Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Dong Village: India's First Sunrise Spot in Arunachal Pradesh
Imagine a tiny village in a faraway part of India called Dong.
Because it's located way, way to the east, the sun peeks over the mountains and lights up this village almost a whole hour before it does anywhere else in India!
People like to hike up a hill before it's even light outside to watch the very first sunbeams appear.
Getting to Dong is a bit of an adventure, involving a hike and crossing a river.
It's a peaceful place where a local tribe called the Meyor people live.
They are known for being friendly and have old traditions.
The village is surrounded by beautiful green hills and rivers.
It's a special spot for people who love nature and want to see something truly unique.
Dong village in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district is the first inhabited place in India to see the sunrise.
Its extreme eastern location allows it to greet the sun nearly an hour before the rest of the country.
Visitors hike a nearby hill in the pre-dawn hours to witness the sunrise over the Eastern Himalayas.
Reaching Dong involves a trek from Walong, crossing the Lohit River, offering scenic views.
The village is home to the Meyor tribe, known for their hospitality and traditions, and is surrounded by natural beauty.
- Who
- The Meyor tribe and visitors seeking unique travel experiences
- What
- Dong village, a remote hamlet that experiences the earliest sunrise in India
- When
- Daily, with sunrise occurring nearly an hour before the rest of India.
- Where
- Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar.
- Why
- Its extreme eastern location results in it being the first inhabited place to see the sunrise in India.
- Location
- Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Altitude
- Approx. 1,240 meters
- Geographical Significance
- Near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar
- Unique Feature
- First inhabited place in India to witness sunrise
- Access
- Trek from Walong (approx. 7 km), crossing the Lohit River
- Best Time to Visit
- October to April
- Permits Required
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens, Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign nationals