Image Source: SaniyaChaplod
About Shergaon
Tucked in the serene West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, the village of Shergaon is a hidden paradise for nature lovers, foodies, and culture seekers. Known for its lush apple and kiwi orchards, Shergaon offers a unique blend of alpine charm and tribal heritage.
Surrounded by pine-clad hills and kissed by crisp mountain air, this quaint settlement is home to the Sherdukpen tribe, whose lives and livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the land’s seasonal bounty.
Apple & Kiwi Orchard Experience
Come harvest season, Shergaon’s orchards are a riot of colour – rows of apple trees laden with red and golden fruit, and kiwi vines heavy with their fuzzy, green treasures. Walking through these orchards is an experience in itself: the sweet scent of ripening apples, the cool breeze sweeping down from the Eastern Himalayas, and the distant sound of a prayer bell from a village monastery.
Local farmers often welcome visitors to taste freshly plucked fruit, offering varieties like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and juicy green kiwis. Unlike commercial plantations, these are small-scale, family-run orchards where traditional organic farming practices still prevail. For photographers, the sight of orchard rows framed by snow-dusted peaks is nothing short of postcard-perfect.
Unique Local Touch
Shergaon is not just about apples and kiwis it’s also about the Sherdukpen way of life. Visitors can learn how the tribe preserves apples in cellars for winter, brews fresh fruit wine, or prepares kiwi jam for local markets.
The orchards are often surrounded by barley fields, pine forests, and prayer flags, giving the entire valley a peaceful, storybook feel. If you visit during Losar or other village festivals, you might get to enjoy traditional dances and music alongside orchard tours.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport in Assam (about 120 km away). From Tezpur, you can hire a taxi or take shared vehicles to Shergaon.
By Road: Well-connected via the Bhalukpong–Bomdila–Tawang highway, Shergaon lies between Bomdila and Rupa. The drive is scenic, with winding mountain roads, pine forests, and glimpses of the Kameng River.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Rangapara North in Assam (approx. 140 km away).
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to enjoy Shergaon’s orchards is September to November, when apples and kiwis are at their sweetest and the weather is cool and clear. Spring (March–April) also offers a treat, as the apple trees burst into delicate white blossoms, transforming the village into a Himalayan fairyland.