Hidden deep in the folds of the western Arunachal Himalayas lies a village that holds more than just beauty—it holds memory. Shergaon, or Sher village, is not your usual travel destination. It’s not on the typical tourist map. But it is exactly the kind of place where the soul of India quietly breathes.
Here, ancient wooden houses stand tall and proud, some older than a century. Built without a single nail or metal joint, they have weathered storms, snow, and sun. They are the living museums of the Monpa tribe, and they tell a story that most of us have forgotten in the noise of our modern lives.
I visited Shergaon to explore these rare homes—and what I found left me in awe of the wisdom, simplicity, and scientific depth of our indigenous traditions.
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Shergaon: Where Stones, Wood, and Bamboo Built a Way of Life
As I entered the main cluster of Shergaon, a group of elders greeted me with soft smiles and warm tea made from local herbs. I told them I had come to see the ancient tribal houses. They nodded, pleased. One of them took me by the hand, guiding me to a house that looked straight out of a forgotten time.
These traditional Monpa homes are made in three distinct levels—each one carefully crafted for purpose and protection:
- The Ground Floor – For the Animals
The base is built from stone, strong and cold. This floor was (and in some homes, still is) used to shelter cows, goats, and poultry—important for the family’s survival. The thick stone walls kept animals warm in winter and cool in summer. - The Middle Floor – For the Family
This is where the family lived. Made of solid timber, the floorboards creaked with age as I stepped on them. No iron nails were used. Every joint, every beam, was fitted together using wooden notches and hand-cut slots. The planks were uneven, each one cut by hand using basic tools. And yet, the whole house stood firm, as if it was still under construction by nature herself. - The Top Floor – For Storage
The third level was made from bamboo and cane, light but sturdy. It served as a storage area for grains, seeds, and family valuables. And this is where the genius of the house truly revealed itself.
Natural Fire Protection – A Tribal Innovation
I had heard whispers of it before I came: that these homes had a unique natural fire protection system. I asked the elder who guided me, “How did your ancestors protect the house from fire?”
He walked to a corner and pointed to the roof-floor space filled with compact mud and soil.
“In the old days,” he said, “we stored our ornaments, our silver, our blessings from the monks here. If fire ever reached this level, the mud would fall. It would smother the flames before they could reach the things that mattered most.”
No sensors. No technology. Just understanding of gravity, heat, and material.
I stood there in silence. In this one system was the wisdom of survival and respect for both Earth and fire. So simple. So effective. So deeply rooted in Indian tribal science.
Built Without Metal, Standing for Generations
Another elder joined us. He had been born in the same house we were standing in. “This house is over 90 years old,” he said proudly. “And not a single metal nail has been used.”
Instead of iron, they used local pine and hardwood, and connected every piece through interlocking joints, using techniques passed down by word of mouth and demonstration.
I examined the corners, the ceiling beams, the stairs. There were no signs of modern materials, and yet, there was not a single crack. The wood had expanded and shrunk with seasons, yet the structure stood without complaint.
How many modern buildings could do the same?
The Language of Floors: Sacred Spaces Within Walls
In traditional Monpa homes, space is never wasted. Every corner has meaning. Every object, placement, and material serves a purpose.
- The fireplace, called phubbu, is placed at the center of the living floor and is always treated with respect. Fire is not just for cooking—it is sacred.
- The kitchen doubles as a gathering space, where stories, prayers, and songs are shared over butter tea.
- The roof beams are carved with symbols and family marks, each telling who built the house and when.
- A small prayer altar rests on the eastern side, always facing the first light.
These homes are living temples, where architecture is guided by cosmic direction, not just utility.
What These Houses Teach Us Today
Standing in a Shergaon house is like stepping into a time when humans lived with nature, not against it.
The materials—stone, wood, bamboo, earth—are all locally sourced and biodegradable. The designs are climate-sensitive—warm in winter, breathable in summer. There is zero cement, zero waste, and yet the homes are multi-storeyed, beautiful, and functional.
In a world where we talk about sustainable living, these homes quietly show us that India had it all along.
They are not just structures—they are reminders. Reminders that we once built homes to last for generations, not to flip in a few years. That we once valued function over fashion, craft over cost, and spirit over speed.
Not Just a House. A Heritage.
Shergaon is not just a beautiful village; it is a living heritage site. Every house that still stands is a museum of Indian tribal knowledge.
Sadly, not many of these homes remain. With modernization, many families have moved to concrete houses. But a few elders continue to protect these ancient homes—not just for themselves, but for us.
They don’t charge entry fees. They don’t ask for attention. They simply open their doors when someone cares enough to ask.
And when you step inside, you don’t just see wood and stone.
You feel a deep, silent pride.
The kind that tells you—you are walking inside a piece of India’s soul.
Planning Your Visit to Shergaon
- Location: Shergaon, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh
- Best Time to Visit: October to April (pleasant weather)
- How to Reach:
- By road from Tezpur, Assam (approx. 6–7 hours drive)
- Nearest airport: Tezpur or Guwahati
- Where to Stay: Homestays in Shergaon or nearby Rupa
- What to See:
- Ancient wooden houses
- Local Monpa monasteries
- Apple and kiwi orchards
- Shergaon War Memorial
- Indigenous food and herbal teas
Final Words from the Hills
Not all treasures are made of gold.
Some are made of mud, wood, and memory.
If you ever want to travel not just through land, but through time and wisdom, come to Shergaon. Walk into an ancient home. Listen to its quiet voice.
And carry its story forward—because in protecting these homes, we protect something far greater: our roots.
Until next time,
Always happiness.
Other stories from Arunachal Pradesh
- WIND festival of TUTSA Tribe | Tutnu Village | Pongtu Festival
- Are you WORTHY to wear this HELMET?? | Nyishi Tibe | Arunachal Pradesh |