Dong Valley 2025: A Sunrise That Belongs Only to the Few
Most travelers chase sunsets in Northern India’s popular hill stations, but Dong Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is the first place in India to greet the sun every day. Dong valley is located in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh and holds the distinction of being the first place in India to witness the sunrise each day. This remote village near the Indo-China border is a hidden gem, still untouched but not for long time.
What Makes Dong Valley So Special?
- Easternmost Inhabited Village of India
- First place to witness the sunrise in India, especially in winter months
- Surrounded by raw mountains, rivers, and solitude near the Lohit River
- Strategic location close to the India-China-Myanmar trijunction
- Just real people, real silence, and real sunrises
- Wake up at 3:30 AM, trek under the stars, and be the first to see sunlight touch India
How to Reach Dong Valley in 2025
Reaching Dong Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is an exciting adventure into India’s easternmost region.
Flight
- Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport (Assam), approximately 400 km from Dong Valley
- From Dibrugarh: Travel to Tezu by bus or taxi. From Tezu, shared Sumos or private vehicles can take you to Dong Valley, a journey that may take around 10 hours
Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Tinsukia Junction (Assam), about 350 km from Walong
- From Tinsukia: Take a taxi or shared jeep to Tezu, then proceed to Dong Valley as mentioned above
Road
- From Tezu: The road to Dong Valley is mostly off-road. Shared Taxis are available, but the journey can be challenging. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for such conditions.
Dong Valley Permit 2025
Inner Line Permit(ILP) is mandatory for non-Arunachal residents. You can apply for the permit online through the official website.
- The fee for Indian citizens is INR 300 for up to 3 days, and INR 500 beyond 3 days up to 14 days.
- A recent passport-sized photograph along with a valid identity proof(Aadhar card, Voter ID, Driving License) is required.
- Children below 14 years do not required ILP but must be accompanied by an adult.
Best Time to Visit Dong Valley in 2025
The best time to visit Dong Valley is from October to early March, when the weather is clear and pleasant, offering the perfect conditions to witness India’s first sunrise.
From March to September: Dong valley experiences warmer temperatures with occasional rains, making travel challenging during the monsoon season.
Places to Visit Near Dong Valley (2025)
- Walong War Memorial (6 km from Dong) – honors the brave soldiers of the 1962 Sino-Indian War with statues and inscriptions.
- Hot Water Springs at Kibithoo (25 km) – known for their therapeutic properties, located in the remote village of Kibithoo near the India-China border
- Kaho Village – offers stunning river views and rich Meyor tribal culture near the India-China border
Trekking in Dong Valley: Experience India’s First Sunrise
In order to witness the first sunrise of India, there’s a 5-6 km trek starts from Dong village, can be covered around 1.5-2 hours. The trek is mostly uphill and can be moderately challenging due to early morning cold and terrain. `
- The silence is unreal — just your breath, footsteps, and maybe a distant army post
- By the time you reach the top, the first golden light cracks over the eastern horizon
- You’re standing where India wakes up — truly, before the rest of the country opens its eyes
What to carry for Dong Valley Trek(2025)
- Torch or headlamp
- Warm layers
- Water, glucose snacks, camera
- Trekking shoes
Tips Before You Travel to Dong Valley in 2025
- Power banks essential (electricity is limited)
- Respect Army restrictions near border checkposts
- Avoid plastic — it’s a clean zone
- Travel in a small group or with a guide who knows the area
Dong Valley is just not India’s first sunrise point, but once in a lifetime experience. This place truly shows you how silent, surreal, and simple travel can be. If you love trekking, offbeat places, and raw, and untouched beauty, get ready to explore this stunning gem in 2025.
From witnessing India’s first sunlight to trekking through untouched Himalayan trails, Dong Valley offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plan your journey now and uncover more hidden gems at TopTravelJourneys.com — your go-to travel companion for real stories, road trips, and offbeat India.