Kibithu

Location

It is uniquely located on the trijunction, with China to the north and Myanmar to the east.

People

The people of Kibithu township and its adjoining villages are hardworking, simple and very cooperative. The town is dominated by Meyor tribe. However, some people of Nepali origin have also settled there. Major source of income includes business and tourism. Squash, Rice, garlic, onion, potato, etc. are grown in abundance here.

Hotspring

The residents of the hotspring town, on the nearby Dichu River, dwell in some of the most luxurious and beautiful conditions in India. It is connected by all weather 2 lane road to kibithu and is a major tourist attraction from April to November. The best thing to enjoy is a natural hotspring. Local delicacies include tuna and wild goat. During winters, people may enjoy snow related sports, however, proper infrastructure is yet to be developed by the govt in this regard.

Scenic drive

It is amongst the most beautiful towns of Arunachal Pradesh with dozens of rivulets and waterfalls. They make the entire journey of about 230 km from Tezu to Kibthu highly romantic and picturesque. At regular intervals, road side dhabas and fast food joints are available. The local tea (namak chai) prepared with ghee, salt, milk and some local herbs are not to be missed.

Trekking

Trekking from Kibithu to Taluk pass on the Myanmar border is most demanding as one has to encounter many natural hurdles. Along this route one finds many useful herbs (some almost magical), orchids, wild life, hotsprings and remains of a crashed vintage 1950s aircraft hanging precariously above the pass. Kibithu also serves as starting point for white water rafting (level 5). The mountain peaks around Kibthu range from 10,000 ft to 16,000 ft. These mountains are hard to climb because of their steep sides.

Nature lovers would find kibithu, the mecca of adventure sports. The major attractions being rock climbing, bunjee jumping and trekking through moist deciduous forest.

Hanging Bridge

One of the hanging bridges at Kibithu is situated high above the Lohit River and requires strong nerves to cross during the high winds. The bridge is a major challenge for the persons seeking adventure, conquering the fear to move to the middle of the bridge while it sways dangerously sideways. However, permission is required to get access to the bridge. Going till the middle of the bridge and clicking selfies is worth the trouble.

History

Kibithu was at the heart of the Sino-Indian war of 1962 and it served as the entry/launching point of the Chinese attack in the region. Many Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives there before slaying approximately 4000 Chinese troops at Namti (the battle of Walong). The Chinese army still has a sizable deployment of troops opposite Kibithu Tatu, Tithang and at Rongtu Chu valley west of Tithang (Rima). The entire Chinese deployment opposite Kibithu is maintained via the Rau transit point.

Prior to 1962 Indians were supplying rice and other rations from Kibithu to Rima cooperative for Tibetan villagers. These rations were ultimately consumed by Chinese PLA troops during their deployment before 1962 war.

Transport

The 2,000-kilometre-long (1,200 mi) proposed Mago-Thingbu to Vijaynagar Arunachal Pradesh Frontier Highway along the McMahon Line, (will intersect with the proposed East-West Industrial Corridor Highway) and will pass through this district, alignment map of which can be seen here and here.