Dear friends,
It was the beginning of December when I had just returned from my Ujjain trip. Soon after, while scrolling through Twitter oops ‘X’. I came across a tweet by the Honorable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu. Interestingly, the tweet was about the upcoming Dong Sunrise Festival, scheduled to be organized between 29th December 2025 and 2nd January 2026.
Sunrise Festival Dong
My curiosity led me to explore Dong Valley and its nearby places online, as I’ve never visited Northeast India. Afterward, I decided to call one of my friends, who is not only associated with Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari but also a sweet resident of Arunachal Pradesh. During our conversation, I enquired about the Dong Sunrise Festival.
As it turned out, my friend hails from Lohit district and is very active in social activities. With great enthusiasm, he shared that the festival would indeed be a wonderful event. Moreover, he emphasized that this is the first time the state government is planning to make it a grand success.
Additionally, my friend shared some helpful travel tips. If you are planning to come from New Delhi or Gwalior, he advised that you should fly directly to Dibrugarh or train to Tinsukia. From there, you can conveniently take a taxi or a sharing vehicle to reach Dong.
Dong Valley
Geographically, Dong is situated in the Dong Valley of the Walong region in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, right at the tri‑junction of India, China, and Myanmar. Remarkably, this valley is considered blessed by Almighty God, as it receives the first sunrays in India, making it a truly divine and unique destination.
In terms of distance, Dong lies approximately 315 km from Tinsukia town and about 560 km from the state capital, Itanagar. Clearly, while the journey may be long, the reward of witnessing the earliest sunrise in the country makes it an unforgettable experience.
Before ending our conversation, my friend offered one final piece of advice. He suggested that it would be better to hire a taxi and truly explore the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh along the way.
Places of Dong Circuit
In fact, he encouraged me not to limit the journey only to Dong, but to also visit several remarkable destinations en route. Among them, the Namdapha National Park, Namsai, Hawai, and the sacred Parshuram Kund stand out as must‑see places. Together, these sites weave a trail of natural wonders and spiritual experiences that enrich the journey toward Dong.
Ultimately, his words reminded me that the Dong Sunrise Festival is not just about witnessing the first rays of the sun—it is also about embracing the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of Arunachal Pradesh..
Dong, Arunachal Pradesh
Initially, I had planned my journey in alignment with the Dong Sunrise Festival dates. However, due to some prior assignments, I realized that I would not be able to attend the event on the scheduled days. As a result, I decided to adjust my travel plans. Instead of waiting, I chose to visit a week before the festival, ensuring that I could still experience the charm of Dong Valley while managing my commitments.
From the very beginning of my journey, I started out from Tinsukia and made my way through several remarkable stops. First day of trip, I visited the serene Namsai Buddhist Monastery and stayed in Namsai, followed by the sacred Parshuram Kund and the charming town of Wakro next. Eventually, after a long day of travel, I reached Walong (Tilam) late at night, which is just a bridge away from Dong.
Once there, I checked into the Dong Resort, where I was warmly welcomed. Soon after, I enjoyed a delicious meal and sat comfortably around the hearth, soaking in the cozy atmosphere. Finally, before heading to bed, I requested the hotel manager to confirm with the guide so that he could take us to the valley the next morning.
Trek to Dong Valley Sunrise Point
Early in the morning, at precisely 2:00 AM, we woke up and prepared for the adventure ahead. With determination, we followed our guide, relying only on the faint glow of our torch/mobile phone lights. Step by step, we crossed a suspension bridge over the mighty Lohit River, moving carefully through the pitch darkness. Meanwhile, the whistling wind and the echoing sound of the flowing river created an atmosphere both thrilling and unforgettable.
After passing through Dong village, we finally arrived at the main entrance of the trekking area, where we completed our registration and paid the necessary fees. From this point onward, the trek became a steady climb—one step after another—guided only by the faint light of our mobile phones.
Gradually, the stairs seemed endless, and so did the darkness. Yet, we kept moving forward, deeper into the lap of nature. Eventually, our first stop came at a grassy field where a small hut stood. In the stillness of the night, we could barely make out its shape, as the darkness concealed everything beyond.
