Dong : Where Nature unfolds her treasure at first ray of sunrise !

Each morning the sun serene rays cast a magical and mystical poetry here.The land synonymous with beauty adds to it. The azure rivers and valleys, forests look surreal ! The sun's first light gives a golden glow to the snowy peaks, kisses the mother earth and finally rises up behind the mountains spreading over the meadows. A sight to behold !. The hilltop shrouded in mist is just a few thousand steps away for a grand view. To witness the first rays of sun. In the land of rising sun in Arunachal Pradesh. That's Dong !

Vishwanath Radhakrishna Vishwanath Radhakrishna
Dec 11, 2024 - 07:56 Updated: Dec 18, 2024 - 14:57
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Dong : Where Nature unfolds her treasure at first ray of sunrise !
View from Dong. The first sunshine !

           Savouring the beauty of turquoise lohit river, fresh juicy oranges, gracefully walking along the swinging rope bridges , with quite a few stops chasing the butterflies and documenting them. After saluting the brave souls who perished during the 1962 Sino - Indian War, at Walong War Memorial.

I was back to senses only when our scorpio screech to halt at a place called Tilam @ 3:40 pm.

           It was almost dark !.With no soul around, the place seemed eerie and desolate.We walked down the sandy bed and camped on the river bed surrounded by hills.We sat by the campfire, to ward off bitter cold of December. Gazing at star studded sky and after a sumptuous dinner, we retired into our sleeping bags.
Soon we were in tune with the roaring river.
Did you ask me, where is Dong ?
         The far east regions of Arunachal Pradesh is less explored and are underrated even today. The roads in this part of the state are truly less trodden and there are places where they barely exist. The 7 major districts in Eastern Arunachal are Changlang, Namsai, Lohit, Longding, Anjaw, Upper and Lower Dibang. Each with very distinct dialects and diverse in their culture, traditions, out of 54 tribes that exist in state and diverse flora and fauna. But what remains constant throughout is the ethereal beauty of nature and surprises that they offer to all those who worship nature ! 
 
Dong is situated 1,240 metres (4,070 feet) in the Anjaw district, home to the lesser known Meyor as well as Digaru Mishmi tribes.
 
DONG AT LAST !
Walong has quite a few places to be visited, which include, War Memorial, Helmet top and more . Precisely @ 2:00 hrs on the east bank we crossed the river over the hanging bridge and soon were on the path leading to hillock.                                
                       After walking amidst pine trees, and through grasslands laden with flowers in riot of colours.  A balcony with panoramic views of snow clad peaks and of river lohit skirting through in the valley like a silver stream greeted us. One can see two plateaus with pine alpine meadows beckoning you from the other side of the river. 

At 4:45 am I reached a ridge connecting 2 valleys, that is where the sun rays emerge out and kiss our country first. Even though the hike was an easy short ascent to clifftop.It is breathtakingly beautiful ! A bewitching sight to behold.The melange of colors and first rays waking up the denizens of the country from a slumber gave us a new adrenaline Xperience !

I didn’t sleep that night because the excitement to witness India’s first sunrise in a couple of hours was beyond explanation.It was in my list of places since 2005. I felt I was blessed to stand here at the border of the country. Where  first  light breaks into our country , in this lesser known hamlet called Dong.

     Everything around lay before us calm and still and a silhouette except the river down below in the valley along with the chirping birds, aware of the rising sun. Exactly at 5:30 am the first sunlight of India engulfed us on these misty cliffs to the top.The sun rays piercing through pine trees and finally  rising up behind the mountains on the right bank of the river facing the meadows.                               

The dew drops glittering on the myriad flowers was a sight to witness.Each was different and attractive !.

Wild Flowers in Bloom

The countryside vistas and never ending panorama during descent was delightful experience.

By around 8:45 am we were at Tilam.

Hot Springs of Tilam

Amidst cold temperatures, this place was a bliss for the tired knees. A dip in the natural sulphur spring, you feel like staying in a natural jacuzzi there forever. As it relaxes you to the core, the sun slowly sets and the snow capped peaks turn golden in front of you. You literally dont feel like come out of the water.

Its hygienic and clean." Rich in sulphur, the water here has medicinal properties.If you have an allergy or a skin ailment, it is claimed that taking a bath in this hot spring water would help you heal forever.

The Chhoge Meyor family staying here, have maintained it very well. One can use it paying a nominal amount of Rs 15/-  per person.You need to carry a towel along with along.Thats it !

I hereby request those visiting the place, not to litter and keep it clean.

GUIDE FOR THE TREK

The local tourist administration has made it compulsory to take a guide along. There is a common assembly point and one can go with a guide from Dong Village. They charge INR 500 as entry fee .

There are two ways one can do this hike. We took the one from Tilam. Walong is remote and don't expect fancy restaurants or joints to eat !

WHERE TO STAY

Tilam, a tiny hamlet situated 5 kms ahead of Walong has a good PWD guest house and the trail to Dong starts right next to the guest house on the right hand side. Another trail on its left side goes down to the hot water springs of Tilam. There are rooms available here.Tents are also available with warm blankets and food during stay. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

North East is cut off during Monsoons and therefore remains disconnected until November. November to April is a good time to visit Walong.

  1. INNER LINE PERMIT

  2. Yes Indians too need ILP to visit North Eastern states.Carry a photo ID proof and would be mandatory ! 

  3. For more details -  Apply Arunachal Pradesh ILP

“Every sunrise is an invitation for us to arise and brighten someone’s day.”

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