Bhotias The Northern Highlands are inhabited by the Bhotias, a semi- Mongolian people belonging to the Himalayan group of the Tibeto-Burman family. The Bhotias of Uttarakhand claim descent from the Rajputs who came from Kumaon and Garhwal and settled in the higher valleys. The Shankiyas living on the southern fringe of the eastern Bhotia country claim connections with the Joharis.

Young boy Credit: Karamjeet Singh

The Bhotias are to be found all along the Tibetan border from Nepal in the east to Uttarkashi in the west, for a distance of roughly 30 miles south of the borderland close to the Tibetan passes. Those living close to the Mana pass near Badrinath and those by the Niti pass are known as Tolchas and Marchas, respectively. The people living by the Untadhura pass are Joharis and Saukas. South of Johar are Bhotias or Jethora Bhotias, who are cultivators.

The Bhotias are hardy and industrious people, as well as being shrewd businessmen and born mountaineers. Famous Bhotia mountaineers like the Pandit brothers have surveyed the impenetrable Himalayas including Tibet.