Dong Valley – A Hidden Gem

Credit: Sanjay Mosing

Dong is a small picturesque village inhabited by the Meyor tribe just 4 miles away from Walong, and situated on the left bank of the Lohit River, Arunachal Pradesh. 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 around 4 am can be witnessed and the valley is extremely beautiful radiating divine peace. The village is connected by an iron-floored foot suspension bridge over the Lohit River.

The cascading rivers and herculean mountains are just a few aspects of its overall natural abundance. It is the kind of place where one can find solitude away from the glamour of city life and if you seek all this, then Dong Valley is an option worth considering. From the top, you can overlook Myanmar and China across a beautiful, panoramic view of the rivers and meadows underneath.

Credit: Kapu Cabak

One of the most enchanting aspects of Dong Valley is the overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility it offers. Far away from the noise and distractions of modern life, this hidden gem provides a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature. Whether you choose to meditate by a gurgling stream, practice yoga amidst the backdrop of verdant hills.

For adventure seekers, The valley offers an array of thrilling activities. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the verdant trails that wind through the valley, revealing hidden wonders at every turn. As you like through lush forests, over mountains, and across rivers, you will encounter breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe. The valley also provides opportunities for camping, rock climbing, and river rafting, allowing you to indulge in adrenaline-pumping experience amidst natures grandeur.

Credit: Hankam Tangkhu

When to go

There seem to be contrasting views about the best time to visit Dong Valley. Maybe because the valley presents a varied landscape and environment that is as beautiful as it can be in each season. But you should definitely avoid going there during the monsoon, from June to September.

Where to stay

Government operated lodges are available for stay in Dong Valley having basic amenities. Camping options are also available in few lodges.

How to reach

The area of Dong is highly remote, and getting there is quite challenging. Lack of proper infrastructure like roads, hotels, electricity and water has kept away tourists and you will mostly see day trippers in the region.

By Air – The closet airport located in Tezu which is 127 miles away from Dong Valley. This airport has good flight connectivity with Guwahati and Dibrugarh. Once you de board at the airport, consider booking a taxi or public transport to reach your destination.

By Road – Overall connectivity is quite good So, If you are planning to visit this place by road then it will be convenient experience for you due to easily accessible roads and highways. You can also take taxi or public transport from Tezu that takes around 10 hours to reach.

By Train – The nearest train station is New Tinsukia Junction about 195 miles away from Dong Valley. From there, you can hire a taxi or public transport to reach your destination.

Conclusion

Dong Valley beckons daring travelers to delve into the lap of nature and discover its hidden wonders. For those looking for a break from the modern world, it offers an unforgettable experience thanks to its captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful atmosphere. As you say goodbye to Dong Valley, you take with memories that will stay indelible in your heart and make a promise to return one day to this undiscovered gem amid nature.