Dong valley - First Sunrise of India

Dong valley - First Sunrise of India

Dong Valley is a picturesque paradise surrounded by lush forests and iconic mountains, nestled in the far Northeast region of India. It is situated on the left bank of the Lohit river, approximately 6 kms away from the town of Walong in Arunachal Pradesh. Interestingly, it is the first place in the country to receive a ray of sunshine.

Dong is a village near Walong in the Anjaw district, connected by a suspension bridge over the Lohit river. The village is primarily home to the Meyor tribe, a proud and resilient people with a rich cultural heritage. 

Dong Valley is a stunning location to witness the sunrise. The trek starts at 3 AM and is challenging, but the reward is worth it. The sun's rays pierce through the clouds around 4:30 AM, creating a stunning display of colors. It's a moment to reflect and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Location and Terrain:

Dong Valley is situated at an altitude of 1,240 meters (4,070 feet) where the Lohit river and the Sati stream meet. It is located in a strategic position near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, which makes it the farthest point in the east that is accessible to civilians in India.

The terrain of Dong Valley is characterized by steep mountains, lush valleys, and verdant forests. The valley is cut through by the mighty Lohit River, which is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, creating a stunning landscape. The horizon is dominated by towering peaks, including the prominent Yaang Tepha, which adds to the awe-inspiring panorama.

Team OurGuest was enamoured by this charming village at the extreme easternmost village of India, Dong - a location as unheard of in the offbeat travel circuit. 

One cannot help but be maxed at life in the region where there are no minke phone connectivity till date, abs locals all have wallow talkie radio sets provided by the armed forces, through which they communicate.

Now picture this, when you book a stay or a trip with us for this location, our reservation team will contact a family member of the Homestays at Dong, at a location 30 kms before the village where the last mobile network is available. From here the message is related to the homestay at 5 pm in the evening or a designated time that is decided between the families, via radio. 

The truth is, it works! People here are warm, friendly and eager to host travellers in a picturesque and postcard worthy mountainous terrain. We could not but help feel that such locations truly deserve support from travel outfits like us who find experiences and the local community engagement is foremost in the promotion of any region. So much for our fancy technology of direct booking which eventually for this location depends on good old fashioned radio communications :)

We are proud to be partnered with Homestays and guides in this region and continue to push their promotion so that this area can find tourism as a sustainable source of livelihood

Things to do near Dong Valley:

Dong is a picturesque region that offers a plethora of exciting activities to make your trip unforgettable. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore the rolling hills and lush forests of Dong by going on easy hikes or challenging treks. For those seeking relaxation, there are many hot springs dotted throughout the valley where you can soak in the warm waters and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Wildlife lovers can witness the diverse range of flora and fauna in the region, including some of the rarest species of birds and mammals. To experience the unique customs and traditions of the Meyor tribe, one of the oldest and most fascinating communities in the region, you can immerse yourself in their culture.

Moreover, Dong is a stargazer's paradise, with its clear skies and secluded location offering breathtaking views of the night sky. 

To get a fulfilling vibe of the mountain life and to immerse oneself in the air of the region, there are several other places in and around Dong that can give you that soul-healing experience. Consider adding the below places to your itinerary.

If you're planning a trip to Dong, there are several fascinating places that you can visit along the way. 

1.  Walong - In the local Mishmi dialect, Walong means ‘a place of Bamboo groves ‘(WA means Bamboo, Long means Place). The Mishmi and Meyor tribes comprise most of the  population in Walong. Walong holds historical significance as it has been the witness to the fight of Indian soldiers against the invasion of Chinese forces in the year 1962. Walong lies on the west bank of the Lohit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, approximately 20 km south of the Tibetan border.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separating India from the Tibetan Autonomous Region lies right outside Kaho village, 26 km north of Walong. The forest around Walong is rich in wildlife, home to rare mammals like Mishmi takin, Red goral and Leaf muntjac, and birds like the rare Sclater's Monal
   
2. Hayuliang - Another place that you can visit is Hayuliang, which means "a place of respite" in Mishmi. This place offers a magnificent view of the confluence of the Dalai and Lohit rivers. If you're interested, you can also travel up to Changlagam, which is located nearby and is known for producing the largest cardamom in the state.
3. Kibithoo - If you're looking for a hidden offbeat treasure to explore, then you should definitely check out the Kibithoo village. This untouched valley is dotted with lush green pine trees and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. It's also the easternmost motorable point of India, from where you can see the Chinese Army bunkers on the other side of the border. Kaho, which is known as the first village of India in accordance with its geographical location, is located around 2 km away from Kibithoo.

Best Time to Visit Dong Valley:

The best time to visit Dong Valley is between April and June when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. September to October is another ideal period with favorable weather conditions. However, be prepared for chilly nights and occasional snowfall during the winter months.

Travel Information:

If you are planning to visit Dong village in Arunachal Pradesh, India, it is important to note that the state's unique terrain conditions and poor infrastructure make it difficult to access certain places. However, there are several ways to reach Dong village:

By air, the closest airport is located in Dibrugarh, which is approximately 362 kilometers away from Dong village. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Tezu, and then another bus or taxi to Dong.

If you prefer train travel, you can take a train from Guwahati to New Tinsukia Junction and then take the Tinsukia-Tezu-Walong or Tinsukia-Namsai-Walong route. Local sumos/taxis or buses are available at these locations.

Once you enter Arunachal Pradesh, roads will be your primary mode of travel. You can reach Dong from Tezu by bus or other public transport. However, the journey may take around 9-10 hours and may not be very comfortable.

Therefore, it is important to make provisions for your journey and plan accordingly.  If you are planning to visit Dong Valley, it maybe a good idea to have a look at our sample Dong Valley Itinerary.

Written by Karma Thutop Chechutharpa: Bridging Cultures Through Travel
 

Karma, a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Sikkim's rural charm, returned home in 2017. Co-founding OurGuest, he leverages his experiences across India, Nepal, and Bhutan to curate authentic travel journeys. Beyond adventure, Karma champions rural tourism. Through OurGuest's stories, he empowers local homestays and fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a writer, all while sharing the magic of Northeast India.