Shirui Peak and the Shirui lily: an Ukhrul travel guide

Shirui Peak, properly Shirui Kashong, rises to about 2,835 metres (9,301 ft) in the hills east of Ukhrul town, in Ukhrul district, Manipur, and it is the only place on earth where the Shirui lily grows wild. For a few weeks around May and June the grassland below the summit carries pale, bell-shaped flowers, and for the rest of the year it stays a quiet rhododendron-and-grass ridge with long views over the Tangkhul Naga hills.

Shirui Kashong, also spelled Siroi, is a grassland-and-rhododendron peak about 18 km east of Ukhrul in Ukhrul district, Manipur, rising to roughly 2,835 metres. It is the only known home of the Shirui lily (Lilium mackliniae), Manipur’s state flower, which blooms on its upper slopes for a few weeks around May and June.

About Shirui Peak and quick facts

Shirui Kashong is a grassland peak in Ukhrul district, Manipur, reaching about 2,835 metres and lying roughly 18 km east of Ukhrul town, according to the Ukhrul district administration. It sits within Shirui (Siroi) National Park, a small protected area that the park record dates to 1982. The slopes carry open grassland, dwarf rhododendron and patches of forest, and the summit ridge is the habitat of the Shirui lily.

Ukhrul itself is the district headquarters of the Tangkhul Naga homeland, which the district administration places at 5,453 ft (about 1,662 m) above sea level. The town is the practical gateway to the peak: homestays, permits and transport all run through it, and our Manipur travel guide sets Ukhrul in the wider context of the state’s hills and valley. The area is remote, the roads are hill roads, and plans should allow for weather.

The Shirui lily, Manipur’s state flower

The Shirui lily, Lilium mackliniae, grows wild only on the upper slopes of Shirui Kashong and nowhere else in the world. English Wikipedia records it as endemic to the upper reaches of the Shirui hill ranges in Ukhrul district, Manipur, with a habitat band of roughly 1,730–2,590 m. The plant stands about 0.3–0.9 m tall and carries one to seven trumpet-shaped flowers that hang downward, their petals a pale pink-blue. Its traditional Tangkhul name is Kashong Timrawon.

The flower was identified in 1946 by the botanists Frank and Jean Kingdon-Ward while working in Manipur, and Frank later named it after his wife Jean; the find received a Royal Horticultural Society Merit Prize in 1948. It is Manipur’s state flower and has appeared on an India Post stamp. Treat the lily as the fragile centre of the whole trip: it is the reason Shirui Peak is protected, not a souvenir to pick.

Conservation is a real concern. English Wikipedia lists the main threats as heavy tourism, waste and plastic dumping, plucking and uprooting of plants, and the spread of bamboo into the lily’s grassland, and describes the species as endangered. A habitat-redevelopment campaign began in 2015, when a research team transplanted lab-grown plantlets onto the peak to help the wild population. The sensible response from visitors is simple: walk gently, carry out your rubbish, and never step off the path to reach a flower.

Best time to visit Shirui Peak

The best time to visit Shirui Peak depends on what you want to see: for the Shirui lily, aim for late May to early June, when flowering peaks, roughly between 15 May and the first week of June. Outside that short window the lily is not in bloom, but the peak is still worth climbing. For clear skies and comfortable walking without the bloom, the Ukhrul district administration recommends October to March.

Ukhrul’s climate is cool and wet: the district administration records temperatures ranging from about 3°C to 33°C and average annual rainfall around 1,763 mm (a 1991 figure). The southwest monsoon soaks these hills through summer, so even in the bloom season you should expect rain, mist and slippery grass. Carry warm layers year-round, because mornings above 2,000 m are cold whatever the calendar says.

The Shirui Lily Festival

The Shirui Lily Festival is a state-level cultural festival held in Ukhrul district by Manipur’s Department of Tourism to mark the flowering of the lily. The Assam Tribune reported that the fifth state-level edition ran from 20 to 24 May 2025 in Ukhrul, organised by the state’s Department of Tourism. English Wikipedia notes the festival began in May 2017, and the 2025 edition was the first state-level festival after a two-year gap caused by the conflict that started in May 2023.

The festival typically brings together Tangkhul cultural performances, music, local food and community events timed to the bloom. As of October 2026 the dates for a 2026 edition had not been announced; check Manipur Tourism and the district administration before planning a trip around the festival, and expect accommodation in and around Ukhrul to fill quickly during festival week. Our guide to Manipur is a useful starting point for the state’s festival calendar.

How to reach Shirui Peak from Imphal

The only practical way to reach Shirui Peak is by road from Imphal to Ukhrul town, about 84 km on National Highway 150 and roughly a 3-hour drive, according to the Ukhrul district administration; from Ukhrul it is a further road stretch east to Shirui village, then a walk to the peak. There is no railway to Ukhrul, so every visitor arrives through Imphal. (One 2025 press report put Imphal–Ukhrul at about 95 km; distances vary with route.)

The nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport at Imphal (IATA: IMF), with flights to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and other cities. From Imphal, shared Tata Sumo-type vehicles and taxis run to Ukhrul; self-drive and private taxis are the other options. Because the roads are hill roads and the area is permit-controlled, it is worth arranging transport and permits in advance rather than improvising on arrival.

The trek from Shirui village to the summit

The Shirui Kashong trek starts from Shirui village, east of Ukhrul, and climbs through grassland and rhododendron to the summit ridge at about 2,835 m. It is a day walk rather than an expedition: there is a defined trail, and in bloom season large numbers of visitors make the climb, so it is not a solitary wilderness route. Even so, it is a genuine hill walk, with steep grassy sections, changeable weather and no facilities on the mountain.

Carry water, food, a windproof layer and sturdy shoes, start early to beat the afternoon mist, and go with a local guide where possible, both for safety and to support the village. The reward near the top, in late May and early June, is the lily in bloom across the grassland; outside that window the draw is the ridge itself and the views over the Tangkhul hills toward the Myanmar border. Keep to the path at all times so you do not trample the flowers or their habitat.

Tangkhul Naga culture around Shirui

Ukhrul is the home district of the Tangkhul Naga people, and any visit to Shirui Peak is also a visit to their land. The Ukhrul district administration describes the town’s population as predominantly Tangkhul Naga and notes a strong living tradition of song, dance and food. The common speech is the Hunphun (Ukhrul) dialect, and the district administration records that many village dialects are spoken across the hills.

The Tangkhul calendar turns on agricultural festivals. The district administration lists Luira (a seed-sowing festival), Mangkhap and Thareo (a harvest festival) among the main observances. Travellers are welcome, but should visit as guests: ask before photographing people or ceremonies, dress modestly, buy local food and crafts, and treat villages and churches with respect. The people of Shirui are the hosts of the lily and the mountain, not an attraction to be photographed in passing.

A sensible day plan

Shirui Peak works best as an overnight trip from Imphal with the climb on a full day, built around an early start and the weather. A workable plan looks like this.

• Day 0, afternoon: Arrive at Imphal, sort your ILP (or PAP for foreign nationals), and drive about 84 km to Ukhrul; check into a homestay and rest.
• Day 1, early morning: Drive east to Shirui village, the trailhead about 18 km from Ukhrul town; start the climb in the cool of the morning.
• Day 1, late morning: Reach the summit ridge; in late May to early June, look for the lily across the grassland, staying strictly on the path.
• Day 1, afternoon: Descend before the mist sets in; return to Ukhrul for lunch and a look around town.
• Day 2: Add a nearby trip such as Khangkhui cave or Kachouphung lake, or return to Imphal for onward travel.

Carry your own water and food for the climb, because there are no shops on the mountain, and keep the plan flexible around rain.

Where to stay

The realistic base for Shirui Peak is Ukhrul town, with homestays and a handful of small hotels and lodges; some stays are also available in or near Shirui village for those who want to be close to the trailhead. There is no developed hotel strip, and accommodation is simpler than in a mainstream hill station, so book ahead, especially around the bloom and the festival. The bands below are planning estimates only and should be reconfirmed at the time of booking.

• Budget homestays and lodges (Ukhrul): indicatively ₹800–₹1,800 a night (planning estimate, as of October 2026; reconfirm).
• Mid-range guesthouses and small hotels: indicatively ₹1,800–₹3,500 a night (planning estimate; reconfirm).
• Shirui village homestays: simple rooms near the trailhead; ask locally and reconfirm rates and availability, which are very limited in bloom season.
• Festival week: expect higher rates and scarce rooms during the Shirui Lily Festival; book well ahead or stay in Imphal and travel up for the day.

Budget for the trip

A two-day Shirui Peak trip from Imphal is modest in cost, dominated by road transport, the stay in Ukhrul and the ILP. The figures below are indicative planning estimates gathered for general guidance, not official tariffs, and must be reconfirmed before you travel; the official ILP fee is not published on the Manipur ILP portal, so confirm it when you apply.

Assumptions: two or more people sharing transport, one night in Ukhrul, the climb on foot. All figures as of October 2026 and offered only as a planning guide.

Permits: ILP and PAP

Every visitor to Shirui Peak needs a permit, but which one depends on nationality. Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Manipur; foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). The Manipur ILP portal describes the ILP as an official document issued by the state government to allow the inward travel of an Indian citizen for a set period, and lists a Temporary Permit valid for 30 days for tourists and short-term visitors.

Indian citizens can apply online at the Manipur ILP portal (manipurilponline.mn.gov.in): choose the permit type, submit the form, note the application number sent by SMS, and after approval complete payment and download the permit. The portal does not publish fee amounts, so confirm the current fee during the application.

