Western Rukum (पश्चिम रुकुम)

Rukum West, officially Western Rukum, was created in 2017 when the original Rukum was split, with this portion falling in Karnali Province. The district is a hill region in the mid-Himalayan range, predominantly inhabited by Magar communities, particularly the Kham Magar. Musikot, the headquarters, is a growing town serving as the administrative center. The district is historically significant as one of the cradle districts of the 1996-2006 Maoist insurgency, which had a profound impact on the region's political landscape. Rukum West was also struck by the devastating November 2023 Jajarkot earthquake, which caused significant casualties and damage. The district's economy is based on subsistence agriculture (maize, wheat, millet, and rice), animal husbandry, and remittances from overseas workers. The traditional Magar culture, including the Kham language, salaijo dance, and ancient customs, remains vibrant. The district is rich in medicinal herbs and offers potential for adventure tourism, with its remote mountain landscapes and cultural heritage.