Overview
Sisne Rural Municipality (Gaunpalika - सिस्ने गाउँपालिका) is one of Nepal's 753 local levels established under the Government of Nepal's order dated 2073/11/24 (March 7, 2017), pursuant to Article 295 (3) of the Constitution. Formed by merging the former VDCs—Sisne, Pwang, Pokhara, Rukumkot, and Syalapakha—the municipality comprises 8 wards. It spans 327.12 sq. km and has a total population of 21,743.
Sisne lies in Rukum (East), the youngest district in Nepal, under Lumbini Province. Rukum (East) has three rural municipalities: Sisne, Putha Uttarganga, and Bhume. The district spans from 82°35' to 83°10' East longitude and 28°28' to 29°00' North latitude, with an elevation of 7,246 meters above sea level. It has a total area of 292,182 hectares.
The district experiences temperate to subalpine climates, with average annual rainfall ranging between 1,800 mm and 2,600 mm. The temperature ranges from a low of 0.2°C to a high of 34°C. Sisne reflects these climatic and geographical characteristics.
To ensure continuity of local governance until elected representatives took office, the government established these administrative units. The center of the rural municipality is located at the former Rukumkot VDC office.
Key Highlights
| Key Areas | Details |
|---|---|
| Province | Lumbini Province |
| District | Rukum East |
| Total Wards | 8 |
| Total Area | 327.12 sq. km |
| Total Population | 21,743 |
| Administrative Center | Rukumkot (former Rukumkot VDC office) |
| Geographical Boundaries | East: Putha Uttarganga West: Aathbiskot, Musikot, Banfikot North: Dolpa South: Bhume |
| Land Use Distribution | Arable: 43.28 sq. km Residential: 1.36 sq. km Forest: 192.04 sq. km Snow-covered: 66.24 sq. km Water Bodies: 24.19 sq. km |
| Elevation Range | Up to 7,246 meters above sea level |
| Climate | Temperate to Subalpine |
| Average Rainfall | 1,800–2,600 mm annually |
| Temperature Range | Min: 0.2°C, Max: 34°C |
| Main Crops | Maize, Wheat, Barley, Soybean, Beans, Potato |
| Animal Husbandry | Cattle: 6,985 Buffalo: 2,259 Poultry: 14,259 |
| Annual Grain Production | 6,423 metric tons |
| Industries | 211 registered (445 jobs) |
| Tourism Attractions | Sisne Himal, Kamal Daha, Sani Bheri, Tatopani, Deurali Cave, Naudhari Falls |
| Tourism Services | Hotels in headquarters, Homestays in rural wards |
| Financial Services | Growing bank presence in Rukumkot |
| Savings & Credit Groups | 42 active community groups |
| Educational Institutions | Over 40 schools, including Rukmini Secondary, Tribhuvan Janata, and more |
Geographical Boundaries
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East: Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality
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North: Dolpa District
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West: Aathbiskot, Musikot Municipality, and Banfikot Rural Municipality
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South: Bhume Rural Municipality
Administrative Wards and Areas
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Ward 1: Sisne (1–9) - 175.92 sq. km
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Ward 2: Pwang (1–9) - 60.10 sq. km
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Ward 3: Pokhara (1–4) - 9.38 sq. km
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Ward 4: Pokhara (5–9) - 19.36 sq. km
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Ward 5: Rukumkot (Shobha) (1,3,7,9) - 28.72 sq. km
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Ward 6: Rukumkot (Shobha) (2,5,6,8) - 6.84 sq. km
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Ward 7: Syalapakha (7–9) - 10.28 sq. km
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Ward 8: Syalapakha (1,2,5,6) - 16.52 sq. km
Land Use Distribution
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Total Area: 327.12 sq. km
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Arable Land: 43.28 sq. km
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Residential Area: 1.36 sq. km
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Water Bodies: 24.19 sq. km
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Forests: 192.04 sq. km
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Snow-covered Areas: 66.24 sq. km
Economic Profile
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main livelihood source. Major crops include maize, wheat, and barley. Beans are the primary legumes, while soybeans and potatoes are also produced in substantial quantities. Some produce is exported to other areas. Traditional dairy practices support household nutrition and manure needs.
As of mid-2021:
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Buffaloes: 2,259
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Cattle: 6,985
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Poultry: 14,259
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Total grain production: 6,423 metric tons
Industry
Due to its urbanizing center at Rukumkot, small and cottage industries are growing. Households still practice traditional blanket weaving. Furniture businesses are expanding. Modern milling units have replaced traditional grinders. As of mid-2021, 211 registered industries exist, creating 445 jobs.
Tourism
Natural attractions include Sisne Himal, Sani Bheri River, Kamal Daha, Deurali Cave, Tatopani of Pokhara, Naudhari Falls and Lake, Timile Lake, Tinbeni Lekh, and Lumpa Saptarishi Spring. These sites present opportunities for tourism growth. Monthly festivals and local hospitality through hotels and homestays support the tourism economy. The Mid-Hill Highway passes through the center, increasing visitor inflow.
Trade and Business
Markets have expanded to rural areas, with trade hubs forming around ward centers and Rukumkot. Commercial shops are steadily increasing, helping distribute local products.
Savings and Credit Groups
Community-based savings and credit groups operate in each settlement. As groups mature, they evolve into cooperatives. These initiatives promote financial inclusion and economic growth. Currently, 42 such groups are active.
Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve as the backbone of the rural economy, enabling small-scale investments through pooled resources. Their number and transaction volume in Sisne confirm this growing trend.
Financial Institutions
The presence of banks is increasing, especially in Rukumkot. These institutions handle both personal and governmental transactions, supporting local development.
