Learn about the different Rai subgroups — Khambu, Chamling, Sampang, Dewas, and more — their population, location, and language.
Yamphu (Yamphe) is a Rai subgroup of approximately 6,000 people, primarily located in Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Nepal.
≈ 6,000 people · Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Nepal
The Yamphu people are found in the Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts. They maintain traditional practices and are part of the broader Kirat cultural landscape.
Yakkha is a Rai subgroup of approximately 14,000 people, primarily located in Dhankuta, Terhathum, Nepal.
≈ 14,000 people · Dhankuta, Terhathum, Nepal
The Yakkha people live primarily in the Dhankuta and Terhathum districts of eastern Nepal. They share cultural practices with Limbu and other Eastern Kirat groups. The Yakkha have a distinct identity while being part of the broader Kirat community.
Wambule is a Rai subgroup of approximately 2,000 people, primarily located in Okhaldhunga, Udayapur, Nepal.
≈ 2,000 people · Okhaldhunga, Udayapur, Nepal
The Wambule are a small Kirat group found in the Okhaldhunga and Udayapur districts. With a very small population, they maintain their distinct identity as part of the Kirat community.
Sunuwar (Mukhia) is a Rai subgroup of approximately 85,000 people, primarily located in Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Sindhuli, Darjeeling.
≈ 85,000 people · Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Sindhuli, Darjeeling
The Sunuwar, also known as Mukhia, live primarily in the Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, and Sindhuli districts, with diaspora communities in Darjeeling and Sikkim. They have a rich tradition of folk songs and maintain strong cultural identity.
Sampang is a Rai subgroup of approximately 3,500 people, primarily located in Udayapur, Nepal.
≈ 3,500 people · Udayapur, Nepal
A smaller Rai subgroup primarily found in the Udayapur district. The Sampang language is endangered. The Sampang people maintain traditional Rai cultural practices despite their small population.
Nachhiring is a Rai subgroup of approximately 8,000 people, primarily located in Solukhumbu, Nepal.
≈ 8,000 people · Solukhumbu, Nepal
The Nachhiring Rai are found in the Solukhumbu district. They are closely related to Kulung and other Central Kiranti groups, sharing many cultural and linguistic features.
Limbu (Subba) is a Rai subgroup of approximately 350,000 people, primarily located in Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Sikkim, Darjeeling.
≈ 350,000 people · Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Sikkim, Darjeeling
The Limbu, also known as Subba, are one of the most prominent Kirat groups. They have a distinct script (Sirijanga/Limbu script), rich literary tradition, and strong political presence in Sikkim and eastern Nepal. Famous for their warrior history and sophisticated social structure.
Kulung is a Rai subgroup of approximately 33,000 people, primarily located in Solukhumbu, Nepal.
≈ 33,000 people · Solukhumbu, Nepal
The Kulung people are primarily found in the Solukhumbu district along the Hongu River valley. They speak the Kulung language and have several distinct dialects. The Kulung have a strong connection to the Himalayan landscape and traditional practices.
Khambu is a Rai subgroup of approximately 350,000 people, primarily located in Eastern Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling.
≈ 350,000 people · Eastern Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling
The largest and most widely known Rai subgroup. Also called Kirat Rai or Khambu Rai. Primarily associated with the Bantawa language. The Khambu are known for their warrior heritage and have a strong presence in eastern Nepal and Sikkim.
Dumi is a Rai subgroup of approximately 5,500 people, primarily located in Khotang, Solukhumbu, Nepal.
≈ 5,500 people · Khotang, Solukhumbu, Nepal
The Dumi people live along the Dudhkoshi river in the Khotang and Solukhumbu districts. Their language is endangered but they maintain traditional practices and cultural identity.
Dewas is a Rai subgroup of approximately 15,000 people, primarily located in Makawanpur, Hetauda, Nepal.
≈ 15,000 people · Makawanpur, Hetauda, Nepal
A distinct Rai subgroup primarily located in the Makawanpur district (Rai gaun) and Hetauda area. The Dewas speak the Dewas Rai language (ISO: dya), which is classified under Eastern Indo-Aryan languages, making it unique among Rai subgroups. The Dewas have strong cultural ties to other Rai groups while maintaining their distinct linguistic identity.
Chamling is a Rai subgroup of approximately 18,000 people, primarily located in Udayapur, Khotang, Nepal.
≈ 18,000 people · Udayapur, Khotang, Nepal
The Chamling Rai are primarily associated with the Chamling language and live in the Udayapur and Khotang districts. They share many cultural practices with other Rai groups including Sakela festival celebrations.
Bantawa is a Rai subgroup of approximately 85,000 people, primarily located in Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Sikkim.
≈ 85,000 people · Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Sikkim
The Bantawa-speaking Rai are one of the largest Rai subgroups, primarily located in the Bhojpur and Dhankuta districts. They are known for their vibrant cultural practices, including the Sakela festival, and have a strong presence in both Nepal and the diaspora.
Bahing is a Rai subgroup of approximately 20,000 people, primarily located in Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Nepal.
≈ 20,000 people · Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Nepal
The Bahing Rai are primarily located in the Bhojpur and Dhankuta districts. They have a significant population and maintain vibrant cultural traditions including folk songs, dance, and festivals.