East Arunachal Ride
Dong to Anini — the far east of India, where the country sees first light.
About This Tour
Sixteen days into the least-ridden corner of India. From Dibrugarh in Assam we cross into eastern Arunachal for Dong — the valley that catches India's first sunrise — then work north through Roing and Karo to Anini, one of the most remote road-heads in the country. The return arcs west through Aalo to the hidden valley of Mechuka, close to the Tibetan frontier. Expect river crossings, landslide-prone mountain roads, tribal villages that rarely see visitors, and scenery almost nobody has photographed. Inner Line Permits and all logistics handled by us.
Highlights
- Dong — the first place in India to see the sunrise
- Anini and the remote Dibang valley
- The hidden frontier valley of Mechuka
- Walong and the old WWII frontier trail
- Idu Mishmi and Memba village hospitality
- Roads almost no rider has done
Best Season
Oct–Apr
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Dibrugarh
Fly into Dibrugarh in upper Assam. Bike handover, gear check, permit paperwork and a ride briefing over dinner.
Dibrugarh to Dong
The long haul east across the Brahmaputra plains and up into the Lohit valley to Dong — the easternmost inhabited valley in India. Roughly 10 hours in the saddle.
Dong — first light of India
A pre-dawn walk to the point that catches India's earliest sunrise, then local riding around the Lohit valley and Walong.
Dong & the Lohit valley
More of the frontier: river confluences, WWII-era Walong battlefield sites, and quiet villages near the McMahon Line.
Dong to Roing
Back down the Lohit and west to Roing, on the edge of the Dibang valley. Long, scenic and slow.
Roing to Karo
Into the Dibang valley proper — forest, bridges and broken tarmac as the road narrows toward the interior.
Karo to Anini
A short but demanding run to Anini, headquarters of the Dibang Valley district and one of India's remotest road-heads.
Anini — Dibang valley
Local exploring around Anini: waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the Idu Mishmi villages of the upper Dibang.
Anini — rest & ride
A slower day to recover, with an optional short ride to nearby viewpoints and river valleys.
Anini to Roing
Retrace the Dibang valley road back down to Roing — a long day on rough surfaces.
Roing to Aalo
West across the Siang river country to the town of Aalo (Along), gateway to the western valleys.
Aalo to Mechuka
The climb into the Mechuka valley near the Tibetan frontier — one of the most beautiful and least-visited valleys in India.
Mechuka
A full day in the valley: the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha monastery, Memba villages, the Siyom river and the high meadows.
Mechuka to Aalo
Back down the valley road to Aalo, with plenty of stops for the views you rode past on the way up.
Aalo to Dibrugarh
Out of the hills and across the plains to Dibrugarh. Bike handover and a farewell dinner.
Depart Dibrugarh
Transfer to the airport for onward flights.
What's Included
Included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan (or upgrade)
- Lead + sweep rider
- Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh
- Accommodation as per itinerary (hotels, guest houses & homestays)
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Fuel for the route
- Support vehicle with mechanic and spares
- First-aid and oxygen support
- Ride photos
Not Included
- Flights to / from Dibrugarh
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal riding gear
- Lunches & personal snacks
- Any expense due to landslides, weather or road closures
- Tips for the crew