Dong Valley: Explore the Land of India’s First Sunrise

India is famous for many things; whether it’s the northeastern monasteries or the snow-capped Himalayas, India never fails to wow. Did you know that Dong, in Arunachal Pradesh, is the first spot in India to see daylight? That’s correct; you spotted a typo. Dong Valley, located in Arunachal Pradesh, sees the sunrise at around 4 in the morning. Learn more about this stunning location by reading on.

History

The Anjaw District is home to Dong Valley, a region with roots in British India. This area belonged to the Lakhimpur district back in 1914. The British established the Northeast Frontier Tract to control better three distinct regions: the Lakhimpur Frontier Tract to the west, the Central and Eastern Section, and the rest of the Northeast.

The Dibang Valley was established 1956 as its sub-division and assigned to an Additional Political Officer. In June of 1980, the region was further divided into the autonomous districts of Lohit and Dibang Valley.  

Interesting Facts About Dong Valley

• The settlement of Lohit, at an altitude of 1,240 meters, sits at the confluence of the Lohit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, and the Sati River.
• The fact that this location saw the first sunrise in India was only discovered in 1999.

Place To Visit In Dong Valley

One of Arunachal Pradesh’s most visited destinations is Dong Valley. Listed below are some of Dong Valley’s top attractions.

Tidding

Both natives and visitors enjoy it very much. The azure hue of the ocean is the area’s crowning glory. The undulating terrain also provides a welcome break, especially for those who find solace outdoors.

Chaglagam

This area of the Anjaw district is essentially a village and a tehsil, both worth exploring. It is well worth your time to come here and explore the fascinating and stunning beauty of its amazing formations.

Walong

Located in what was once Lohit District, this quaint cantonment and administrative town was established in 2004. In addition to the hot water springs, this “Helmet Top” area is famous for the memorials it has erected in honor of the Indians who perished there during the difficult times of the 1962 Sino-India conflict.

Sunrise

At 3 a.m., you can see the sunrise—Trek to the stunning location where the Lohit and Sati rivers meet.

Things to do in Dong Valley

At 3 a.m., you can see the sunrise—Trek to the stunning location where the Lohit and Sati rivers meet.

See what you can find in Dong Van Market. With such a wide range of delicious options, you can’t help but find this location fantastic.

You could also check out Glow Lake. The atmosphere and vibe of this establishment are incredible.

Events And Festivals

Ziro Music Festival

Fans of alternative music will find Ziro to be paradise. This location is a hub for young people wishing to unwind and chill out. It lasts four days, and the main themes are excitement and enjoyment. See millennials having a good time at a festival with various musical styles (jazz, indie, etc.).

Siang River Festival

This festival, which formerly went by the name Brahmaputra Darshan Festival, celebrates communal peace. However, since 2005, locals have more commonly referred to this event as the Siang River Festival. Cultural dances, traditional music performances, and even extreme activities like paragliding are the highlights of this festival.

Best Time To Visit Dong Valley

The summer months of April through July are ideal for a trip to Dong Valley. The best tourist attractions will likely be open during this period.

How to Reach from Delhi

You’ll need to travel around 2,706 kilometers from Delhi to this stunning tourist attraction. Dibrugarh Airport (DIB), located 350-400 kilometers away, is the closest airport. Having been around since the 1950s, this airport provides convenient flight connections to and from Delhi. Consider taking a cab or another public transit from the airport once you disembark. About 300–350 kilometers away is the New Tinsukia Junction, the closest train stop. This station, located on the Lumding-Dibrugarh stretch, serves Tinsukia and neighboring areas. If you want to get somewhere after getting off the train at the station, you might want to take a cab or use some other form of local transit. In general, road access is convenient. If you’re considering a road trip here, you’ll be happy to know that the roads and highways are quite easy to navigate and use. You can catch a tempo traveler from any of the adjacent cities.

Conclusion

Dong Valley, a picturesque and remote village in Arunachal Pradesh, offers visitors an unforgettable adventure. From the first sunrise in India to the illustrious history of the Idus people, Dong has it all. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a nature enthusiast, this hidden gem has much to offer.

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