Ukhrul is the headquarters of Ukhrul district in eastern Manipur, a hill town at about 1,800 m above sea level and home to the Tangkhul Nagas. It lies roughly 84 km from Imphal by road, a drive of about three hours on NH150. The district itself spans hills from about 913 m to the 2,835 m of Shirui Kashong Peak, and Wikipedia calls it the highest hill station of Manipur.
The main reason people come is the Shirui lily, a rare flower that grows wild only in the high hills about 18 km from town. It blooms from the last week of May to mid June, and Manipur Tourism has run a lily festival around that time. The rest of the year the district is quieter, with hill walks such as Sihai Phangrei, the limestone Khangkhui Mangsor cave where Palaeolithic artefacts have been found, and the village pottery of Longpi.
The town is small, about 27,000 people at the 2011 census, and the pace is slow. English is the official language and Tangkhul is the regional one. Tangkhul culture, food and village life are the experience here, so take time over meals and conversations and ask before photographing people.
Travel in Manipur has been disrupted by conflict in recent years, and the Shirui festival was paused for two years before its 2025 edition. Check current travel advice, road conditions and any permit requirements for your nationality before you plan, and keep itineraries flexible.
Before you plan
Ukhrul at a glance
- Best months
- October to March for clearOctober to March for clear, dry weather; late May to mid June for the Shirui lily, though rain begins in May
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 days in Ukhrul2 to 3 days in Ukhrul, plus travel from Imphal
- Airport
- Imphal International AirportImphal International Airport (IMF), about 84 km and roughly 3 hours by road
- Railway station
- Nearest railhead is DimapurNearest railhead is Dimapur (DMV) in Nagaland, a long road journey away; Imphal has no passenger railway
- Getting around
- Hire a car with a driver from Ukhrul…Hire a car with a driver from Ukhrul or Imphal. The hill roads are narrow and slow, and public transport to villages is limited.
- Daily budget
- Modest in townModest in town; the main cost is car hire for village and peak trips. Rates are not fixed, so agree them in advance.
- Senior comfort
- Fair in townFair in town, limited on the trails: the climbs at Shirui and Phangrei are demanding and facilities in villages are basic
- Language
- Tangkhul is the regional language,…Tangkhul is the regional language, English is official, and Hindi and Meiteilon are widely understood
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Ukhrul: March, October, November. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Ukhrul itinerary
One good day
1 day in Ukhrul
Walk up Sihai Phangrei in the morning while the air is cool, and rest at your hotel in the afternoon. Take a gentle evening walk around the town and eat at a local eatery.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Ukhrul
Leave early for Shirui village, about 18 km away. In lily season trek towards the upper range; otherwise enjoy the lower slopes and views. Return for dinner.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Ukhrul
Full day at Shirui, trekking only as far as you are comfortable.
Day-by-day plan →
