Shirui Hill trek is a major attraction in the Ukhrul district. It is very popular among locals. But it is relatively new among the tourists who are visiting Manipur. If you ask someone why you should visit Ukhrul, a trek to Shirui Hill will be first on the list. The trek seems more beautiful during summer in June-July when Shirui Lilly is fully blooming. Nevertheless, you should not miss this trek if you visit Ukhrul any time of the year.
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About Shirui Hill
Shirui Kashong, or Shirui Peak, is 2986 metres in height and is located 18 kilometres from the headquarters of the Ukhrul district. The hilltop is covered with a particular flower known as Shirui (Shiroi) Lilly during summer (mid-May to June), attracting many visitors from around the country. The world-famous Shirui lily, which belongs to the Lilium family, was first discovered by Late Frank Kingdom Ward in 1946 when he came to Manipur Hills for a botanical collection on behalf of the New York Botanical Garden.
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Shirui Lily won the coveted Royal Horticulture Society Award of Merit and the prestigious award at the “Chelsae Flower Show” in England in 1950. Lilium Mcliniae is the botanical name of Shirui Lily. The flower is light pinkish. Its bell-shaped petals form a bowing position, like worshipping the almighty God. The unique thing about this flower is that it has seven colours when examined through a microscope, but the naked eye can not see it. Shirui Lily was declared the state flower of Manipur on 21st March 1988.
Apart from Shirui Lily, 100 different flowering plants are found in Shirui Kashong, including rare Orchids. This place is also home to many species of birds and animals, including wild mammals. It is believed that it gets accomplished if one stands on the Kashong and makes a wish.
Trek to Shirui Peak
The Shirui Peak trek is a daily trek that takes 4-5 hours for a regular trekker. It will take approximately 7 hours to complete the walk if you are a beginner. You have to climb three peaks in total, and Shirui Peak will be the third you will reach. The first ascend by stairs is the most tiresome, and the walk along the meadows at the ridge and hilltops is delightful.
Entry fee
The ticket counter at the start of the trail opposite of parking area usually charges an entry fee or registration charge for the trek. You may be lucky like all the other trekkers and us on that day as the counter was closed for Christmas. Walking sticks and raincoats on rent are available at the registration office. A First-Aid kit is also available at the registration counter.
Registration charge: 30 per head. You will be fined 200 + the original registration charge if you miss the registration.
Registration time: 8 am – 1 pm. No registration is allowed after 1 pm. If you wish to start the trek before 8 am or after 4 pm, you must acquire special permission beforehand. The office will be closed by 5 pm. All visitors should leave the peak by 4 pm.
The trail
The walking trail starts from the ticket counter with boards indicating the “entry” and “exit” sides which converge into one path after 200 metres. After another 100 metres, the stairs start. Stairs are paved and pretty wide at the beginning considering it a trekking trail, but it gradually narrows when you climb upstairs.
There is a guard rail along the entire stretch of stairs, apart from one place where the fence got broken and thrown down due to landslides, probably. The unpaved stairs at that part are very treacherous and may cause an accident if you are not cautious. Eventually, the stairs will take you to the first peak, where you can sit on two wooden logs and take a break. This initial part to the first peak, including the flight of stairs, is approximately one kilometre long.
The trail to the second part is relatively easy, with a walk along the ridge through a meadow. The total walking distance is slightly above 1 kilometre, stretching through the forest near its end. There is a sitting area with a shed above where you can take a break and have snacks and drinks. A tree beside the resting area is popularly known as Monkey Tree for its peculiar shape and flexibility. Locals love to climb and swing from the branches of this Monkey Tree.
The final stretch is a little harsh compared to the second part, although the walk is along the ridge and through the meadows. The gradient near the Shirui peak is steep and needs some stretching. The last part is around 1.5 kilometres long. The vistas from the hilltop are beautiful, with 360-degree views of undulating Manipur hills.
How to reach Shirui Hill
The base point where the trek starts is around 15 kilometres from Ukhrul town. It is 3 kilometres ahead of Shirui village. If you have your own transport, you can reach the base point opposite the parking area. Otherwise, you must walk 1 kilometre along the road that bifurcates towards the base point from the main Ukhrul-Shirui-Phangrei road if you take a shared vehicle from Ukhrul.
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The Ukhrul town, the district’s administrative headquarters with the same name, is 84 kilometres from Imphal, the capital of Manipur. Imphal has an airport with direct flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and other northeast Indian cities.
The road condition is good from Imphal to Ukhrul, with bad patches in between. A wide road is under construction, and probably in the next couple of years, that road condition will be very good for the entire stretch. It takes around 3 hours to reach Ukhrul town from Imphal in a private vehicle. There are also state-run buses and shared cabs available for this route.
Where to stay
The best place to stay for Shirui Hill Trek is Ukhrul Town. Accommodations in Ukhrul town are not plenty. So, you should book your stay in advance, especially during the Shirui Lily festival, which occurs during the month of May-June. The best place to stay is Magen Hills in the main town. Another new hotel is 25 degrees north that has decent rooms with an in-house restaurant.
Where to eat
There is no hotel or restaurant available near Shirui Hill. Shirui village is a few kilometres from the base point, and no commercial restaurant or cafe is available there too. You have to carry your food from your hotel in Ukhrul. 25 Degree North is a good restaurant at the main market in Ukhrul where you can have tasty food.
Remember, the shops in Ukhrul market mostly open around 9 am and get closed by 7 pm in winter. So, you should arrange dry foods beforehand. The other option to have lunch is Phangrei village in case you visit Phangrei after the Shirui Hill trek. Phangrei is 10 kilometres ahead of Shirui. Gracious Cafe in Phangrei is an excellent option to have your lunch.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Shirui Hill is during the months of May-June when the Shiroy Lily bloom. The greens are all around. The cloud may condense over the valleys and along the mountain slopes. You need trekking boots and a raincoat as scattered rain is frequent during this time. Winter is also a suitable time for the Shirui Hill trek. Although you will miss the flowers, the chill wind and clear views will energise you while walking. You will encounter many locals during the Christmas holidays when they come for a picnic at the hilltop.
Few more tips to remember
- Although it is a day trek, the trail is not very suitable for young children and the elderly if you are not a local. They may find the trail difficult especially coming down.
- A walking stick, a pair of trekking boots and a raincoat will significantly help.
- Carry your snacks and water bottle with you. You will not find many shops or options there.
- A guide is not essential as the trail is clear, and taking a guide is not compulsory too. Still, if you need a guide, you should talk to your hotel or stay in Ukhrul to arrange a local guide. You can also contact 9711429908/8731998499 in case you have any uncomfortable situation with local guide(s) or need any information regarding a local guide.
- Getting a shared cab is not easy, especially during your return. It will be wise to arrange for your transport accordingly.
- Be safe and cautious while climbing stairs and along the ridges. The trail is clearly visible. If you take any other route, you may be fined.
- Do not forget to take back your belongings while coming back, especially – plastic bottles, wrappers and cartons. There are a few dustbins on the trail that one should use. Yet, littering is clearly visible there. So behave like a responsible citizen. Littering may cost you a fine of 100.
- The use of drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited. One can be fined 1000 for such behaviour.
- Plucking, uprooting and destroying the flora and fauna of Shirui Kashong is strictly prohibited. A penalty of 2000-5000 will be charged in such incidents.
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