Sunrise at Dong
As we moved forward, the next stretch of the trek became noticeably more difficult. This time, there were no stairs to guide us—only narrow, uneven paths. Meanwhile, our companions were scattered along the way, some carefully wading through the water. In the distance, only a faint light twinkled, offering a small sense of direction. Through it all, we continued onward, invoking God’s name with every step for strength and courage.
By around 4:00 AM, we finally reached our destination. To our relief, the guide had already lit a bonfire, which was just enough to ward off the biting cold. At that moment, it felt as though we had stepped into a different and wondrous world, far removed from everything familiar.
Soon after, as we gathered around the warmth of the fire, the horizon began to change. Gradually, the darkness gave way, and the first light of dawn appeared. A little while later, the sun began to rise, painting the sky with hues that made the entire journey worthwhile.
As we stood in one spot, our eyes were fixed on the breathtaking wonders of nature. Far in the distance, the sun’s rays began to illuminate the snow‑capped peaks of the Himalayas. Gradually, the reddish glow intensified, while the icy winds reached their peak, adding both chill and thrill to the moment.
At the same time, the fluttering, colorful prayer flags of the Buddhist faith infused the scene with a special energy, as if nature and spirituality were blending together. By around 5:15 AM, daylight had fully arrived, revealing even more of the majestic surroundings. From this vantage point, the Myanmar border region was clearly visible.
Justice for Zubeen at Dong
Interestingly, someone had placed a piece of cloth in memory of their beloved and the “Heartbeat of Assam,” Shri Zubin Garg. One after another, tourists began writing their heartfelt messages on it, turning the spot into a tapestry of collective emotions and shared experiences.
At this point, the place looked even more beautiful than paradise itself. Surrounded by majestic pine trees, lush green meadows, and sweeping valleys that seemed endless. By 6:00 AM, we began our return journey. However, the descent was not as easy as the climb up.
In fact, the valley we had ascended in darkness now revealed its rugged terrain, making the path both challenging and adventurous. Step by step, we carefully made our way down, savoring the raw beauty of nature. Eventually, we reached back to our destination, carrying with us memories of a journey that was as demanding as it was rewarding.
By around 8:00 AM, we were finally back down. Soon after, it was time to refresh ourselves, so we headed to a large, beautiful hot water spring for a rejuvenating bath. Following that, we made our way to the military canteen, where a hearty breakfast awaited us.
Finally, after enjoying the meal and sharing a few last words, we said goodbye and set off on our next destination i.e. Kaho, the easternmost village of India, carrying with us the warmth of memories and the promise of new adventures ahead.
Places to see around Dong
Walong War Memorial
How to Reach Dong
- Airways To reach Dong, the nearest airports are Tezu (200 km) and Dibrugarh (390 km). Tezu sees few flights, but Dibrugarh provides convenient connections to major cities.
- Railways: The nearest railway station to Dong is New Tinsukia Junction, about 307 km away. From there, hiring a private taxi is the most convenient way to explore the valley.
- Roadways: Buses operate till Hawai (Anjaw).Tourists using SUVs, shared taxis, or even hitching a ride with locals.
Where to stay in Dong
Dong, Walong, and Tilam are three villages located close to each other. Walong and Tilam are situated on one bank of the Lohit River, while Dong is on the other side. Tourists who wish to witness the sunrise from the Dong valley often stay in these three villages. They can find accommodation in tents, hotels, and homestays with basic amenities. Vegetarian food is also readily available.
When to visit Dong
Explore Dong from October to April, and welcome the New Year at the Dong Sunrise Festival with the first sunrise.
Permission required to visit Arunachal Pradesh
Indian tourists must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP), either online or at checkpoints; meanwhile, foreign tourists require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to explore Arunachal Pradesh.
Things to Remember
- To trek to Sunrise Point, you must hire a guide, costing ₹500 per person.
- There’s no petrol pump in the region, the nearest is a 4‑hour drive. Use fuel wisely.
- This area is strategically important and highly sensitive. Kindly exercise caution when taking photographs and adhere to all instructions
- Road widening is currently underway. Kindly plan for additional travel time and drive with caution.
- Respect the local residents and value their tribal heritage.
Happy Donyi Polo
