India is known for several things, from the snow-clad mountains of Himachal to monasteries in the northeast- there are places in India that always manage to wow us. And when it comes to the WOW factor, did you know Dong in Arunachal Pradesh is the first place to receive sunlight in India? Yes, you read that right. Arunachal Pradesh is known as the land of the rising sun, and the sunrises in Dong at 4 AM. Read on to know more about this beautiful place.
The Sun Starts Rising In Dong, Arunachal
Dong is the easternmost village in the Anjaw District of Arunachal and is at an altitude of 1240 meters. The place is known for its natural, untouched beauty, making it a haven for travellers and photographers. Situated between the tri-junction of three countries – India, Myanmar, and China, this place is only accessible by a trek. So if you are planning to watch the first sunrise in India, here’s your guide to it.
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How To Reach Dong
You can catch a flight to Dibrugarh or take a flight from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati to reach Arunachal. Once you make your way to the land of the rising sun, you have to reach Walong. Walong is the base point of the trek, and from here, one takes 90 minutes to get to the Dong valley. You need to start the hike early in the morning by 2 AM to make it to the sunrise spot. The trek is challenging, but the breathtaking sunrise views and the lush green meadows make everything worth it.
You Need A Permit
Arunachal Pradesh is a restricted area, and you need an Inner Line Permit to visit the state. You Can visit the Arunachal ILP website and apply for a permit. Once the permit is sorted, you can see this place and other places in Arunachal.
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Accommodation:
If you are planning to hike, you need to make a night halt at Tezu, Hayuliang, or Hawai, or you can set up a camp on the banks of the Lohit river. Walong (the base point of the trek has limited options), so camping can be a great idea.
Best Time To Go
If you are planning to visit Dong, the best time will ideally be during the summers (April to July). However, one can also see the place in October.
Arunachal Pradesh is beautiful, and Dong should definitely be on your list. On that note, have you been to Arunachal?