MOBILE MENU TEST | Sunrise Festival Dong- Arunachal Pradesh

Q: Do I need an ILP (Inner Line Permit) to attend?

Yes, all non-Arunachali Indian citizens must obtain an ILP to enter Arunachal Pradesh. We will share guidance and quick-apply links shortly after ticket confirmation.

Q: How cold will it be? What should I pack?

Late December and early January in Dong can get very cold , often 0°C to 6°C during sunrise hours. Essentials include: • Thermal layers + windproof jacket • Proper trekking shoes • Gloves + warm cap • Flashlight/headlamp for the pre-dawn trek

Q: How difficult is the Dong Sunrise Trek? Can beginners join?

The trek is considered easy to moderate — suitable for beginners in good health. Local trained guides will lead the early-morning ascent, and safety instructions will be provided beforehand.

Q: How do I reach Dong?

You can fly to Tezu (closest) or Dibrugarh , then continue by road to Walong/Dong. Travel guidance will be shared after ticket booking.

Q: Is accommodation included in the ticket price?

Accommodation is not included in the festival pass at the moment. However, we will share a curated list of homestays, camps, and local lodges in and around Walong & Dong for guests to choose from.

Q: Is this a music festival or a cultural event?

Music & performances are included — but it is mainly a nature + culture + community experience around the first sunrise of the year.

Q: What are the festival dates?

29 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 A 5-day experience: treks, cultural shows & New Year celebrations

Q: Where exactly is the Sunrise Festival happening?

The festival takes place in Dong Valley , Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh — India’s first sunrise point. It is close to the India–China–Myanmar tri-junction, making the sunrise experience truly unique.

Q: Where will we stay during the festival?

Official festival accommodation offers Camping tents at Base Camp near Dong, with different comfort categories — Dome, Alpine, Swiss & Premium tents.

Sunrise Festival Dong

FIRST TO RISE FIRST TO CELEBRATE

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Event Date & Time

December 28th to 2nd Jan 2026
Time: 7:00 AM Onwards

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Event Location

Dong Valley, Anjaw
Arunachal Pradesh

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Tickets

Click here to purchase!
Selling Out Fast!

Sunrise Festival 2025-26 Official Website

EXPERIENCE THE FIRST SUNRISE OF INDIA

Welcome to Sunrise Festival Dong, Arunachal, the first-ever New Year festival in Arunachal Pradesh designed around the magical moment when the first sunrise of India lights up the eastern sky.

Nestled where the Lohit River meets the Himalayan foothills, Dong is one of the most offbeat New Year destinations in India, perfect for travellers seeking peace, culture, adventure, and a soulful connection with nature.

As the world sleeps, the mountains of Dong glow with the first rays of hope. The sky shifts from deep blue to fiery gold, marking the moment of the first sunrise in India.

Every year, travellers come here to experience this life-changing moment — but this year, it becomes a festival.

why dong is special

INDIA'S FIRST SUNRISE

Be the first in the country to greet the New Year sun. A rare chance to witness the earliest sunrise in India. A moment that marks a new beginning

SUNRISE TREK

Trek under a sky full of stars before dawn. Reach the ridge where India awakens. Nature’s stage — just for you.

CULTURE ADVENTURE

Celebrate with the Meyor tribe and many others. Music, stories, food, and heritage as bright as the dawn. Culture that glows.

Offbeat New Year Destination

Skip the crowds and city chaos. Welcome the year with peace, mountains, and golden skies. A New Year you will always remember.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

The First Surya Namaskar of 2026

Welcome the New Year by greeting the Sun before anyone else in India — a powerful and spiritual sunrise ritual at Dong’s sacred viewpoint.

Live Music & Cultural Performances

Feel the rhythm of Arunachal through traditional dances, folk music, and soulful live performances under starry Himalayan skies.

Food + Local Craft Showcase

Taste indigenous flavours and discover handcrafted artistry from the Meyor community and other tribes — truly culture served fresh.

festival schedule

29 December 2025 – 2 January 2026**
Your gateway to the most soulful New Year experience in India.

Day 1- ArrivalS & Warm Welcome

Theme: Arrivals • Settling In • Warm Welcome

Highlight: To connect, relax and absorb the vibe of the place

Festival Opens : 3 PM

3:00 PM — Gates Open, Check-ins begin

Welcome traditional opening ritual – drums or other instrument
Performances by the local indigenous communities
Acoustic sundown sessions
Quiet hours / Conversations / Stargazing night

A gentle, slow-starting day focused on grounding everyone.

Day 2 — CULTURE • CREATION • EXPERIENCES

THEME: CULTURE • CREATION • EXPERIENCES

HIGHLIGHT : TO EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE, CONNECT WITH THE LOCALS AND LIVE THEIR
EXPERIENCE THROUGH CONVERSATIONS, VISITS AND GUIDED WALK TOURS THROUGH THEIR FARMS
AND KITCHENS.

MORNING

EARLY MORNING GUIDED TREK TO THE SUNRISE POINT (THOSE INTERESTED)
MEDITATION AT THE POINT / SUN SALUTATIONS
SUNRISE RITUAL (IF ANY) BY THE TRIBE’S SHAMAN OR ELDERLY
YOGA (IN THE MAIN VENUE)

LATE MORNING / AFTERNOON

VILLAGE CYCLING TOURS / WALK TOURS
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
TRADITIONAL SPORTS
JAMMING SESSIONS (IN THE VENUE)
LIVE PAINTING SESSIONS
INSTALLATION WORK IN PROGRESS – SUN THEMED
BUNKER EXPERIENCES
CRAFT WORKSHOPS IN THE VILLAGE OR THE VENUE — WHATEVER IS CONVENIENT. CAN ALSO INCLUDE BOTH.
STORYTELLING SESSIONS: LEGENDS OF THE FIRST LIGHT
FILM SCREENING

EVENING / LATE NIGHT

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
ARMY BAND
SUNSET MUSIC PERFORMANCE: INVITED ARTISTS, ETC.

