The Indian Army will organise a pilgrimage journey to the sacred high-altitude location of Topo Gonov peak (also known as Topo Gone) along the McMahon Line in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district in a historic partnership that combines cultural preservation, spiritual heritage, and national security.
“Indian Army and Galo Welfare Society (GWS) have finalised the roadmap for the historic Topo Gonov pilgrimage (2,900 m) from January 19–24, 2026,” a spokesperson for the Defence Ministry said.”It is a landmark collaboration to preserve Galo heritage, spirituality and ensure safe passage to this sacred high-altitude site in Arunachal Pradesh,” he stated. Due to its difficult terrain, Topo Gonov, which is revered in Galo mythology as a sacred sanctuary for prayer, customary ceremonies, and ancestral link, has long remained mainly inaccessible.
The spokesperson stated that the Indian army is dedicated to making sure the pilgrimage is carried out with the highest standards of safety, dignity, and logistical accuracy. Moi Bagra, chairman of GWS Research and Documentation, discussed the Topo Gonov’s historical significance and how it has functioned as an important ancestral landmark that represents the Galo people’s tenacity and legacy.
Priest Mogi Ori underlined the expedition’s religious significance and its goal of re-establishing the community’s connection to a spiritual meridian that has long been difficult to reach due to geography.
The development of tourism infrastructure, the reinforcement of national security and territorial sovereignty, and the opening of the area for civilian access by the Defence and Home Ministry were all considered during the meeting.
