About
This district is located in the southeastern part of Nagaland. It is is also one of the key districts of Nagaland. Phek is a home to many communities. In different parts of the district you will find Chakhesang, Pochury, Bengali, Marwari and Bihari communities.
The district is home to tea gardens, oil fields, coal mining and also natural places. In Phek tourism includes national parks, old temples,and historic places.
Phek is a highland district with rich vegetation and animals. The significant rivers include Tizu, Lanye and Sedzu. Some notable hill Zanibou and Kapamodzu. Three important lakes Shilloi, Chida and Dzudu.
History & Culture
Phek District was created on 19 December 1973. The district was. Carved out from the Kohima District. The name Phek is thought to have come from Phekrekedze, which means "watchtower". The district now has fourteen subdivisions. The subdivisions are Pfütsero, Phek Sadar, Chetheba, Chozuba, Meluri, Chizami, Sekrüzu, Razieba, Sakraba, Zuketsa, Phor, Khuza, Khezhakeno and Phokhungri.
Much of Phek is covered by forests. In fact around 70% of the district has evergreen forest, which makes it full of plants and animals. The land is very mountainous with sides, hills and deep areas that shape where people live and the land around them.
Zanibu is the mountain in the district. Its top goes up than 2,400 metres or about 7,900 feet above the level of the sea.
Phek town, the place where the district office's is at a height of about 1,524 metres. Pfütsero is higher standing at 2,136 metres, above the sea. The difference is clear. It also makes different parts of the district have their weather and plants.
The area has several big rivers such as Tizu, Lanyi, Arachu and three most important lakes are Shilloi, Chida and Dzüdu. Twelve of its 89 designated settlements were not at all accessible by road and of the remaining just 24 were accessible by "all-weather roads". Only 9 of the 89 communities were yet to be connected to the water supply.
Avakhung International Border Checkpost (also known as Avankhu) in Phek district of Nagaland is an International Border Checkpost on the India-Myanmar barrier and a highway is under construction as part of the Bharatmala project (2017-2022).
Summers are warm with an average of 27 °C, with temperatures not exceeding 32 °C. Monsoon begins late May and is finished by the end of September. Compared to the adjacent plains of Assam, the winters are frigid, with the temperature plunging to 0 °C in the coldest months of January and February.
The festivals celebrated in Phek District are Sükhrünyie, Yemshe, Tsükhrünyie and Nazhü.
Sukrunye is commemorated in the middle of January. It is the most important of all the festivals, it is the ceremony for the good health of the community in the future year. The primary attraction of the festival is “SUKRU” for the menfolk. Earlier, in the morning, all the menfolk go to the village spring, washing themselves and their weapons and tools and cloth in the fresh water, before any animals touch the water. They think all bad fortune and physical troubles have been swept away. On their return any male who is old enough to do so kills an undamaged cock Hence, it goes up to days of celebration with feasting, dancing and singing throughout the day and night till morning.
Economy
Agriculture is the main occupation and Terrace Rice Cultivation (TRC) is the most predominant throughout the Phek district. The shifting cultivation or Jhum Cultivation is very widespread. The district grows major crops such as rice, maize and millet.
The manufacturing here includes salt processing in Meluri, fruit juice production, weaving and bamboo and wood carving. The economy of Phek is predominantly based on agriculture in Nagaland. The dominant features include self-employment and informal ways of earning a livelihood. 0% of employment is in small and medium firms in the case of registered MSMEs. 53% of MSMEs are in services and 47% are in manufacturing. EPFO covers less than 1% of the labor force. Bank deposits per working-age person are far below national levels. Its DPIIT One District One Product include Kiwi and Wood/Bamboo. It is registered with the Geographical Indication as Chakhesang Shawls. Higher secondary enrollment (classes 9-12) is 31%. The majority of the workforce is tribal.
