Roing is the headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley at about 390 m, roughly 140 km and 4 hours from Dibrugarh via the Dhola-Sadiya bridge. Mayodia Pass, 56 km and about 3 hours above it, sits at 2,655 m and gets snow from December to February. Indians need an eILP, foreigners a PAP.
Roing is a flat, green town at the foot of the Mishmi Hills, home to the Idu Mishmi and Adi communities. It used to be a long way from anywhere; since the 9.15 km Dhola-Sadiya bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu) opened across the Lohit, it is a half-day drive from Dibrugarh.
Most visitors come for Mayodia. The road from Roing climbs 56 km through forest and switchbacks to a pass at 2,655 m, one of the lowest-altitude places in Arunachal to get regular winter snow. From December to February we have driven into fresh snow here while Roing below stayed green. It is also a well-known birding road.
Around Roing itself are Mehao Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary, Sally Lake, the Nehru Van Udyan garden on the Deopani river and the brick ruins at Bhismaknagar, 30 km away, one of the oldest archaeological sites in the state.
What makes it worth the trip
Mayodia Pass
A 2,655 m pass 56 km from Roing, with snow from December to February and wide views over the Mishmi Hills.
Mehao Lake and Sanctuary
A forest lake inside Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, reached on a guided trek from Roing.
Bhismaknagar
Brick fort ruins about 30 km from Roing, an important archaeological and mythological site.
Nehru Van Udyan and Sally Lake
A riverside garden with orchids and cacti, and a small lake just outside town.
Dhola-Sadiya bridge
At 9.15 km, the longest bridge over water in India, on the drive in from Assam.
Anu007bora · Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
ঈশান জ্যোতি বৰা · Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Anu007bora · Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Medhi jyoti · Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Things to do
- Drive up to Mayodia early in the morning for snow and views
- Spend a night at Mayodia in winter if you can accept basic facilities
- Bird the Roing–Mayodia road with a local guide
- Trek to Mehao Lake with a forest guide
- Visit the ruins at Bhismaknagar
- Walk around Nehru Van Udyan and Sally Lake
- Time a visit for the Idu Mishmi Reh festival on 1 February
Getting there
From Dibrugarh, drive about 100 km to the Dhola end of the Dhola-Sadiya bridge, cross it, and continue about 35 km to Roing: roughly 140 km and 4 hours in all, with the eILP checked at the Arunachal border. Dibrugarh has the nearest major airport and railhead; Tezu airport, about 59 km from Roing, has limited regional flights. From Roing, Mayodia is 56 km and about 3 hours; drive it in daylight only, and use a 4x4 with chains in snow. The road beyond towards Anini can close after heavy snow. Check current status before you travel.
Where to stay
Roing has small hotels, government guesthouses and a few homestays and riverside camps, which are the practical base. At Mayodia, stays are very limited: a basic guesthouse known as the Coffee House, an inspection bungalow and a few small homestays, with power often only in the evening from a generator. If you stay up there in winter, bring a warm sleeping bag and extra layers, and confirm your booking before you drive up. Most travellers visit Mayodia on a day trip from Roing.
Local tips
- Leave Roing for Mayodia by 7 am and return before dark
- Snow chains and a 4x4 are needed after fresh snow; ask your driver
- Carry cash from Dibrugarh or Roing; there are no ATMs at Mayodia
- Mobile signal is patchy on the Mayodia road and weak at the pass
- Carry food and water; shops on the road are few
- Snow and road status change daily in winter; check current status before you travel
Rain and weather
Source: IMD normals
December to February for snow at Mayodia (heaviest in January–February); November and March for clearer roads and views.
