership aims to create experiences that bring together travellers, artists and local residents while making the journey to Ziro as memorable as the festival itself.

Echoing the sentiment, Ziro Festival 2026 co-founder and festival director Bobby Hano said the journey has always been an integral part of the Ziro experience. He noted that Zostel’s focus on thoughtful travel, sustainability and local engagement makes it a natural fit, helping create spaces where people can connect with the festival, the valley and one another without losing sight of the event’s community-first spirit.

As interest in destination-led music festivals continues to grow, the partnership reflects a broader shift towards experiences that combine travel, culture and sustainability. For Zostel and Ziro Festival, the idea is simple: make the stay as memorable as the music.