Nestled in the westernmost folds of Arunachal Pradesh, Shergaon is a village that feels like a secret kept by the mountains. Home to the Sherdukpen tribe, this lush valley is a symphony of apple orchards, pine forests, handwoven textiles, and deeply held traditions that flow through every household like heirlooms.

Shergaon isn’t just beautiful — it’s composed. It offers a way of life that is slow, seasonal, and softly spoken. For travelers looking to pause, observe, and immerse, this village opens its arms without ever raising its voice.

A Village Rooted in Rhythms

Shergaon lies en route to the famed Tawang circuit, yet it remains relatively untouched by tourist traffic. That’s what makes it so special. Villagers still gather around fire pits in the evening, the monastery bell still marks the passing hours, and the forest trails whisper with the scent of pine and silence.

Come spring, the orchards bloom — apples, plums, and pears painting the valley in tender shades. But Shergaon is more than just flora. It is a village where storytelling is still alive, often passed on through textiles, murals, and rituals — and most vividly during its vibrant community festivals.

The Sherdukpen Legacy

The Sherdukpen tribe follows a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and indigenous animistic traditions. Their rituals are a quiet resistance to homogenized culture. You’ll see elders in traditional attire conducting seasonal ceremonies to thank the forest, rivers, and skies — reminding us that faith can be intimate, not institutional.

A visit to Lhagyala Gompa, perched on a quiet hill, brings you face to face with centuries-old murals and the everyday practice of mindfulness.

Experiences Worth Staying For

  • Hike the village trails into the nearby forests — rich in orchids, medicinal herbs, and birdsong.
  • Visit traditional looms where Sherdukpen women weave wool into motifs that tell origin tales.
  • Spend a morning in the fields with a local family, understanding the rhythms of seasonal farming.
  • Attend Choskar Festival, if you’re lucky — a celebration of community harvests and prayers for prosperity.

Food that Feels Like Home

Shergaon’s food is earthy and seasonal — thenthuk, fermented bamboo shoot curry, and buckwheat rotis are staples. Meals here are stories on a plate, often served with herbal teas brewed from foraged leaves. Everything is cooked slow, shared wide, and eaten warm — usually by a crackling fire.

Travel Thoughtfully

Shergaon asks little from you, but gives a lot. Respect the quiet — don’t play loud music or enter sacred sites without permission. Choose local homestays. Don’t litter, even on hikes. Most of all, listen. Shergaon doesn’t shout — it hums.

The quietest places often carry the oldest truths.”