The Indian Army has launched an adventure trek to Tri Junction in Arunachal Pradesh ahead of the 64th Walong Day. The commemorative events honour soldiers who fought the 1962 Battle of Walong, with a half marathon planned to remember their sacrifice.
The Indian Army has launched an adventure trek to Tri Junction in Arunachal Pradesh as part of the commemorative events marking the 64th Walong Day, honouring the courage, determination and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought during the historic Battle of Walong in the 1962 India-China War.
A formation under the Indian Army’s Spear Corps flagged off the trek on Monday, bringing together participants from different parts of the country. The programme is part of a series of activities organised to remember the soldiers who defended the Walong sector against Chinese forces despite difficult terrain, limited resources and overwhelming odds.
According to the event announcement, participants will undertake trekking activities leading up to November 12, ahead of Walong Day, observed on November 14. The commemorative programme also includes the Walong Half Marathon 2026, scheduled for October 27 in the Lohit Valley. The marathon carries the theme “Run for the Bravehearts – Remember Walong”, reflecting the Army’s effort to connect historical remembrance with public participation and adventure activities.
The events aim to preserve the memory of the Battle of Walong while encouraging people, particularly younger generations, to learn about the military history of India’s eastern frontier.
Remembering the Battle of Walong
The Battle of Walong was one of the significant engagements of the 1962 India-China War. Fighting in the Walong sector began in October 1962, when Chinese forces launched attacks against Indian positions in the eastern region of the then North-East Frontier Agency, now Arunachal Pradesh.
On October 21, 1962, Chinese troops attacked Indian positions around Kibithu, approximately 40 kilometres from Walong. Indian soldiers faced a much larger attacking force supported by artillery and automatic weapons. As pressure mounted, Indian troops were required to withdraw from forward positions and consolidate their defences around Walong.
However, the Indian Army continued to resist the Chinese advance through a series of determined engagements. One notable action took place on October 23, when Delta Company of the 6 Kumaon Regiment, led by Lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore, ambushed Chinese troops near a hanging bridge across Namti Nullah, around five kilometres from Walong.
The engagement demonstrated the determination of Indian troops to defend their positions despite the numerical and equipment disadvantages they faced.
In November, Indian forces launched attacks against Chinese defences in the Walong sector. The fighting around the ridges and approaches to Walong became particularly intense as Chinese forces reinforced their positions. Indian soldiers continued to resist despite limited ammunition, difficult supply conditions and a lack of adequate artillery and air support.
The fighting continued until Indian troops were eventually ordered to withdraw from their positions in mid-November. Although Chinese forces gained control of Walong, the Indian Army’s resistance delayed their advance and became an enduring part of India’s military history.
The Chinese government subsequently announced a unilateral ceasefire on November 21, 1962, bringing the wider conflict to a halt.
War memorials preserve the legacy
Today, several memorials in the Walong region commemorate the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during the 1962 conflict. Important sites include the Walong War Memorial, Helmet Top Post War Memorial and Kibithu Hut of Remembrance Memorial.
Located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district, Walong remains a place of historical significance because of its association with the battle and the bravery displayed by Indian troops. The nearby Namti Valley also stands as a reminder of the intense fighting that took place in the region.
The commemorative trekking programme offers participants an opportunity to experience the challenging landscape while learning about the events that unfolded there more than six decades ago.
| Also Read: India Wins Record 114 Medals at Asian Para Games 2026 |
Through the adventure trek, half marathon and other commemorative activities, the Indian Army seeks to honour the legacy of the soldiers of Walong and keep their stories alive for future generations.
The 64th Walong Day observances also bring attention to Arunachal Pradesh’s historical landmarks and the region’s potential for adventure tourism. By combining remembrance, physical endurance and historical awareness, the programme seeks to ensure that the courage and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in 1962 continue to be remembered across the country.
