The Dhola–Sadiya Bridge, also called the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, crosses the Lohit river for about 9.15 km. It opened in May 2017 and made Roing a few hours' drive from Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.
Source: Dhola–Sadiya Bridge
Town in Arunachal
Roing
Idu Mishmi foothills below the snows of Mayudia
Roing is the headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley, a foothill town at about 390 m where the Idu Mishmi hills meet the Assam plains. It is the base for Mayudia pass, which gets snow in winter, the Mehao Lake hike and the old brick ruins of Bhismaknagar. Stay 2–3 nights between November and March.
Photo: Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditio… · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsRoing lies at the foot of the Mishmi Hills, where rivers from the Dibang valley spread out towards the Brahmaputra. It is a quiet district town of government offices, a market and wide streets, but within an hour you can be in dense forest, at a mountain lake, or climbing towards Mayudia, a pass at about 2,655 m on the road north to Anini that is often white with snow from December to February.
This is the home of the Idu Mishmi, whose shamanic traditions, woven textiles and knowledge of the forest are distinctive. Their main festival, Reh, is held in early February. Adi and other communities also live around Roing, and the plains to the south have a long history: the brick ruins at Bhismaknagar, a short drive away, belong to a fortified town of the medieval Chutiya kingdom.
Getting here became much easier in 2017, when the Dhola–Sadiya bridge across the Lohit opened and cut hours off the road from Tinsukia and Dibrugarh. Roing is low and warm, so the comfortable season runs from October to March. Use it for two or three nights: one day for Mayudia, one for Mehao Lake or the sanctuary, and one for Bhismaknagar and the town.
Say it like a local · Idu MishmiIgu
shaman and priest who leads rituals and festivals
What to do in Roing
Mayudia pass
About 56 km north of Roing on the road to Anini, Mayudia climbs to around 2,655 m and is one of the easiest places in eastern Arunachal to see snow, usually between December and February. Roads can close after heavy falls.
Mehao Lake
A forest lake inside Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, reached by a steep walk of several hours from near Roing. The trail climbs through evergreen forest; go with a local guide and forest permission, and start early.
Bhismaknagar ruins
About 30 km from Roing, brick walls, gateways and a raised palace complex mark a fortified town of the Chutiya kingdom. The site, excavated by archaeologists, is linked in local tradition with King Bhismaka of the Mahabharata.
Idu Mishmi culture
The Idu Mishmi are known for their igu shamans, finely woven textiles and the Reh festival in early February. A local guide can arrange a respectful village visit and explain customs.
The Dhola–Sadiya bridge
Crossing the Lohit on the way in, this 9.15 km bridge, opened in 2017, is one of the longest in India. On a clear day the Mishmi Hills rise directly ahead.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Roing
Bhismaknagar near Roing is an archaeological site with brick fortifications and a palace complex attributed to the Chutiya kingdom. Local tradition links it with King Bhismaka, father of Rukmini in the Mahabharata.
Source: Bhismaknagar
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, which rises directly behind Roing, protects forest from the foothills to high ridges and contains Mehao Lake. It was declared a sanctuary in 1980.
Source: Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
Experiences
Three days worth having in Roing
Photo: Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditio… · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Roing · Full day
A snow day at Mayudia pass
Drive 56 km up from Roing's warm foothills to Mayudia at about 2,655 m, where snow usually lies from December to Februa…
Taxi ₹3,500–5,000 per vehicle return
Photo: Rohit Naniwadekar · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Roing · Full day
Forest hike to Mehao Lake
Climb through evergreen forest inside Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary to a lake in the hills above Roing, with a local guide, …
Guide ₹1,500–2,500; forest permission fee extra
Photo: Arunachal2007 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Roing · Half day
The brick ruins of Bhismaknagar
Walk the fortifications, gateways and palace mound of a medieval Chutiya town in the forest near Roing, a site that loc…
Taxi ₹1,500–2,500 return; entry free or small fee
Real prices
What things cost in Roing
ItemIndicative 2026
Shared Sumo seat, Tinsukia–Roing₹300–500
Taxi day trip to Mayudia₹3,500–5,000 per vehicle
Hotel or homestay room in Roing₹1,500–3,500 a night for a double
Local guide for Mehao Lake₹1,500–2,500 a day
Taxi to Bhismaknagar and back₹1,500–2,500 per vehicle
Plate of rice with local curry₹150–300
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Roing
Air
Dibrugarh airport is the usual gateway, about 150 km and 4 hours via Tinsukia and the Dhola–Sadiya bridge. Tezu, further east, has a small airport with limited regional flights; check current status before you travel.
Bus
Shared Sumos run from Tinsukia and Dibrugarh to Roing, and buses connect Roing with Pasighat and Tezu. Tinsukia is the nearest major railway station. Buy Sumo seats at the stand early in the morning.
Road
From Tinsukia the road crosses the Dhola–Sadiya bridge and enters Arunachal near the Sadiya side, about 120 km and 3–3.5 hours in all. The Inner Line Permit is checked on entry. From Pasighat allow 4–6 hours, depending on bridges and road works.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Roing
Saver: simple hotels and family homestays in Roing charge about ₹1,500–2,500 a night for a double; ask locally, as the options change. Comfort: a few better hotels and homestays in and around town have attached bathrooms and hot water. Signature: Roing has no luxury hotel. On private trips we use the most comfortable room available and add a local guide and vehicle for Mayudia and Mehao.
Questions
Roing, answered
How do I reach Roing?
Fly to Dibrugarh or take a train to Tinsukia, then drive across the Dhola–Sadiya bridge to Roing, about 3–4 hours. Shared Sumos run from Tinsukia and Dibrugarh for about ₹300–500 a seat. Permits are checked on entry to Arunachal.
Do I need a permit for Roing and Mayudia?
Yes. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit listing Lower Dibang Valley, and Dibang Valley if you go beyond Mayudia to Anini. Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit. Check current status before you travel.
When is the best time to see snow at Mayudia?
December to February, with January often the most reliable. Snow depends on the weather each year. Ask your driver or hotel in Roing the evening before; heavy snow can close the road.
What is the best time to visit Roing?
October to March, when it is dry and comfortable. December to February adds the chance of snow at Mayudia, and early February brings the Reh festival. April to September is hot and wet, with heavy monsoon rain.
How many days should I spend in Roing?
Two or three nights: one day for Mayudia, one for Mehao Lake or Bhismaknagar, and time in town. Roing pairs well with Namdapha to the south-east and Pasighat to the west.
What is the Reh festival?
Reh is the main festival of the Idu Mishmi, held in early February with rituals led by igu shamans, feasting and dances. It is celebrated in Roing and villages of the Dibang valley. Ask before photographing rituals.
Are there ATMs and mobile network in Roing?
Yes. Roing has ATMs and 4G from major networks. Signal fades on the climb to Mayudia and beyond. Carry cash for the day trips.
Is Roing suitable for families?
Yes. The town is calm, Bhismaknagar and the riverbanks are easy outings, and children enjoy the snow at Mayudia. Skip the Mehao Lake hike with young children; it is steep and long.
Is Roing safe?
Yes. Roing is a quiet district town. The main risks are on the roads: ice and snow at Mayudia in winter, landslides in the monsoon and unlit roads at night. Travel with local drivers in winter.