People of Nepal

People from Nepal are called Nepalis. According to the 2021 census, Nepal's population is 29.16 million, with 142 caste and ethnic groups and 124 mother tongues. Sherpas guide climbers on Everest, Newars build temples in Kathmandu, and Tharus live in the Terai jungle.

Nepal's People at a Glance

The people of Nepal live across four zones: the Himalaya, the Middle Hills, the Kathmandu Valley and the Terai. 

Here are the key facts from the 2021 census:

Read our Nepal travel info hub for more planning basics. Our guide to the geography of Nepal explains why each zone shaped a different culture.

What Are People from Nepal Called? Nepali or Nepalese?

Nepali people are the standard term for people from Nepal. "Nepalese" is an English variant that means the same thing, but the language is always "Nepali."

Nepali describes nationality, not ethnicity. A Sherpa, a Tharu, and a Chhetri are all Nepali citizens.

How Are the People of Nepal? 

Ask any trekker about the people of Nepal, and they will start with a smile. Nepali people greet every visitor with "Namaste" and treat guests like family.

That warmth is a big reason trekking in Nepal feels special. The mountains are stunning, but the people make you want to come back.

Here is what travellers notice first:

Genuine hospitality: Villagers invite trekkers in for tea and dal bhat. Many families believe in Atithi Devo Bhava, which means "the guest is a god."

• Big smiles on every trail: Children wave, farmers greet you, and lodge owners remember your name.
• Helpful guides and porters: Local teams look after your safety, pace, and comfort every day.
• Pride in culture: Communities share their festivals, food and stories with curious visitors.
• Respect for every faith: Hindus, Buddhists and others live side by side in peace.

Sherpa hosts in Solu-Khumbu, Gurung families in the Annapurna hills, and Tamang villagers in Langtang all welcome you in their own way. You leave as a friend, not just a tourist.

Our own client reviews mention Nepali kindness again and again. You can also read real travel stories from trekkers who felt at home in the hills.

Want to feel this welcome yourself? Explore trekking in Nepal and meet the people who make every step worth it.

Meet Nepal's People on a Trek

How Many People Live in Nepal?

Nepal's population reached 29,164,578 in 2021, which is up from 26,494,504 in 2011.

Bagmati Province is home to about 21% of Nepal's population. It is the most densely populated province because it includes Kathmandu.

Ethnic Groups in Nepal by Broad Category

Ethnic groups in Nepal fall into several broad categories. 

The table below shows each category's share of the population:

Largest Ethnic Groups in Nepal (2021 Census)

The largest ethnic group in Nepal is the Chhetri, with almost 4.8 million people. Hill Brahmins and Magars follow.

People of Nepal by Region

Each region shaped its own language, food. and faith. Our history of Nepal page covers the migrations that created this mix.

Northern Himalaya: The people here share strong Tibetan cultural ties.

• Sherpa in Solu-Khumbu
• Lopa in Mustang
• Manangi in Manang
• Dolpo-pa in Dolpo

Middle Hills and valleys: This zone is home to most communities.

• Magar, Gurung, Tamang and Rai
• Limbu, Thakali and Chepang
• Brahmin, Chhetri and Thakuri
• Occupational castes such as Damai, Sarki, Kami and Sunar

Kathmandu Valley: The Newars built their cities, temples, and craft traditions. The valley works as a cultural melting pot.

Terai lowlands: Tharu, Darai, Rajbanshi, Majhi and Maithil communities live here. Muslim communities also have deep roots in the plains.

Browse Nepal Trips

Profiles of Major Communities

1. Sherpa People:

The Sherpas migrated from eastern Tibet and settled in Solu-Khumbu. They practice Tibetan Buddhism and are famous for their mountaineering skill.

They number about 130,000. Meet them on the Everest Base Camp Trek or during peak climbing in Nepal.

2. Newar People:

The Newars are the original urban dwellers of the Kathmandu Valley. They speak Nepal Bhasa and are known for pagoda temples, metalwork, and elaborate festivals.

Visit their courtyards on a sightseeing tour in Nepal. Then explore local heritage in museums and libraries.

3. Gurung People:

The Gurungs live in the Annapurna foothills. They farm terraced hills, herd sheep, and have a long tradition of serving as Gurkha soldiers.

Meet them on the Ghorepani-Ghandruk or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Their homestays offer some of the warmest hospitality in the hills.

4. Tamang People:

The Tamangs are Nepal's fifth-largest group, with over 1.6 million people. They live around Langtang and Rasuwa and celebrate Lhosar with masked dances.

Walk through their villages on the Tamang Heritage Trail or the Langtang Valley trek.

5. Tharu People:

The Tharus are one of the Terai's oldest communities. They are not the only people of the Terai, but they are among its best-known.

They farm, fish, and build mud-walled homes with beautiful decoration. Combine a village visit with a jungle safari in Nepal. Learn about the wildlife around them in our guide to flora and fauna in Nepal.

