The Ethnic Groups of Nepal

Nepal is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries in Asia. Squeezed between the Tibetan plateau and the Indian plains, it is home to more than 120 caste and ethnic groups speaking over 120 languages, the result of centuries of migration from both north and south.

The short answer

The largest groups are the Chhetri and Bahun (Hill Brahmin), followed by indigenous communities including the Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Gurung, Sherpa, Rai and Limbu. Broadly, Indo-Aryan peoples dominate the hills and Terai, while Tibeto-Burman peoples are concentrated in the middle hills and high Himalaya. Most Nepalis are Hindu or Buddhist, and the two traditions blend closely in daily life.

Three geographic bands

Nepal's diversity follows its dramatic geography, which falls into three rough belts from south to north:

• The Terai (plains): the Tharu are the indigenous people here, alongside Madhesi communities such as Maithili and Bhojpuri speakers with close ties to northern India.
• The middle hills: home to Bahun, Chhetri, Newar, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai and Limbu — the heartland of Nepal's population.
• The high Himalaya: sparsely settled by Tibetan-influenced Buddhist peoples such as the Sherpa, Thakali, Manangi and Dolpo-pa.

The major groups at a glance

Group	Main region	Tradition
Chhetri / Bahun	Hills, nationwide	Hindu
Magar	Western & central hills	Hindu / Buddhist
Tharu	Terai plains	Hindu / animist
Tamang	Hills around Kathmandu	Buddhist
Newar	Kathmandu Valley	Hindu & Buddhist
Gurung	Annapurna foothills	Buddhist / Hindu
Sherpa	Everest region	Buddhist
Rai / Limbu	Eastern hills	Kirat

Languages and religion

Nepali, an Indo-Aryan language written in Devanagari, is the official tongue and unites the country. Yet roughly half of Nepalis speak a different mother tongue at home, from Maithili and Bhojpuri in the Terai to Tamang, Newari (Nepal Bhasa) and Sherpa in the hills and mountains. Hinduism and Buddhism predominate, with Kirat, Islam, Christianity and animist beliefs adding to the mix. Many sacred sites are shared, and festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated nationwide.

A history of migration

Nepal's diversity is the product of long migrations from two directions. Indo-Aryan peoples moved up from the Indian plains over many centuries, bringing Hinduism, the Nepali language and caste structures to the hills and Terai. From the north, Tibeto-Burman peoples crossed the high passes, carrying Buddhism, distinct languages and their own social systems into the mountains. The unification of Nepal in the eighteenth century under the Shah dynasty drew these communities into a single state, but their languages, dress and customs endured. Today the constitution recognises this plurality, declaring Nepal a multi-ethnic, multilingual and secular republic.

Janajati, Madhesi and Dalit

Beyond the headline groups, Nepalis often speak in broader categories. The Janajati are the indigenous nationalities such as the Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa and Tharu, many with their own languages and non-caste traditions. The Madhesi are the plains communities of the Terai with close cultural ties to northern India. Dalit communities, historically marginalised within the caste system, are found across both hills and plains. Understanding these terms helps make sense of Nepal's politics and its ongoing efforts toward greater inclusion and representation.

See the cultures up close

To go deeper, read about the artistic Newar culture and heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, the high-altitude Sherpa people and culture, and the Tharu culture of the Terai. Before travelling, brush up on Nepal culture and etiquette and a few useful Nepali phrases, then plan around the festivals of Nepal. For the full picture, see the culture and people of Nepal collection.