Kro Chekor
A Sherdukpen Festival in Shergaon
About
Shergaon sits in the folds of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by cultivated slopes, forest edges and mountain streams.
It is a Sherdukpen village where agriculture, clan structures and seasonal rhythms shape everyday life.
Each year, during the holy month of Saka Dawa, the Sherdukpens of Shergaon observes Kro Chekor.
Sacred texts are believed to have travelled from Lhasa generations ago, are recited daily in the weeks leading up to the full moon.
Hunting and fishing are stopped during this period. Fields, forest and households enter a shared state of restraint.
Kro Chekor is coordinated by the village council, carried by the youth and sustained by collective participation.
The boundary procession and the walk to Kro Cave form central parts of the observance.
We design this journey so that we are present during these days, staying within the village and moving at its pace.
How the Journey Works ?
We remain based in Shergaon for the full duration of the journey.
The days are shaped around Kro Chekor. Some are centred on key ritual moments such as the boundary procession and the walk to Kro Cave.
On other days, we step out briefly to nearby places like Morshing village or Chilipam Monastery.
These visits are short and within close distance, usually around an hour’s drive or less.
Most movement happens on foot. Walks range from short village loops to longer two to three hour community routes.
The pace follows the rhythm of the village rather than a fixed timetable.
The focus is not on covering distance. It is on being present while the festival unfolds and understanding the landscape that surrounds it.
Transport is arranged from Guwahati to Guwahati. Group size is limited to eight.
Itinerary
Day one: Guwahati to Shergaon
We depart Guwahati early in the morning.
The road moves through Bhalukpong and Rupa before gradually climbing into West Kameng.
Tea breaks are taken along the way.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Shergaon and settle into shared rooms at our homestay.
In the evening, we take a slow walk through the village. The three Blang are active.
Youth rehearsals may be underway. Festival preparations are visible across courtyards.
Day two: Participation in Chekor
We wake before sunrise. Tea is served at the stay.
At the Gompa, recitation continues. The Aji Lhamu Cham is performed in the courtyard.
The holy texts are brought out. Young girls carry them while Makpapu walk as guardians.
The procession traces agricultural fields, grazing patches and forest edges that mark the village boundary.
The walk usually lasts two to three hours, with natural pauses along the way.
A community lunch is served collectively.
The afternoon remains free for rest.
By evening, gatherings resume in the Blang.
Dance and music continue into the night.
Day three: Slow life in Morshing
After breakfast, we travel to Morshing, a neighbouring Monpa village set across terraced slopes and open landscape.
We visit the old Gompa and the village living museum.
Today is a lay back day to slowly explore and enjoy Morshing. Late morning is intentionally unstructured.
We gather outdoors. Tea is served.
This is time to sit, sketch, write or observe. Conversations happen naturally.
A picnic lunch is arranged outdoors.We return to Shergaon by late afternoon.
Day four: A walk to Kro cave
We begin with breakfast at the stay.
We hike with the community toward Kro Cave. The ascent takes about one hour at a steady pace.
At the cave, prayers are conducted by the Lama. Khada are offered.
Couples participate in the fertility stone practice as part of the ritual cycle.
We will have our lunch with the community and later participate in the celebration.
We return to Shergaon by mid afternoon.
Evening celebrations resume in the Blang. Participation remains informal.
Day five: Within Shergaon
After breakfast, we visit Chilipam Monastery.
We walk through trout farms and agricultural fields surrounding the village and continue to a nearby waterfall. The walk is gentle and takes approximately one to two hours.
We return for lunch, which is not included.
The afternoon remains open for rest, journaling or independent walking.
In the evening, we gather for a closing session.
Extensions
The journey can be extended to nearby regions for those wishing to continue.
Possible extensions include:
- A Dirang circuit, exploring orchards, high altitude villages and monasteries
- A Tawang circuit, covering mountain passes, monasteries and remote settlements
Extensions require additional days and an adjusted budget.
Details are shared in advance based on season, road conditions and availability.
Advance confirmation is essential.
Is it for you?
This journey is for those who are comfortable staying in one place and allowing time to unfold.
It suits travellers who are interested in community life, ritual practice and village rhythm rather than fast movement or fixed sightseeing.
It is for those who are willing to walk with the community, sit through recitations, and observe without constant explanation.
Basic homestay conditions and shared accommodation are part of the experience.
Walks range from gentle village routes to a moderate forest hike.
This is not a festival performance arranged for visitors. It is a village observance.
The experience works best for those who are patient, respectful and curious.
Stays
We stay in locally managed homestays within Shergaon.
These are lived in family homes. You wake to the sound of activity in the courtyard.
Firewood stacked by the entrance. Conversations moving between kitchen and veranda. Daily life continues around you.
Rooms are shared, simple and comfortable. Bedding is clean and suited to the mountain climate.
Washrooms may be attached or shared depending on allocation.
Staying here means being close to how the village functions, not separate from it.
Food
Food during the journey reflects what is grown, stored and prepared in Shergaon.
Meals are home cooked and seasonal. Rice is central to most plates, accompanied by locally grown vegetables, leafy greens, lentils and regionally prepared meat or trout depending on availability. Ingredients are often sourced from kitchen gardens, nearby farms or local markets.
Festival days may include shared community meals where food is prepared collectively.
The emphasis is on freshness and familiarity rather than variety. What is served reflects the land and the time of year.
Pricing
₹24,999 per person + 5 % GST
Shared accommodation
Maximum group size: 8 participants
Single room accommodation is available at an additional cost, subject to availability. Please request in advance.
Includes
- Transport from Guwahati to Guwahati
- Shared homestay accommodation
- Daily breakfast & dinner (day 1-5)
- Two community lunch
- One picnic lunch
- Festival participation logistics
- Trip captain from Tales of Northeast
- Local guides and community coordination
Excludes
- Remaining lunches and dinner not specified above
- Personal expenses
- Travel to Guwahati
- Additional beverages
- Any extension beyond Shergaon