🏔️ Adventure to Walong, Kibithu & Dong: India’s Easternmost Frontier

There’s something magnetic about going to the edge. The edge of the map. The edge of civilisation. And when that edge brings you to India’s first sunrise, framed by Himalayan ridges and guarded by tales of bravery, you know it’s not just another trip. It’s a journey to Walong, Kibithu & Dong.

In the remote eastern corner of Arunachal Pradesh, the twin frontiers of Walong and Kibithu, along with the tiny Dong Village, promise not just natural beauty but a sense of unmatched remoteness. The road here passes through lesser-known but spectacular places—Golden Pagoda at Namsai, Parshuram Kund, the wild Anjaw district, and more.

Ready to trace this route to India’s easternmost sunrise?

🏞️Photo Gallery

🧳The Route Map: From Plains to Peaks

Your journey typically begins in Dibrugarh or Tinsukia, Assam. After crossing the first entry gate for Arunachal Pradesh – Dirak gate, you’ll enter Arunachal’s Lohit district via Namsai and then climb into the hills of Anjaw district. The route is a beautiful mix of Buddhist shrines, tribal culture, deep gorges, and dense mountain forests.

Suggested Route (approx. 7 days):

Dibrugarh → Namsai → Parshuram Kund → Tezu → Hayuliang → Hawai → Walong → Kibithu → Dong Village

🛕 Golden Pagoda, Namsai: A Spiritual Start

Your first major stop is the serene Golden Pagoda at Namsai. Built in traditional Burmese style, this majestic shrine is a peaceful spiritual retreat surrounded by manicured gardens, ponds, and meditation halls.

• Speciality: Tai-Khamti Buddhist culture, photography, night lighting.
• Stay Nearby:
  • Chowkham Eco Resort, Chowkham – Bamboo cottages with paddy views.
  • Golden Pagoda Guest House, on-site lodging with peaceful surroundings.

🌾 Namsai Town: Culture in Simplicity

Known as the “Land of the Golden Pagoda,” Namsai is a cultural hub of the Tai-Khamti community. Explore its small markets, sample sticky rice with smoked pork, and enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Don’t Miss: Traditional crafts, monk interactions, Namsai Festival (if time permits).

🛕 Parshuram Kund: Where Myth Meets Adventure

Perched on the mighty Lohit River, Parshuram Kund is a revered pilgrimage site, believed to be where Sage Parshuram washed away his sins. During Makar Sankranti, thousands gather here to take a holy dip.

• Activities: Cliff-edge views, photography, rope bridge crossings.
• Nearby Stay:
  • Aalo Guest House, near Wakro – Cozy, simple amenities with valley views.
  • Camp Lohit View, seasonal camping near the river.

🏞️ Tezu: Gateway to the Hills

Tezu is the district HQ of Lohit and your last town before the terrain gets wild. You can refuel here and stock up on essentials.

• Attractions: Tezu Park, Glow Lake Trek (1–2 days detour).
• Stay Recommendations:
  • Circuit House Tezu – Govt-run, clean, spacious.
  • Zikzak Eco Lodge, outskirts – Beautiful wooden homestays with mountain views.

🏔️ Hayuliang: The Cliffside Hamlet

As you enter Anjaw district, the terrain becomes dramatic. Hayuliang, which literally means “The Place of My Liquor,” sits above a deep gorge where the Lohit and Delai Rivers meet.

• Highlight: Bridges, gorges, tribal settlements.
• Stay Recommendation:
  • Delai River View Cottages – Basic but scenic.
  • Forest Guest House, limited availability but well-located.

🌲 Hawai: Heart of Anjaw

Though small, Hawai is the district HQ. The road here is nothing short of an adventure—narrow, winding, and carved into the sides of green mountains.

• Things to Explore: Bamboo suspension bridges, tribal interactions, wildlife.
• Stay Options:
  • Anjaw Eco Stay, Hawai – Wooden cottages with Himalayan views.
  • Forest IB, needs prior booking through the government portal.

If wildlife excites you, don’t miss this Kaziranga National Park travel guide.

