The short answer
Shirui National Park (Shirui Kashong Peak): what visitors should know first
Go in the last week of May or first half of June if you want the lilies and can manage a steep four-hour climb. Outside the bloom the hills are still scenic but there is little infrastructure. Confirm local conditions with the district administration, as access can change.
History and context
The story behind Shirui National Park (Shirui Kashong Peak)
Shirui is listed as a national park, established in 1982, covering about 41 sq km around the peak. The peak is described by the district administration as 2,835 m above sea level; other sources give figures near 2,986 m.
The Manipur tourism department has organised a Shirui Lily Festival to promote the lily and sustainable tourism; the fifth edition ran from 20 to 24 May 2025 after a two-year break.
Useful facts
Shirui National Park (Shirui Kashong Peak) facts at a glance
- Location
- Shirui village, about 18 km from Ukhrul town
- Experience type
- High-altitude trek and flower season
- Known for
- Shirui lily, Manipur's state flower
- Height
- About 2,835 m (district figure)
- Time or schedule
- Lily bloom: late May to mid June
- Trek time
- About four hours to the upper range
Why it matters
Why Shirui National Park (Shirui Kashong Peak) is worth your time
The Shirui lily (Lilium mackliniae) is Manipur's state flower and grows wild only in these high hills, which is why botanists and visitors come. Conservation voices at the 2025 festival warned that its numbers are falling because of deforestation and climate change, and the plant is now considered endangered.
The peak also feeds several rivers, and the area is a part of the Tangkhul homeland. The hills were listed as a national park of about 41 sq km in 1982 and are noted for Blyth's tragopan and other rare birds. Going respectfully, with local guidance, helps the village youth groups that protect the slopes.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The Shirui lily
A rare lily that grows wild only in these hills, in bloom from late May to mid June.
- 02
The ridge views
The summit looks over rolling Tangkhul hill country and the origins of several rivers.
- 03
Shirui Lily Festival
A festival around the bloom with a mass trek, cultural events and local stalls.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat Shirui as a full day out from Ukhrul. The hill lies about 18 km north-east along the Ukhrul-Jessami road, so leave early with a hired car or taxi from town and aim to start walking from Shirui village in the morning. Plan for roughly four hours of climbing to reach the upper range, and more time to come down, as the track is narrow and local youth clear it only before the lily season.
The Shirui lily blooms on the top of the peak from the last week of May to about the second week of June. Manipur Tourism has run a Shirui Lily Festival around this time, and the 2025 edition drew thousands of trekkers. Expect crowds on the main days, so a weekday morning is calmer. Plucking or damaging the lily is fined, and trekkers are asked not to carry anything harmful to the environment.
Pack water, food, a rain jacket and warm layers, because weather on a 2,800 m ridge changes quickly. The lily is endangered, so stay on the path. Check current travel conditions in Manipur with your hotel or the district office before you set out.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm festival and bloom dates with Manipur Tourism or the district office
- Start early from Ukhrul and hire a car for the day
- Carry rain gear, water, food and warm layers
- Never pick the lily; fines apply
- Check current travel advisories before you go
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- About 18 km north-east of Ukhrul on the Ukhrul-Jessami road (NH150), about 97 km from Imphal
- Time needed
- A full day from Ukhrul
- Best time
- Last week of May to the second week of June for the lilies; October to March for clear views
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The climb is long and steep, with narrow footpaths, high altitude and rain risk. Most older travellers should enjoy the village and the lower slopes, and leave the summit to fit trekkers. Carry rain gear, and avoid it if you have heart or breathing problems.
- Tickets and access
- Entry and festival registration are run locally, with the Shirui Youth Club handling ticketing and trek help in recent seasons. Fees and permits are not published on official pages, so confirm them with the Ukhrul district administration before you travel.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Shirui National Park (Shirui Kashong Peak)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The climb is long and steep, with narrow footpaths, high altitude and rain risk. Most older travellers should enjoy the village and the lower slopes, and leave the summit to fit trekkers. Carry rain gear, and avoid it if you have heart or breathing problems.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When do the Shirui lilies bloom?
Typically from the last week of May to the second week of June, though weather can shift the dates.
How far is Shirui from Ukhrul?
About 18 km on the Ukhrul-Jessami road, and about 97 km from Imphal.
Is the trek difficult?
Yes. It is about four hours up to the upper range on narrow paths. Older travellers can enjoy the lower slopes instead.
Sources and further reading
- Ukhrul District: Shirui Hill
- Wikipedia: Shirui National Park
- Eastern Mirror: Shirui Lily Festival ends
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
