THIS WAS not my first time in Ukhrul but on my previous visit, it rained so much that the planned trek to Shirui peak had to be canceled. Back then, I spoke to a local tour agency for help but was constantly worried about the costs. So, apart from completing the trek, this time I decided to do it myself, without hiring a guide or a vehicle, to save costs. In a more touristy state like Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand, I do this anyway for smaller treks. However, in these hills of Manipur, where tourism is just beginning to pick up, I did hesitate a bit. The trek is some kilometers away from Ukhrul town and there was no clear information available about the distance, duration, cost, facilities, route, as well as the current status of the much talked about Shirui lilies.
Reaching Ukhrul
I reached Imphal from Kohima, Nagaland, on a bright sunny day in May, just after a pleasant Dzukou Valley trek where I finally managed to catch the Dzukou lilies on my third attempt! After that, I was more or less certain the Shirui lilies too were blooming. Unfortunately, as it turned out, the lilies remained elusive but I managed to complete the trek, that too without anyone’s help, and by only spending peanuts.
At Imphal, I booked a ticket in a shared car from the ISBT and the ride started at around 6 am. During my rain-marred previous trip, the hilly road was in really bad shape, with a huge pothole in the middle of the road at some point, which forced passengers to walk for a few kilometers and board a different bus on the other side of the hole. But thankfully that stretch had been repaired and so the ride was smooth and I reached Ukhrul at around 9.30 am.
At Ukhrul
Denne historien er fra September -December 2019-utgaven av Discover India's Northeast.
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Denne historien er fra September -December 2019-utgaven av Discover India's Northeast.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Meghalaya Of Beauty And Mysticism
Besides the breathtaking landscape, it’s the fascinating tales, taboos, and traditional practices of the indigenous people that are memorable takeaways.
THE RICE BOWL OF MIZORAM
A MEMORABLE TOUR OF CHAMPHAI AND THE ROMANTIC RIH DIL LAKE.
The Uncommon SALT
THE HUMBLE SALT TAKES ON A SACRED AVATAR TO GRACE THE RITES AND RITUALS OF THE MEITEIS.
NAGALAND The Last of the Headhunters
A VISIT TO LONGWA VILLAGE CAPTURES VIGNETTES OF POSSIBLY THE LAST GENERATION OF TATTOOED HEADHUNTERS.
TREKKING WITH THE TUSKERS
A UNIQUE AND AMAZING TREK THROUGH THE NAMDAPHA RAINFOREST OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH.
The Ties that Bind the Tai Phakes
A GLIMPSE OF ASSAM’S TAI PHAKE BUDDHIST COMMUNITY.
Divine SERENITY
A JOURNEY INTO THE REALM OF BUDDHIST TEMPLES IN CHIANG MAI.
STARK BEAUTY
THE RUGGED TERRAIN IN THE UPPER REACHES OF NORTH SIKKIM NEVER FAILS TO AMAZE VISITORS.
Assam - The Islanders Of Majuli
Their zeal to stay connected to their roots and preserve their unique traditions, even in adverse circumstances, is remarkable
Manipur Wuyawon - Caressed By The Clouds
VISITING THE EXQUISITELY BEAUTIFUL WUYAWON OF THE MISTY WUYA KACHUI PEAK