Tezu is a vibrant, culturally rich census town and the administrative headquarters of the Lohit district in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Situated on the banks of the Lohit River, it serves as a vital gateway to the easternmost reaches of the Indian Himalayas. The town is highly regarded for its breathtaking natural beauty, blending lush river valleys with the dramatic backdrop of the Mishmi Hills.
Tezu is predominantly known as the heartland of the Mishmi tribes (specifically the Digaru and Miju Mishmis), who have inhabited the region for centuries and maintain a rich heritage of weaving, agriculture, and traditional festivals. Furthermore, Tezu is notable for hosting one of India's oldest Tibetan refugee settlements, established in the 1960s, which adds a distinct layer of Buddhist culture and architecture to the area.
Historically somewhat isolated due to the mighty Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers, Tezu has gained immense strategic and economic significance in recent years following major infrastructure upgrades, most notably the inauguration of the Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) and the operationalization of the Tezu Airport. Today, it stands as an important regional hub for administration, trade, military logistics, and emerging eco-tourism.