Pakyong district is the district in the Indian state of Sikkim having its headquarter in Pakyong. Pakyong District was officially bifurcated from East District on June 2021 by Sikkim Legislative Assembly’s budget session, and emerged as the fifth district of Sikkim. Pakyong District comprises three subdivisions, they are Pakyong Subdivision, Rangpo Subdivision and Rongli Subdivision. The district is surrounded by Kalimpong District of West Bengal, Bhutan, China, East District Sikkim and South District Sikkim.
Demographics
Pakyong District has the total area of 404 km2 (156 sq mi). The total population as per 2011 census is 74,583.
Transport
Roadways
The major highways in Pakyong District are as follows:
- National Highway 10 connecting Siliguri to Gangtok, lies in Pakyong District from Rangpo to Singtam via Majitar.
- National Highway-717A connecting Bagrakote to Gangtok, lies in the Pakyong District from Reshi, Rhenock to Ahopul near Ranipool via Rorathang and Pakyong.
- National Highway-717B connecting Rhenock and Menla, Sherathang via Zuluk and Rongli lies mostly in Pakyong District.
Railway
The under construction Rangpo railway station lies in Pakyong District at the town of Rangpo.
Airways
Pakyong Greenfield Airport the only airport of Sikkim, lies on Pakyong District at the district Headquarter-Pakyong.
Assembly Constituencies
Assembly Constituencies falling under Pakyong District are as follows:
- Rhenock (Vidhan Sabha constituency)
- Chujachen (Vidhan Sabha constituency)
- West Pendam (Vidhan Sabha constituency)
- Gnathang-Machong (Vidhan Sabha constituency) and
- Namchaybong (Vidhan Sabha constituency)
Important Towns and Cities
The major towns and cities of Pakyong District are
- Pakyong
- Rangpo
- Rorathang
- Rhenock
- Rongli and
- Majitar
Geography
Rivers
River Teesta, the largest river of state flows in Pakyong district from Singtam to Rangpo.
Rangpo River the third largest river of Sikkim originates from Lake Menmecho at Rongli Subdivision of Pakyong District and flows through Pakyong Subdivision and Rongli Subdivision villages and towns of Pakyong District before meeting river Teesta at Rangpo Town.
Other major rivers of Pakyong District are Richu Khola, Rongli Khola, Pachey Khola, Reshi Khola etc.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Pakyong District. It is connected to Neora Valley National Park of Kalimpong district of North Bengal via thick forest cover in Aritar Rachela region.