“Into the mountains we went, walked along streams of gurgling waters
dappled in sunlight and mist.
Lost in the forest of old trees, we counted 32 shades of green at a glance
while birds with iridescent feathers flit among juniper trees.
Climbed steep slopes full of pine and rhododendron to
explore ancient ruins.
Hopped over boulders smoothened by the river, to wade under the waterfall
and skipped pebbles by a meadow while horses grazed nearby.
Hostesses offered butter tea and showed their finery while
kids played with furry puppies.
Swayed on suspension bridges, decorated with colourful prayer flags to
light oil lamps in a 500-years-old Buddhist monastery and expressed our gratitude.
Slept in a farm full of apple trees, sheep, rainbow trout and oh the view
made me realize it didn’t matter if we were 50 and 12, nature enthralled us all.
Good God! Did we just spend two days in paradise?”
Composed with my children then aged 11 and 12, we were so enchanted by the idyllic beauty of Shergaon, the old village and farmlife.
Shergaon is tucked in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, where alpine forests meet river valleys.
It is home to tribal communities with strong Buddhist influences, notably the Sherdukpen and nearby groups.
Remote and verdant, the village is framed by pine and rhododendron slopes and clear mountain streams.
Prayer-flag-draped suspension bridges, old monasteries and welcoming homestays make it a gentle mountain escape.
Two days at a farm in Shergaon — the highlights
Arrival and farm life: We were welcomed with butter tea and warm smiles. The farm has apple orchards, grazing sheep and horses, waddling ducks, and a rainbow trout nursery fed by icy mountain spring water. Kids loved watching fingerlings dart about and feeding animals; the orchard and meadow felt like a safe, endless playground.
Afternoon calm:
A short stroll brought us to a prayer-flagged suspension bridge with a valley view. Back on the farm we tasted home-cooked food and listened to stories from our hosts as the stream sang us to sleep.
Trek to ruins and the monastery:
On day two we did a family-friendly climb through pine and rhododendron to explore ancient stone foundations — the quiet imprint of an old settlement. The route is steep in places but short, with plenty of stops for birdwatching and flower-spotting.
We visited one of the area’s oldest monasteries and, as the children insisted, lit a little butter lamp — a small, reverent moment that suited the place perfectly.
Forest walk and waterfall:
From the monastery a shaded trail led deeper into the woods. We hopped over boulders smoothed by water, waded shallow streams, and followed trails strewn with moss and ferns. The trail opened to a cool waterfall with a calm pool — perfect for paddling and picnicking. Simple pleasures: skipping pebbles, splashing, and watching horses graze nearby.
Why Shergaon is perfect for families with small children:
– Short, varied walks (orchard, stream, meadow, ruins) keep little legs engaged without long treks.
– Hands-on farm life (feeding animals, seeing trout nursery) makes learning tactile and fun.
– Safe natural play areas: shallow stream pools, grassy meadows, and gentle trails.
– Cultural moments (butter tea, lighting a butter lamp) are accessible and memorable for kids.
Practical tips:
– Permits: Check current rules for Inner Line Permits to Arunachal Pradesh and local travel requirements.
– Best time: Late spring to autumn for comfortable weather and fruit seasons; avoid heavy monsoon months.
– Clothes & gear: Layers for cool evenings, sturdy shoes for stream crossings, and sun protection.
– Respect local customs: Ask before photographing people or sacred sites; be quiet in monasteries.
– Small gifts: Practical items or simple toys for local children are often appreciated.
Final thought
Shergaon felt like two days of slowed time — a farm day, a little trek, a monastery hush, and a waterfall splash. For families with small children it’s an easy, enriching escape where nature, simple farm life and warm hospitality make every moment feel like a small discovery.
