SUNUWAR

 People of Sunuwar race very much resemble Magars and also Gurungs in their way of life and social customs. They are mostly found towards north from Sunkosi river which is about 100 kilometres north east form Kathmandu. Those who are married in their same race are considered to be of higher class and that those having interracial marital relations are of lower class, thus, forming two classes of Sunuwars. 

Sunuwars live in the land between the Likhu and Khimti rivers and in the districts of Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap and Dolkha. They have their own unique language and culture. They had their kipat rights on their ancestral lands. Because of their adherence to the Kirant religion, they are considered closer to the Rais. However, sociologists opine that they are more akin to the language and culture of the Magars with whom they also share similar physical resemblance. Sunuwars, Surels and Jirels are socially close-knit communities. Sunwars are mostly engaged in farming.