Tourism
Glory Peak, Pfutsero Phek
Glory Peak is around 2600 meters above sea level, a view you can never forget. It is stunning and enchanting. Located in the district of Phek, it is one of the tallest mountains of Nagaland. Not only this prominent tourist destination is famed for its stunning perspective of mountains covered with lush foliage but also for its majestic vista of the World's highest mountain, Mountain Everest. The Peak is located at 4 kilometers from Pfutsero town and 70 kilometers from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. You can even see Mount Saramati, which is the tallest mountain of Nagaland. The peak top is a flat plateau land. On one half of the peak the residents celebrate occasions and huge gatherings with tremendous joy and vivacity and on the other half of the summit is a treehouse from whence you can see Mt. Everest and Mt. Saramati. This Glory Peak and its beautiful splendor have been quite famous in tourism through the years.
Shilloi Lake,Meluri,Phek
Shilloi Lake is situated in Lütsam Village in Phokhungri region under Meluri sub-division of Phek district.There are several legends connected with the lake. One of them was a baby and was found floating in the middle of the lake and two hands were spotted bobbing the baby. The baby is described as the reigning queen of the lake and is protected by the spirits of the lake. Hence it is thought that no one can drown in the lake. In truth, there have been no drowning deaths reported in the lake. It is surrounded by pine trees.
It is well known for its fishing areas. The prime time to fish is June to September. The lake is a sanctuary for migratory species such as the Siberian Crane and is the best spot for bird watching in the state.You can stay at the guest home and mingle with the friendly locals. Also you can spend time rowing boats. Or you can relax in the guest house. The lake has great importance to promote tourism in Nagaland.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census Phek has a population of 163,418. The district also has a literacy rate of 78.05 per cent. The district has a population made up of a vast number of towns and villages.
The Chokri, Kheza, English languages are an essential element of their daily existence. numerous more languages and community languages are also used in numerous regions. In Phek you will find the cultural diversity they have in religious places, festivals, dietary habits, music and local customs.
Administration
Phek district is one of the districts of Nagaland, its headquarters being in the town of Phek. The Deputy Commissioner is the Administrative head of Phek district. He is in charge of revenue government programs, elections and other administrative affairs.
The Phek district is organized into regions to help provide government services to the many settlements there. There are also local village councils that deal with village problems and communal affairs.
The hilly geography of Phek districts impacts the functioning of administration on the ground level. Many settlements in Phek district are divided by twisting roads and steep mountains. So maintaining road connectivity and providing access, to schools, health centers, marketplaces and other basic amenities can be challenging.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office is located at Phek town. The present Deputy Commissioner of Phek district is Mr. John Tsulise Sangtam.
Phek district is divided into 14 circles and Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) head quarters are located in Pfütsero, Chozuba and Meluri.
Chizami has a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) headquarters are located in Sakraba, Sekrüzu, Phokhungri, Khezhakeno, Chetheba, Khuza, Zuketsa, Phor, Lephory and Razeba.
FAQs
Q.1. In what areas is agriculture prominent in Phek?
Pfütsero and Chozuba are key areas related to agriculture in Phek district.
Q.2. What is the role of Phek in Nagaland's cultural history?
Phek has remained an important cultural centre for the Chakhesang and Pochuri communities. Also traditional practices which continued over generations played a role in preserving the culture and identity of the district.
Q.3. What is Shilloi Lake famous for?
Shilloi Lake is a well known natural attraction in Meluri. There one sees visitors enjoying the scenic surroundings and the unique shape of the lake.
Q.4. Why is Phek important in Nagaland?
Phek is a key area because of its forests, agriculture, traditional culture, tourism and natural attractions. Also its location near Manipur which in turn gives it importance for regional travel and connectivity.
Q.5. What did Phek used to be called?
Phek’s name was derived from Phekrekedze. Also the word means watchtower.
Q.6. Which wildlife sanctuary is near Phek?
Phek Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Phek district. It is a great spot for wildlife and bird watching.
Last Updated on October 27, 2026
