Arunachal’s Dong Valley: Detailed guide to India’s first sunrise festival venue and beyond |
New Delhi: Welcoming the New Year with India’s first sunrise is no longer just a dream for travellers. Arunachal Pradesh is set to host its first-ever Sunrise Festival at Dong Valley from December 29, 2025, to January 2, 2026, turning the country’s easternmost sunrise point into a cultural and travel experience. Located in the remote Anjaw district near the India-China-Myanmar tri-junction, Dong village is known as the first place in India to witness sunrise and is home to the indigenous Meyor tribe.
While the festival itself promises ceremonies, performances and adventure activities, Dong Valley also offers far more to explore. Snow-capped mountains, pine forests, historic sites and remote border villages surround the region, making it an ideal destination for travellers who want to go beyond the festival and experience Arunachal Pradesh at its raw, untouched best. Here is the detailed guide to visiting the Dong Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
The five-day Sunrise Festival is a community-led celebration designed to mark India’s first sunrise of the New Year. Artists, explorers, scholars and travellers from across India and abroad are expected to take part in the event.
The festival programme includes traditional sunrise rituals, cultural performances by communities from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, guided treks, nature walks, river activities, eco-camping, village tours, photography expeditions, workshops, folk........