🏞️ Walong: Valley of Heroes

Walong is a valley steeped in sacrifice. During the 1962 Indo-China war, Indian soldiers fought valiantly against overwhelming odds here. The Walong War Memorial pays tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

• Other Attractions: Lohit River rapids, pine forests, soft trekking routes.
• Stay Suggestions:
  • Walong Eco Camp, tents and huts with river views.
  • Local Homestays – For authentic Mishmi hospitality.

🏔️ Kibithu: Where India Ends

Located at 1,240 meters and overlooking Chinese territory, Kibithu is the easternmost motorable road in India. On clear days, you can spot Chinese military roads across the ridge.

• Key Experiences:
  • Visit the army base with permission.
  • See Helmet Top (a high-altitude viewpoint near Kibithu).
• Accommodation:
  • Army-run Guest House (with permits).
  • Private Homestays available through locals.

Note: Foreigners are not permitted in Kibithu. Indian nationals require an ILP and may need army clearance to proceed beyond Walong.

Discover more borderland stories—visit Longwa, where one village lies in two countries.

🌅 Dong Village: India’s First Sunrise Point

Dong is a tiny village nestled where the Lohit River meets the Indo-Tibetan border. A 30–45-minute early morning trek from the village brings you to the sunrise viewpoint, where India’s first light kisses the mountains.

• Must Do:
  • Sunrise Trek (start by 3:30 AM).
  • Interact with locals of the Mishmi tribe.
• Where to Stay:
  • Dong Sunrise Camp – Community-run huts near the village.
  • Homestays with locals – Authentic and budget-friendly.

If you love mountain treks, check out this guide to Dzukou Valley.

🎭 Local Culture & People

You’ll mostly encounter the Mishmi tribe, known for their rich textiles, animist-Buddhist blend of faith, and friendly nature. Always ask before photographing people or religious sites, and follow etiquette.

Try: Local rice beer, bamboo shoot dishes, and handwoven textiles.

🛂 Permits & Travel Essentials

• ILP (Inner Line Permit): Mandatory for Indian citizens. Apply online or at Arunachal Bhawan offices.
• Connectivity: Patchy to none beyond Tezu. Only BSNL may work in some areas.
• Fuel: Refuel at Tezu. No petrol stations beyond that.
• Cash: Carry enough; ATMs are unreliable.
• Documents: Carry multiple copies of ID and ILP.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• October to April: Dry roads, clear skies, perfect for Dong sunrise.
• May–June: Cloudy, lush, with occasional pre-monsoon rain.
• July–September: Avoid due to landslides and roadblocks.

📅 Suggested Itinerary: 7 Days

Day	Route	Key Highlights
1	Dibrugarh → Namsai	Golden Pagoda, Tai-Khamti culture
2	Namsai → Parshuram Kund → Tezu	River shrine, Glow Lake detour
3	Tezu → Hayuliang → Hawai	River gorges, tribal life
4	Hawai → Walong	War history, Himalayan views
5	Walong → Kibithu → Dong	India’s last road and village
6	Dong sunrise trek	Trek, return to Walong
7	Return	Via Tezu or Namsai

🧳 Travel Tips

• Pack for extreme temperature variation,
• Carry water, energy snacks, and emergency meds,
• Be respectful of army rules and signage,
• Travel in a sturdy SUV or off-roader,
• Carry binoculars and a power bank.

✨ Offbeat Add-On Ideas

• Glow Lake Trek near Tezu – A Remote alpine lake with crystal waters,
• Helmet Top near Kibithu – With army permission, for a bird’s eye view of LAC,
• Namti Valley – Historical war site with tranquil surroundings,
• Chaglagam – Wild and remote, for extreme adventurers,

Conclusion: Journey to India’s First Light

This journey isn’t just about ticking off places on a map. It’s about discovering India’s last roads, listening to stories etched into valleys, and watching the day begin before the rest of the nation wakes up. The adventure to Walong, Kibithu, and Dong Village is raw, enriching, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re a seeker of sunrises, solitude, or stories—this trip delivers it all.

Explore more remote corners of Arunachal Pradesh – Visit Mechuka: Arunachal Pradesh’s Hidden Himalayan Gem