Districts of Sikkim

There are six districts in Sikkim: Gyalshing, Pakyong, Soreng, Namchi, Gangtok, and Mangan. Along with Gangtok, the district capitals are Mangan, Namchi, Gyalshing, Pakyong, and Soreng, in that order. There are 16 subdivisions that make up these six districts. Districts Pakyong and Soreng were added after December 2021.

Here is The List Of 6 Districts in Sikkim

Gangtok

Once referred to as the East District, this area is the most populous as well as the primary hub for industry and government. Beyond the contemporary attractions of the capital city, the east is home to several monasteries and temples, the stunning Tsomgo Lake, and the historically significant Nathula Pass. Sikkim’s capital and the center of the state’s commercial districts is Gangtok.

Mangan

Formerly referred to as North District, this district is the biggest and most picturesque in all of Sikkim. For those who like the outdoors and beautiful mountain landscapes, the North has plenty to offer. With its expansive Valley of Flowers, Yumthang alone is enough to satisfy even the pickiest palate. In April, the valley bottom is covered in a vibrant explosion of color as delicate wildflowers bloom abundantly in the verdant meadows. The lively Sikkimese tribal culture and traditions, as well as the Hot Springs, are a must-see visit. North District’s Mangan District Headquarters is located 67 kilometers from Gangtok. Every December, Mangan hosts a three-day music festival.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Gangtok

Gyalshing

History and religion abound in Gyalshing, formerly known as West Sikkim. Here in Yuksum, in 1642, the first Chogyal of Sikkim was dedicated. It is also the site of some of the most significant and revered monasteries in Sikkim, such as Dubdi and Sanga Choling, which were the first monasteries ever constructed in Sikkim. West Sikkim has stunning scenery with many lakes and waterfalls, as well as excellent hiking trails. The West District’s town and headquarters are in Gyalshing.

Namchi

Namchi, formerly known as South Sikkim, is home to a wide range of tourist attractions. The south of Sikkim is a dreamy region with charming towns and towering hills, offering breathtaking views of the Khangchendzonga range. Samdruptse Hill, home to the 135-foot-tall monument of Guru Padmasambhava, is the district headquarters, located close to Namchi. Additionally located in the south are Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill, which are mythologically significant to the Lepchas and Bhutias, as well as Ravangla, a popular tourist attraction that plays home to the magnificent Pang Lhabsol festival each year. The South Sikkim district headquarters, Namchi, is located 78 kilometers from Gangtok.

Also Read: How to Reach Pelling?

Pakyong

Sikkim’s Pakyong was proclaimed a district in December 2021. The lone airport in Sikkim called “Greenfield Airport,” the soon-to-be Majhitar Railway Station, and four national highways—NH-10, NH-717A, NH-717B, and Rolep-Menla National Highway—are among its numerous scenic beauties. Pakyong was ranked eighth out of 75 Indian districts that were chosen for the 90-day interministerial campaign called “Azadi Se Antyodaya Tak (ASAT)”.

Soreng

In the state of Sikkim, Soreng is the second newly created district. The Soreng district is officially the smallest district in Sikkim, with a total size of 293.22 square kilometers. The Soreng District is known for its ancient monasteries, breathtaking scenery, agricultural community, and quiet. The oldest monasteries in Soreng are the Phuntshog Ngayabling Monastery in Sri Badam and the Rinchenpung Monastery in Rinchenpong. Rinchenpong, Kaluk, and Sabgadorjee are more significant locations.

Also Read: Things to do in Sikkim

Frequently Asked Questions

How many districts are in Sikkim?

Gangtok, Mangan, Namchi, Gyalshing, Pakyong, and Soreng are the six districts of Sikkim. Gangtok, Mangan, Namchi, Gyalshing, Pakyong, and Soreng are the district capitals as well. There are sixteen subdivisions within these six districts.