Travel guide · Nepal
Culture and People of Nepal
From Newar towns to Sherpa highlands and Tharu villages, a guide to the many peoples and living traditions of Nepal.
Nepal packs astonishing human diversity into a small Himalayan country. More than 120 ethnic and caste groups speak over 120 languages, from the Tibetan-influenced highlands to the plains bordering India. This collection introduces the major peoples of Nepal and the living traditions — festivals, food, faith and craft — that make travel here so rewarding.
The short answer
Nepal's culture is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions carried by dozens of distinct communities. In the hills you'll meet Gurung and Magar peoples; in the Kathmandu Valley the artistic Newar; in the high Himalaya the Sherpa; and across the southern plains the Tharu. Start with our overview of the ethnic groups of Nepal to see how they fit together.
Explore the cultures
- Ethnic groups of Nepal — a map of who lives where, and the country's main religions and languages.
- Newar culture and heritage — the artisans of the Kathmandu Valley, famous for temples, feasts and festivals.
- Sherpa people and culture — the Buddhist highlanders of the Everest region and their mountaineering legacy.
- Tharu culture of the Terai — the indigenous people of the southern lowlands near Chitwan.
- Gurung and Magar culture — the hill communities of central and western Nepal, known for Gurkha service.
- Nepali handicrafts and souvenirs — what to buy and the artisans behind it.
A shared yet diverse identity
What ties these communities together is as striking as what sets them apart. Hinduism and Buddhism are woven so tightly that families often honour both, shared festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated nationwide, and the Nepali language links speakers of dozens of mother tongues. At the same time, each group keeps its own dress, cuisine, music and ritual, so a journey across Nepal is also a journey across cultures — from a Newar feast in Bhaktapur to a Sherpa monastery beneath Everest, a Tharu stick dance near Chitwan and a Gurung homestay in the Annapurna foothills.
Travel respectfully
Wherever you go, a little awareness goes a long way. Read our Nepal culture and etiquette guide before you arrive, learn a handful of useful Nepali phrases, and time your trip around the great festivals of Nepal. For the bigger picture of where to go, return to our Nepal travel hub.
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Frequently asked questions
How many ethnic groups are there in Nepal?+
Nepal's census recognises more than 120 caste and ethnic groups speaking over 120 languages. Major communities include the Chhetri, Bahun (Brahmin), Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Gurung, Sherpa, Rai and Limbu, each with its own dress, customs and festivals.
What is the main religion in Nepal?+
Hinduism is the most widely practised religion, followed by Buddhism, with Islam, Kirat and Christianity also present. In daily life the two main traditions blend closely, and many Nepalis honour both Hindu and Buddhist shrines, festivals and deities.
What language do people in Nepal speak?+
Nepali is the official language and the common tongue across the country, but most communities also speak their own mother tongue, such as Newari (Nepal Bhasa), Maithili, Tamang, Tharu or Sherpa. Learning a few Nepali phrases is appreciated everywhere.
Where can travellers experience Nepali culture?+
The Kathmandu Valley's Newar towns, Sherpa villages in the Everest region, Tharu communities around Chitwan and Gurung and Magar villages in the Annapurna foothills all offer rich, accessible cultural encounters alongside Nepal's famous festivals.
