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The Northern
Himalayan People : In the northern
region of high Himalayas, the
Tibetan speaking, the Sherpas, the
Dolpas, the Lopas, the Baragaonlis,
the Manangis live in different
settlements scattered along the
country. The Sherpas are mainly
confined in the east in the Solu and
Khumbu region. The Baragaonlis and
the Lopas live in the semi- deserted
area of the upper and lower Mustang
in the part of the Tibetan plateau
in the rain shadow area; the Managis
in the Manang district and the
adajcent areas; and the Dolpas in
the highest settlements on the earth
in the Dolpa district of Nepal ( in
the west) at an altitude of above
4000 m.
The Middle Hills and Valley People :
In the middle hills and valleys,
there coexists numerous ethnic
groups. Among them are the Magars,
Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars,
Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of
Brahmans and Chhetris. The Brahmans
and Chhetris have long dominance in
all pervading social , religious and
political realms. There are also
some occupational castes e.g. the
Damai ( tailor) , Sarki ( Cobbler),
Kami (Blacksmith) and Sunar
(Goldsmiths). Though, there exists
numerous dialects, the language of
unification is the national language
, Nepali, an Indo- Aryan language.
Ethnic Diversity in the Kathmandu
Valley : Kathmandu Valley represents
a culture cauldron of the country.
The people from different
stereotypes, come together, presents
traveller a unique melting pot of
cultures. Kathmandu is predominantly
inhabited by the Newars. These
people have managed to integrate
both Hinduism and Buddhism to such
an exceptional extent that their
culture has developed into a unique
one. Today many Newars are traders.
Newar families , who had resided in
the valley for centuries , had also
travelled across the country to
develop trade.
The Terai People : The main ethnic
groups in Terai region include the
Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, Majhi and
other populace which have roots in
India. They speak different north
Indian dialects - Maithili, Bhojpuri
etc. The fertile plain of Terai,
generally known as " granary of
Nepal" has great agricultural value.
Most of the inhabitants live on
agriculture. There are , however,
some occupational castes e.g. Majhi
( Fisherman), Kumhal (Potter) and
Danuwar (Cart Driver).
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