Surkhet District is located in the mid-western region of Nepal within the Karnali Province. It is one of seventy-seven districts in the country and covers a total area of 2,489 square kilometres (961 sq mi). The district is situated approximately 600 kilometres (373 mi) west of the national capital, Kathmandu.
The district headquarters, Birendranagar, serves as the capital of Karnali Province and acts as a primary business hub and document center for the region. Due to its development, road links, climate, and landforms, the area has experienced significant migration from various populations. According to 2011 census data, the district had a population of 350,804.