Crowning the misty hills of Manipur’s Ukhrul district at 2,835 m, Shirui Kashong Peak is the sacred guardian of the world’s rarest lily – the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), a delicate pink-white flower that blooms only in May and nowhere else on Earth. Just 18 km from Ukhrul town, this moderate 3–4 hour trek winds through rhododendron forests, Tangkhul tribal hamlets, and bamboo groves to a summit offering 360° views of the Indo-Myanmar border hills. Known locally as “Sacred Mountain of the Tangkhuls”, Shirui is both a biodiversity hotspot and a spiritual site where villagers perform rituals for bountiful harvests. A floral, high-altitude contrast to Dzukou Valley’s rolling meadows, Shirui offers solitude, sunrise magic, and the thrill of seeing a flower that exists in only one place. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, this is Manipur’s ultimate botanical pilgrimage. With 2025 lily-viewing boardwalks and the Shirui Lily Festival, this “Peak of the Divine Flower” is an unmissable destination for trekkers, botanists, and photographers.
Key Attractions
Shirui Lily Bloom – rare pink-white flowers (mid-May only)
Summit Viewpoint – 360° of Manipur, Nagaland, Myanmar hills
Rhododendron Forest – red blooms in March–April
Tangkhul Prayer Stone – ancient ritual site
Shirui Village – traditional thatched huts & weaving
Bamboo Bridge Trail – scenic route from base
Sunrise Ridge – golden hour from 2,600 m
Things to Do
Trek to summit at dawn for sunrise (3–4 hrs, 900 m ascent)
Witness Shirui Lily bloom (May 15–25 peak)
Attend Shirui Lily Festival – Tangkhul dance & lily exhibition (May 16–19, 2026)
Photography of lilies against misty valleys
Stay in a Tangkhul homestay with smoked pork & sticky rice
Spot rare birds – Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, hill partridge
Join local lily conservation walk
Local Culture and History
The Tangkhul Nagas believe Shirui Lily was born from the tears of a goddess mourning her lover. The flower was discovered in 1946 and named after Jean Macklin. The 2025 boardwalk and lily count, promoted by Manipur Tourism and X posts, protects the endangered species while allowing safe viewing.
Best Time to Visit
Open Apr–Oct (trekking season), with mid-May (15–25) best for Shirui Lily bloom and festival. March–April for rhododendrons. Monsoon (Jun–Sep) slippery but lush.
How to Reach
By Air: Imphal Airport (85 km) → Ukhrul (3 hrs)
By Road: Imphal → Ukhrul → Shirui village (100 km, 4 hrs)
Local Transport: Shared sumo Imphal–Ukhrul (~₹300), taxi (~₹3500 return)
Trek Start: Shirui village (18 km from Ukhrul)
Permit: ILP required (online via manipur.gov.in)
Travel Tips
Booking: Homestay via Ukhrul Tourism; guide mandatory in May
Cost: Guide+homestay ~₹2000–3000/person; food ~₹300–500
Dress: Trekking shoes; warm layers; rain jacket
Safety: Hire local guide; avoid solo in fog
Respect Local Culture: No picking lilies; ask before photos
Connectivity: Patchy signal at summit
Environment: Carry out trash; stay on boardwalk
Accessibility: Moderate trek; not for elderly
Nearby Attractions
Shirui Village (base)
Ukhrul Town (18 km) – handicrafts market
Kachouphung Lake (15 km)
Khayang Peak (20 km)
Phangrei Picnic Spot (10 km)
Explore More
Discover other Manipur & Northeast wonders like Dzukou Valley or Loktak Lake on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your sacred lily trek with indiatourisminfo.com today!
