Peak Season
Ukhrul in May
Manipur, India
May transforms Ukhrul from obscure hill town to botanical pilgrimage — the Shirui Lily blooms, and nowhere else on Earth does this flower exist.
The May story
The Shirui Lily grows only on Shirui Peak. Only in May. Only above 2500m. It's not marketing — it's one of botany's genuine miracles.
Why May scores 5/5
Weather
PEAK — Shirui Lily blooms
Roads & Access
note: From Imphal — 84km, 3-4 hrs on hilly road. Road condition variable.. from nearest city: Imphal 84km, 3-4 hrs
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. note: District Hospital Ukhrul basic. Imphal 84km for better care.. rescue: Assam Rifles + district admin. ambulance: 108 unreliable. nearest hospital: District Hospital Ukhrul
Network
VI: No, JIO: No, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. BSNL works. Airtel in town center. Jio limited.
Kids
Not ideal for kids —
Elevation
1,662m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓botanists
- ✓rare flower seekers
- ✓festival goers
- ✓photographers
- ✓bucket-list travellers
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗those who haven't arranged ILP and accommodation well in advance
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | January freezes Ukhrul into silence — the Tangkhul Naga hills under winter-sharp skies. |
| February | 3/5 | February holds Ukhrul in cold storage — but the Tangkhul villages don't hibernate. |
| March | 3/5 | March teases Ukhrul with warmth — the hills start greening but the Shirui Lily isn't ready yet. |
| April | 3/5 | April warms Ukhrul into its festive season — Tangkhul celebrations build toward the Lily's arrival. |
| Mayviewing | 5/5 | PEAK — Shirui Lily blooms |
| June | 5/5 | Late Lily + lush green |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon |
| August | 2/5 | Peak monsoon |
| September | 2/5 | Late monsoon |
| October | 4/5 | October reopens Ukhrul properly — clean air, harvest light, and Tangkhul villages in celebration mode. |
| November | 4/5 | November chills Ukhrul into its sharpest season — every ridge cuts against sky, every trail crunches dry. |
| December | 3/5 | December Christmases in Ukhrul are Tangkhul Naga first, global second — hymns in local tongue, feasts on local terms. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Imphal 84km, 3-4 hrs
Elevation
1,662m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
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