India is home to numerous breathtaking destinations, and nestled within the North Eastern region lies a plethora of unassuming yet stunning areas of interest. Among these hidden gems, the village of Dong in Arunachal Pradesh stands out.
Situated at an elevation of 1240 meters, Dong holds a unique position as the tri-junction of India, Myanmar, and China. What sets this quaint village apart is its fascinating geographical location. Being one of the easternmost points in India, Dong experiences the first rays of sunlight even before any other place in the country when a new day begins. This remarkable phenomenon has earned Dong the moniker of the "Land Of The Rising Sun."
About Dong
Dong Valley is located in the Anjaw District and has a historical connection dating back to the British India era. Initially, in 1914, it was part of the Lakhimpur district. The British established the northeast frontier tract to administer the three regions effectively, namely the Central and Eastern section and the Lakhimpur Frontier Tract along the Western section. In 1956, the Dibang Valley was designated as a distinct sub-division overseen by an Additional Political Officer.
Subsequently, in June 1980, it was divided into two separate districts Lohit District and Dibang Valley District. Also, Dong is one of the least inhabited villages according to the 2011 Census of India, and the village has 15 residents across four households, of which six are male, and nine are female. The sparsity of people in the area only adds to the charm of Dong.
Things To Do
Wake up early at 3 am and embark on the 2.5-hour trek to the mountain top. Remember to build a bonfire to keep warm, as it can be chilly up there. Wait for the beautiful first rays of the sun before continuing your trek to nearby hills. Head back to your local stay for breakfast. In the later part of the day, marvel at the stunning convergence of the Lohit and Sati Rivers, strategically located at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar.
You can also visit Kibithu, the district headquarters of Anjaw in Hawai, 75 kilometres away. While there, visit the Walong War Memorial, where the Indian Army stopped 4,000 Chinese troops during the Indo-Tibet War.
How To Reach
The tri-village area of Dong, Walong, and Kibithu is highly remote, making access to the region challenging due to the lack of infrastructure like roads, hotels, electricity, and water. As a result, tourists are scarce, and day-trippers are the primary visitors. The closest airport is in Dibrugarh, 400 kilometres away from Dong village, requiring additional travel by bus or taxi to Tezu before continuing the journey to Dong. The roads in the region are mostly in decent condition except after Tezu, where broken tarmac, gravel roads, and off-road sections dominate. Travelling in a vehicle with good suspension is recommended, and hiring shared Sumos from Tezu takes approximately 10 hours to reach Dong.
Best Time To Visit
Dong can be ideally visited during the summer months from April to July, but September or October is also a good time.