Guest Code of Conduct & Eco-Guidelines

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  Permit Verification: Every Indian national visiting Arunachal Pradesh must possess a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Please carry printed and digital copies of your permit for check-gate verification and host registration.
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  Host Registration: Upon arrival at your homestay, present your identification proof and permit details to your host family to assist with local district reporting.

The Sherdukpen spiritual world harmoniously blends treating surrounding natural features as sacred deities:

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  Sacred Spaces & Monasteries: Monasteries and sacred forests are holy sanctuaries. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist shrines, remove shoes where requested, and maintain quiet reverence.
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  Revered Oak Trees: In Shergaon, oak trees are revered as elder family members that protect the valley from floods and sustain wildlife. Do not carve onto tree trunks, break branches, or pick rare medicinal plants and mushrooms from sacred groves.
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  Modest Attire: Dress modestly when walking through the village, visiting homes, or attending cultural gatherings.

Shergaon enforces strict community laws to protect its high-altitude ecosystem, rivers, and forests:

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  Zero Plastic Footprint: Single-use plastic bottles, carry bags, and disposable plastic tableware are discouraged. Please bring reusable water bottles and cloth bags; clean drinking water refill points are available at homestays.
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  Waste Segregation: Practice primary waste segregation at your homestay using designated bins for wet (organic) and dry (recyclable) waste. Never drop litter on mountain trails, in rivers, or around village streets.
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  No Tree Felling or Open Fires: Commercial tree felling and motorized wood-cutting machines are strictly banned in the village forest. Bonfires are only permitted in designated areas approved by your host family.

Shergaon forms a vital habitat contiguous with the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and is a sanctuary for over 300 bird species and rare small wild cats (such as the clouded leopard, marbled cat, and Asian golden cat):

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  Strict Anti-Hunting Policy: Hunting, trapping, or harming any animal, bird, or butterfly is strictly prohibited by customary village law.
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  Responsible Wildlife Viewing: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, keep noise levels to a minimum, and never use flash photography when observing nocturnal species or birds.
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  Sustainable Angling: Shergaon practices traditional, eco-friendly fishing methods that do not use chemicals or electric shocks. Fishing along protected stretches of the river is restricted to allow aquatic life to rejuvenate.

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  Hire Local Indigenous Guides: They are the custodians of their forest and share authentic ecological and historical knowledge.
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  Savour Local Gastronomy: Enjoy traditional Sherdukpen meals prepared by your host family—featuring locally grown organic produce.
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  Respect Agriculture & Orchards: Shergaon is a working farm village growing over 40 varieties of apples, kiwis, persimmons, and walnuts. Do not pluck fruits or enter private farm plots without explicit permission from the owners.
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  Buy Authentic Souvenirs: Support local artisans by purchasing handwoven Sherdukpen textiles, bags, masks, and traditional beadwork directly from community craftspeople.