We’re counting down the days to the fourth edition of one of the best young destination festivals in India – Ziro Festival of Music. The four-day music festival held in the picture-perfect valley of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh has been hosting some of the top acts in India for both, music-hungry North East audiences as well as the adventurous travellers.

Here’s what we’re looking forward to at the fourth edition of ZFM, which takes place between September 24 and 27, featuring over 25 artists across two stages and possibly the best backdrop any music festival can give you in India.

New Music: Although they had hosted Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo a couple of years ago and they skipped international artists last year, this year there’s Myanmar punk rockers Side Effect and Delhi-based expats North (it kinda counts) coming in to Ziro this year.

The Best in Indie: There’s plenty to choose among the Indian artists at the festival as well – from the massive electronica acts such as Dualist Inquiry to Bangalore rockers Thermal and a Quarter and Chennai electro-punk rockers The F16s who know how to own the stage and bring the party.

Soundtrack to the View: With the valley covered in clouds and greenery all around, who better to serenade you than the likes of Delhi singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad? After all, he delivered one of the best sets at the Danyii stage last year. Not to forget, the enchanting vocal performance of Nagaland trio The Tetseo Sisters. Don’t forget to look out for newer acts who will set the mood, such as Dayglocrazie and Mumbai-based Nush Lewis.

The Mainstays: Ziro has had its share of regular in the last three years. One of them are Delhi alt rockers Menwhopause. Other sure-fire hits include Manipur blues rocker Guru Rewben Mashangva Kolkata rock band Neel and the Lightbulbs, Delhi-based alt rockers Yesterdrive and folk rock act the Omak Komut Collective.

Eclectica: It’s not all about the popular mandate of rock and electronica that rules over the stages at Ziro. They’ve lined up a diverse lineup of rappers like Delhi-based Faadu and Tripura’s BK (Borkung Hrangkhawl), singer-songwriters such as Takar Nabam, Guwahati electro-rap act Digital Suicide, moody electronica courtesy Nicholson and jazzy tunes from guitarist-vocalist Gowri Jayakumar.

Loud and Clear: Headlined by Mumbai rock veterans Indus Creed last year, ZFM is still guaranteed to turn it up to 11, with the likes of Aizawl rock band Boomarang, the strong vocal-heavy performers called the Barmer Boys all the way from Rajastan and Mumbai hard alternative act The Koniac Net.

Find more details about the Ziro Festival of Music on their Facebook page.