Dong is a small picturesque village inhabited by the Meyors just 7 km away from Walong, and is situated in the left bank of Lohit River. Snow capped mountains and beautiful pine forests make the place immensely inviting. This village is also one of the villages from where the earliest sunrise can be witnessed. The millennium sunrise was witnessed by people from all across the world at Dong on 1st Jan 2000. The village is now connected by a iron floored foot suspension bridge over the river Lohit. The Dong valley is extremely beautiful radiating divine peace.
Dong Essentials
Located just below the West bank of the Lohit River, under the foot suspension bridge, you will find a hot spring that is heated by subterranean volcanic activity. Once you walk down to the bank of the river, you will find small pools of crystal-clear water sitting absolutely still. These are the hot springs that aren’t quite big enough to take a bath in but you can enjoy dipping your feet in it for some time!
If you want to catch a glimpse of the first rays of the sun falling on Indian territory, then you will have a trek to a place called the Dong Krong, up in the mountains.
Trekking is the only way to get there from the village but the hike is truly worth it as the spectacle is nothing short of the best views you would have even seen in your life! Travelers make their way to the lush green, misty grasslands in Dong Krong as early as 3 am to witness the sunrise that comes in around 4:30 am every single day!
This is the easternmost motorable point of India, where the curvy road seems to disappear into the cloudy mountains dotted with tall pine trees. 18 kms further from Dong, towards the China border, Kibithu is a secluded, underdeveloped village that is blessed with natural beauty.
From the top of the village, you should be able to see the Chinese Army bunkers on the other side of the border! The quaint hamlet has a mountainous landscape that is dotted with lush green pine forests and sprawling agricultural green lands. Kibithu is a landslide area and is open only 2-3 days a week for vehicle movement.
How To Reach Dong Village
The tri-village area of Dong, Walong, and Kibithu are highly remote, and getting there is quite challenging. Lack of proper infrastructures like roads, hotels, electricity, and water has kept away tourists and you will mostly see day-trippers in the region.
By air – The closest airport can be found in Dibrugarh which is 400 kms from Dong village. From there you will have to travel to Tezu by bus or taxi and then the same for your onward journey to Dong.
By Roads – Roads are by far ok in the region except for when you cross Tezu. From there onwards, you will mostly find broken tarmac, gravel roads, or off-road stretches. The journey can be a backbreaker so make ensure you travel in a vehicle with a good suspension. From Tezu, you can hire shared Sumo’s that take at least 10 hours to reach Dong