The valley's pleasant climate and safety from floods and other natural disasters complemented by the fertile soil attracted invaders to conquer and settle here. Various, mighty dynasties ruled Nepal through many centuries and brought together diverse cultures and religions that thrive to this day.
Depending on where you tours in Nepal, you will encounter people of various ethnic groups. The general distribution goes like this: there are Newars in Kathmandu Valley mixed with many different ethnic groups that migrated here. In the lower hills live the Brahmins and Chettris along with many others. As you climb higher, you encounter Tamangs who generally live along the hilltops. Further up in the mountainous region where it snows live the Sherpas who have adapted to the high altitude. The group known as Kirants lives in the east also in the hilly and mountainous regions. There are many other groups spread around like the Magars and Gurungs. Religions vary from Hindu to Buddhist, to animists, to Christians and Muslims. The tribes living in the higher regions are generally Buddhist.
Nepal is divided into three layers, according to its geographical settings - the Himalayan region, the Mid-hills, and Tarai region (flat plains). The Himalayan region is the home of the legendary Sherpas, who are renowned for climbing mt. Everest. and many other peaks. One of the first mountaineers to climb Mt. Everest was Tenzing Norgay along with Edmund Hillary from New Zealand. Sherpas follow Tibetan Buddhism, the "ancient school" by religion, they are friendly in nature and share part of the culture of Tibet. Trek to the northernmost region of Nepal to see the rich mix of culture and lifestyle.
The Mid-hills of Nepal are populated by many hill tribes of Nepal like Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Chettris, Brahmins, Newars, etc. Before the unification of modern Nepal, Gurung, Rai,n, and Magars had their independent countries, and still have their own culture; the manner of practicing religion, language, cuisine, music, and dance, and their architectural settlement is distinctly different.
Newars, being the indigenous people of Kathmandu Valley, are rich in metal works, arts, and crafts, and building palaces and temples. Chet tries (Khas) and Brahmins are Hindus by religion and historians state they are ancient settlers of the Karnali region of Nepal. They have carried their cultural values - with them - wherever they settled.
Tarai is the home of the Tharu tribes, and of the Madhesi people. They have distinctive cultures and lifestyles, though their social life is influenced by Aryan culture and the Hindu religion. Being a hot province of Nepal, people of the Terai region wear light, cotton, clothes, but, they work hard during the day. Contact us for more details on Trekking in Nepal, Tours, Mountaineering, and many more outdoor adventure activities.
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