People in this state belong to different races and tribes who have migrated from other places. Some areas are inhabited by Aryans whereas others are of Mongol race. It is very easy to recognise them from their features. The inhabitants of Barabhangal village (Kangra) claim themselves to be the descendants of Alexander whereas the villagers of Malana village (Kulu) have their own way of living, administration and are independent in many respects. About half of the area of Himachal is inhabited by the nomadics and tribals.

The most interesting thing about the people of this state is that they have kept alive their age old traditions, customs and cultural values till this date. They are very fond of music, dance and fairs and festivals. Each community participates in the religious and social functions of the other community without any discrimination although they follow different religions. Due to cold climate, the design and architecture of the houses is almost the same throughout the upper belt of the state. The warmer regions have an influence of Punjab. The ground floor is meant for animals, first story for living with a verandah on all sides for sun basking during the long months of winter. The top is covered with locally extracted slates. Now with the change in economy of the people due to cash crops of fruits and potatoes, the style of living and houses is fast changing to cement and concrete. this change is also due to the ban on cutting of trees.

The whole area of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur bordering Ladakh and Tibet is tribal of Mongol race and follow Buddhism. To keep the family small and united due to small land available, polyandry system of family was in use but now this system is dying slowly as most of the families have migrated to other places and some have gained high position to support a separate family.