Dong Valley in Arunachal Pradesh: Best Place to Explore in Arunachal

Sunrise in itself means new days, new beginnings. Do you want to get soaked by the first rays of the sun? Head towards the Dong village in Arunachal Pradesh to get an experience like never before. Get immersed by the first rays of the sun and get lost in the charm of this mesmerized beauty. Keep your cameras ready to capture this magical scene to cherish for life!

At the point where India, China, and Myanmar meet, the easternmost village, Dong Village, is in Arunachal Pradesh. Dong Village is first touched by the orange-red rays of the rising sun, where the sun rises at 4 am. Every morning this village wakes up with the first rays of the sun when the rest of the country is still sound asleep. You’ll realize that there are quite a few houses with only 3-4 families. Making everything bright with its light, the first rays touch the Dong Plateau before any other place. An untouched beauty, Dong will smite you with its nature and serene landscapes.

Trek to Witness Sunrise

To witness the first rays of the sun in India, you have to do a trek of 8 km. Dong can’t be reached by road. You must wake up at 1 am and leave by 2 am for your hike. It will require a 90-minute trek to reach Dong Village. From Walong, a 20-minute drive is needed, and then you go for the hike.

Start your trek with one of the Meyors present there. The trek will be steep and challenging. While trekking, you will experience the sounds of the wildlife in their habitat. You’ll be going through a hanging bridge on your way, which is thrilling to cross in darkness. Upon reaching the valley, you must wait for the sun to rise.

While waiting for the sun, you will encounter a bunker at Dong of the 1962 Indo-China War. Isn’t it interesting to watch the bunker of that time? Once the sun begins to come up, you’ll notice red-orange hues and the snow-clad peaks shining like gold with the rays on them.

When in Dong Village, witness the ray of sunshine coming towards you, piercing the cottony clouds and killing the darkness. Capture this frame, but I am sure the camera will also not do justice to what your eyes just saw. You’ll remember the first rays of the sunrise before the whole country for infinity. While trekking, you might come across a wide range of flora & fauna on your way.

An Important Tip – You are highly recommended to connect with a local or take a guide along with you so that you keep your way.

Suggested Read 50 Things to do in North East India

Permit Needed

Arunachal Pradesh comes under the category of restricted area. Thus, official permission is required to enter the state for visitors other than the natives of Arunachal Pradesh. In addition, you need to have an Inner Line Permit during your visit to Arunachal Pradesh. These permits are issued online or by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Places to See Around Dong Village

Namti Plains War Memorial

In 1962, when the Chinese invaded northeastern India, called the Tiger’s Mouth, they exposed the unprepared state of the Indian Army. But, despite it, Indian soldiers from Sikh, Kumaoni, Gorkha & Dogra regiments fought shoulder-to-shoulder continuously for 22 days. These bloodshed incidents occur on and around Namti, still a special place for the Indian Army.

Walong War Memorial

On the banks of the Lohit River lies the Walong War Memorial, in memory of the soldiers to remember their bravery and sacrifice for the country. Statues of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives are present at the war memorial. In addition, you’ll spot a forest around the Walong War Memorial, which is rich in wildlife. You can encounter various species of birds and animals there.

Tilam

The natural hot water spring, Tilam, is near where the trek to Dong starts. Here, the hot water comes from the soil. One of the three hot springs in the country, Tilam is perfect to visit in Winter. If you have an allergy or skin ailment, it is said that taking a bath in this hot water spring will heal you.

Best Time To Visit Dong Village

The best time to visit Dong Village in Arunachal Pradesh would be from April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. During this time, you can explore the best possible sightseeing places there. On the other hand, avoid visiting Dong Village in the Monsoon season from July to August. At this point, this place faces heavy rainfall and landslides, making your trip risky.

A Vital Tip – Check the weather forecast to plan your trip to Dong Valley accordingly and carry your essentials.

How To Reach Dong Village

Dong Village By Air

The nearest airport to Dong Village is Dibrugarh Airport in Assam. You can hire a taxi or a bus from the airport to Dong Village.

Dong Village By Train

The nearest railway station is located in Dibrugarh, Assam. You can take a train from any major city in India to reach the station. After getting to the railway station, you can hire a taxi or bus to reach Dong Village.

Dong Village By Road

You can take public transport or hire a taxi from Dibrugarh to reach Dong Village. It is well connected by roads.

Discover Dong Village in Arunachal Pradesh and witness the most surreal time of your life by soaking in the first rays of the sun there. Then, enjoy the trek that is required to reach the valley. Remember to include Dong Village in your itinerary when planning your trip to Arunachal Pradesh. Get your customized Arunachal Pradesh tour packages according to your preferences from our experts in Indian Holiday. CALL RIGHT AWAY…