For foreign nationals, the Ministry of Home Affairs reimposed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram in late 2024 (reported December 2024). Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, foreign visitors (except Bhutanese citizens) need a PAP; travel is generally limited to groups of at least two and to the routes on the permit, and citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan need prior MHA approval. Foreigners must register with the district Foreigners Registration Officer within 24 hours of arrival. Rules change, so verify the current position with official sources before you book.

Responsible-trek rules

Shirui Peak protects an endangered, single-site flower, so the rules are not optional niceties: careless visitors are a documented threat to the lily. English Wikipedia lists tourism pressure, waste and plucking among the reasons the species is endangered. Treat the climb as a privilege and leave the mountain exactly as you found it.

• Never pick, touch or uproot the lily, and do not step off the path to photograph it; trampling damages both flowers and habitat.
• Stay on marked trails to protect the grassland where the lily grows.
• Carry out all rubbish, especially plastic; do not leave waste on the peak or trail.
• Keep noise down and respect other visitors, villagers and any festival arrangements.
• No fires or camping except where expressly permitted, and no drones without written permission.

Practical tips

Plan Shirui Peak as a permit-first, weather-dependent trip in a remote district, and carry what you need for a cold, wet mountain. Settle your ILP or PAP, transport and stay before you leave Imphal, where banks, ATMs and card or UPI payments are reliable; carry cash for Ukhrul and the villages, where digital payments may not always work.

• Permits first: arrange your ILP (Indians) or PAP (foreigners) before travelling; do not expect to sort it at the gate.
• Dress for cold and rain: warm layers, a windproof and waterproof shell, and shoes with grip, even in bloom season.
• Network and cash: mobile coverage is patchy in the hills; carry cash, as ATMs and card machines are limited outside Imphal and Ukhrul.
• Health and safety: the nearest hospital is in Ukhrul; there are no facilities on the mountain. Tell someone your plan and start the climb early.
• Solo and women travellers: go with a local guide or group rather than alone; the area is remote and guided visits are safer and support the community.

Nearby places

Shirui Peak pairs naturally with other sights in and around Ukhrul, and with Imphal on the way in or out. The table below lists sensible add-ons.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Shirui Peak and how high is it?

Shirui Peak, or Shirui Kashong, is in Ukhrul district, Manipur, about 18 km east of Ukhrul town, according to the district administration. English Wikipedia gives its height as about 2,835 metres (9,301 ft) above sea level. It lies within Shirui (Siroi) National Park and is the only wild habitat of the Shirui lily, Manipur’s state flower.

When do the Shirui lilies bloom?

The Shirui lily blooms for only a few weeks, with peak flowering roughly between 15 May and early June. To see it, plan your climb for late May to early June. Outside that window the flower is not in bloom, though the peak is still worth visiting; English Wikipedia notes the species is endemic to these slopes and regarded as endangered.

Do I need a permit to visit Shirui Peak?

Yes. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Manipur, applied for online at the Manipur ILP portal, with a 30-day Temporary Permit available for tourists. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP), reimposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs for Manipur in late 2024, and must register with the district Foreigners Registration Officer within 24 hours of arrival.

How do I reach Shirui Peak?

Reach Shirui Peak by road from Imphal to Ukhrul, about 84 km on NH-150 and roughly 3 hours per the district administration, then continue east to Shirui village and walk to the summit. The nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport at Imphal. There is no railway to Ukhrul, so all visitors arrive through Imphal.

What is the Shirui Lily Festival and when is it?

The Shirui Lily Festival is a state-level cultural festival run by Manipur’s Department of Tourism in Ukhrul to mark the lily’s bloom. The fifth edition ran 20–24 May 2025, the first after a two-year gap from the 2023 conflict. As of October 2026, 2026 dates had not been announced, so check Manipur Tourism before planning around it.

Can I pick a Shirui lily as a souvenir?

No. Picking, touching or uprooting the Shirui lily is prohibited and harmful; English Wikipedia lists plucking and trampling among the reasons the endemic species is endangered. Stay strictly on the path, do not step into the grassland to photograph flowers, and carry out all your waste. The lily survives only on this peak, so responsible behaviour directly protects it.

Last updated and sources

Shirui Peak rewards travellers who come for the mountain and the lily on their own terms: go in late May or early June for the bloom, or October to March for clear views, with permits arranged first and a light footprint throughout. It is a place to walk gently and leave as you found it.

Last updated: 20 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.

Sources: Ukhrul District Administration, tourism (ukhrul.nic.in); Manipur ILP Online Portal, About ILP (manipurilponline.mn.gov.in); English Wikipedia, Shirui National Park (en.wikipedia.org) and Lilium mackliniae (en.wikipedia.org); The Assam Tribune, Shirui Lily Festival 2025 report (assamtribune.com); Vajiram & Ravi, Protected Area Permit reimposed in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram (vajiramandravi.com); Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal (en.wikipedia.org). Accessed October 2026.