Kundao Tso: Where India Begins, and Belongs

Far beyond the busy cities and mainstream roads, in the easternmost corner of India, lies a place that is untouched by time — Kundao Tso. Nestled high in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, near the quiet border village of Kibithu, this serene lake holds not just water, but a quiet truth: this land, this beauty, this silence — it has always been an integral part of India’s rich heritage.

The journey to Kundao Tso is long and winding, about 250 km from Tezu, but every mile tells a story. Through misty roads and mountain passes, you reach a land where the sun first rises on Indian soil. It’s here, at this tranquil lake, that you feel something deeper — a connection not just to nature, but to the soul of the nation.

Nearby stands the Walong War Memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who fought during the 1962 Indo-China war. Their courage wasn’t just about defending borders — it was about protecting the very essence of a land that has always been part of India’s heritage and history. The silence at the memorial speaks of both pride and sacrifice, echoing through the hills.

But Kundao Tso is not only shaped by history. It is alive with life and belonging. The Meyor tribe, one of India’s proud indigenous communities, calls this region home. Their traditions, language, and way of life are rooted deeply in the land. Their stories are not separate from India — they are a part of its living culture. Their prayers rise with the morning mist, just as they have for generations. There are no big hotels or tourist crowds here. Just open skies, warm smiles, and the kind of peace that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’re a traveler, a writer, or someone from Arunachal rediscovering your roots, Kundao Tso offers more than just views — it offers clarity.

So come. Stand where India wakes first. Watch the sunrise break over still waters. Feel the wind move through a land that doesn’t ask to belong — because it always has. Because in Kundao Tso, the land doesn’t just reflect the sky. It reflects India — quietly, proudly, magnificiently.

🧭 How to Get There

• Nearest Town: Tezu, the district headquarters of Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh.

• Distance: Kundao Tso is approximately 250 km from Tezu, via Hayuliang and Kibithu.

• Route: From Tezu, take the road towards Hayuliang and continue to Kibithu, India’s easternmost village. From there, Kundao Tso is a short journey further ahead.

• Permits: Indian nationals do not require permits. Foreign nationals must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November, when the skies are clear and roads are accessible.