Day 3 — ADVENTURE • CELEBRATION • NEW YEAR’S EVE

THEME:
ADVENTURE • CELEBRATION • NEW YEAR’S EVE

HIGHLIGHT :
TO TIME THE DAY ACCORDING TO THE SUN’S MOVEMENT. GOING BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN.
SUN AS THE FORCE TO LEAD.

MORNING

Day begins early with guided sunrise trek / bird watching trail
Meditation / yoga
Rafting
Nature hike
Guided forest walks
Photography expedition (can be anytime)

AFTERNOON

Music residency showcases like:
1. Small sets by visiting & local artists
2. Jam sessions with traditional instruments
Craft making
Live painting sessions
Bunker experiences
Traditional sports
Village tours
Photography tours
Installation art in progress work
Film screening and discussion
Storytelling sessions by the Army

EVENING

Barter with the Sun ritual: participants exchange small symbolic items or wishes with the Sun as the Sun descends (concept in progress)
Ethnic dress show
Chill sun-timed event: a music + conversation blend aligned with the lowering Sun
Cultural dances
Music concert – invited artist / DJ

Day 4 — FIRST SUNRISE OF THE YEAR • RENEWAL

THEME:
ADVENTURE • CELEBRATION • NEW YEAR’S EVE

HIGHLIGHT :
TO TIME THE DAY ACCORDING TO THE SUN’S MOVEMENT. GOING BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN.
SUN AS THE FORCE TO LEAD.

MORNING

Day begins early with guided sunrise trek / bird watching trail
Meditation / yoga
Rafting
Nature hike
Guided forest walks
Photography expedition (can be anytime)

AFTERNOON

Music residency showcases like:
1. Small sets by visiting & local artists
2. Jam sessions with traditional instruments
Craft making
Live painting sessions
Bunker experiences
Traditional sports
Village tours
Photography tours
Installation art in progress work
Film screening and discussion
Storytelling sessions by the Army

EVENING

Barter with the Sun ritual: participants exchange small symbolic items or wishes with the Sun as the Sun descends (concept in progress)
Ethnic dress show
Chill sun-timed event: a music + conversation blend aligned with the lowering Sun
Cultural dances
Music concert – invited artist / DJ

Day 5 — CLOSING • GRATITUDE

THEME: CLOSING • GRATITUDE

Morning

Final sunrise walk / trek / bird watching
Meditation
Yoga

Afternoon

Community gifting & gratitude ritual (details to be finalised)
Felicitating the participating locals, volunteers, guides, etc.
Felicitating the local performer
Gifting a Sunrise Festival identity to the village headman /
Or handing over the completed installation to the land

Evening – Early Closing

Final show / concert

i 3 Festival Schedule

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an ILP (Inner Line Permit) to attend?

Yes, all non-Arunachali Indian citizens must obtain an ILP to enter Arunachal Pradesh.
We will share guidance and quick-apply links shortly after ticket confirmation.

How cold will it be? What should I pack?

Late December and early January in Dong can get very cold, often 0°C to 6°C during sunrise hours.
Essentials include:
• Thermal layers + windproof jacket
• Proper trekking shoes
• Gloves + warm cap
• Flashlight/headlamp for the pre-dawn trek

How difficult is the Dong Sunrise Trek? Can beginners join?

The trek is considered easy to moderate — suitable for beginners in good health.
Local trained guides will lead the early-morning ascent, and safety instructions will be provided beforehand.

How do I reach Dong?

You can fly to Tezu (closest) or Dibrugarh, then continue by road to Walong/Dong. Travel guidance will be shared after ticket booking.

Is accommodation included in the ticket price?

Accommodation is not included in the festival pass at the moment.
However, we will share a curated list of homestays, camps, and local lodges in and around Walong & Dong for guests to choose from.

Is this a music festival or a cultural event?

Music & performances are included — but it is mainly a nature + culture + community experience around the first sunrise of the year.

What are the festival dates?

29 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
A 5-day experience: treks, cultural shows & New Year celebrations

Where exactly is the Sunrise Festival happening?

The festival takes place in Dong Valley, Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh — India’s first sunrise point. It is close to the India–China–Myanmar tri-junction, making the sunrise experience truly unique.

Where is the festival located?

The festival takes place in Dong Valley, Walong — Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh — India’s easternmost habitable village.Where is the festival located?
The festival takes place in Dong Valley, Walong — Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh — India’s easternmost habitable village.

Where will we stay during the festival?

Official festival accommodation offers Camping tents at Base Camp near Dong, with different comfort categories — Dome, Alpine, Swiss & Premium tents.

Be Among the First to Welcome 2026 Under the First Sunrise of India

Limited passes available — secure your New Year’s adventure before they’re gone!

Early Bird Passes — Limited Time Pricing!

Join an unforgettable 5-day cultural + nature celebration in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. Sunrise trek, Surya Namaskar, music, food, crafts — all in one epic experience.

Buy Festival Pass