6. Magar, Rai, Limbu and Thakali:

The Magars are Nepal's largest Janajati group. They live across the western and central hills and have a long Gurkha tradition.

The Rai and Limbu form the Kirat peoples of eastern Nepal. Kirat tradition names them among the region's earliest rulers, and 3.17% of Nepalis follow the Kirat religion.

The Thakalis run the lodges of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Meet them on the Jomsom Muktinath trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek

7. Chhetri and Bahun:

The Chhetris and Hill Brahmins make up over a quarter of the population. They are Indo-Aryan Hindu communities of the hills, and they hold many roles in government and education.

Smaller Mountain Communities:

The Loba, Manangi, Dolpo-pa, Nubri, Tsumba and Hyolmo live in remote high valleys. They keep old Tibetan Buddhist traditions alive through yak herding, trade and monasteries.

Trek to them on our remote area treks. The Tsum Valley trek is a superb way to meet the Tsumba. To compare traditions across the border, read about the culture of Tibet and the culture of Bhutan

Languages of Nepal

Nepal has 124 mother tongues, though Nepali is the common language. It is written in Devanagari script.

Only 23 people reported Kusunda as their mother tongue, so it is on the edge of disappearing.

Learn these two words before you fly:

• Namaste: Hello and goodbye
• Dhanyabad: Thank you

Religion in Nepal

Most Nepalis follow Hinduism, but faiths overlap here. Buddhists and Hindus often share the same temples and festivals.

Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace, is in Nepal's Terai. Read more about the religions of Nepal

Culture, Dress and Festivals of Nepal

Nepali culture starts with a greeting. Palms pressed together, a small bow, and "Namaste" welcome every visitor.

The tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava means "the guest is a god." Hosts take it seriously.

Traditional dress varies by community:

• Daura-Suruwal and Dhaka topi for men
• Gunyo-Cholo for women
• Bakhu, the wrap worn by Sherpa women
• Tharu silver jewelry and Newar festival dress

Plan around the seasons with our climate of Nepal guide.

Meet the People of Nepal on the Trail

The best way to meet the people of Nepal is to walk through their villages. 

Browse all our trekking in Nepal options, or see what our travellers say in client reviews and travel stories.

New to trekking? Start with our easy and short treks and still meet real villages.

Etiquette When You Meet Local Communities

Respect opens doors across Nepal. 

Follow these simple rules:

• Ask before photographing people.
• Remove shoes before entering homes and temples.
• Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls.
• Give and receive with your right hand, or both hands.
• Dress modestly at religious sites.

Our guides brief every client before each trek. See why travel with us and read our tips for travel in Nepal.

Nepali People Around the World

Millions of Nepalis work and study abroad. The largest communities live in Malaysia, India, and the Gulf.

Meet the People of Nepal With Us!

The people of Nepal are the heart of every journey here. Their 142 communities, 124 languages, and shared warmth turn a trek into a cultural exchange.

Ready to meet them? Customize your trip or contact us today. Check visa procedures and entry permit details before you fly.

Explore Trekking in Nepal

FAQs About the People of Nepal

What are people from Nepal called?

People from Nepal are called Nepalis. The term covers all 142 caste and ethnic groups, from Sherpa to Tharu. Discover them on our trekking in Nepal itineraries.

Is it Nepali or Nepalese?

Both describe the people of Nepal, but "Nepali" is more common today. The language is always Nepali, never "Nepalese."

How many people live in Nepal?

The 2021 census counted 29,164,578 people. Check the Nepal travel info page for other quick facts.

How many ethnic groups does Nepal have?

Nepal has 142 caste and ethnic groups. Most sources with older figures, like 101 groups, are outdated.

What is the largest ethnic group in Nepal?

The Chhetri are the largest, with 16.45% of the population. Hill Brahmins and Magars rank second and third.

What languages do people in Nepal speak?

Nepali is the most common, spoken by 44.86%. Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, and Tamang follow, among 124 mother tongues.

What religion do most Nepalis follow?

Hinduism leads with 81.19%, and Buddhism follows at 8.21%. Learn more about the religion of Nepal.

Which ethnic group lives in the Everest region?

The Sherpa people live in Solu-Khumbu. Meet them on an Everest trek or during peak climbing in Nepal.

Who are the original people of the Kathmandu Valley?

The Newars are the valley's traditional inhabitants. Britannica notes they settled before the Tibetan and Indo-Aryan migrations.

Which trek is best for meeting local culture?

The Tamang Heritage Trail and Tsum Valley are excellent choices. Beginners can choose from easy and short treks.

Is the caste system still legal in Nepal?

No. Nepal made caste discrimination illegal in 1961, though social effects remain. Today the government recognises all groups equally.

Do all Nepalis speak Nepali?

Most do, but for many it is a second language. Communities like the Tamang and Tharu use their own mother tongues at home. Have more questions? Visit our general FAQs.