Spoken Languages of Nepal: A Complete Guide to Nepal's Linguistic Diversity || नेपालमा बाेलिने भाषाहरू

Spoken Languages of Nepal: A Complete Guide to Nepal's Linguistic Diversity

Exploring the 124 Languages Spoken in Nepal

By Linguistic Expert | Updated: April 18, 2026

Nepal is not just a land of mountains but a vibrant mosaic of cultures and voices. According to the 2021 National Census, Nepal is home to 124 mother tongues belonging to four major language families.

Major Language Families in Nepal

Understanding the roots of Nepal's languages helps us appreciate the country's deep historical ties with both the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.

Language Family Key Languages Speakers (%)
Indo-Aryan Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri ~83%
Sino-Tibetan Tamang, Newar, Magar ~16%
Austro-Asiatic Santali, Munda < 1%
Dravidian Kurux (Jhangar) < 1%

Top 5 Most Spoken Languages

  • 1. Nepali 44.86%
  • 2. Maithili 11.05%
  • 3. Bhojpuri 6.24%
  • 4. Tharu 5.88%
  • 5. Tamang 4.88%

All 124 Languages Spoken in Nepal

Nepali Maithili Bhojpuri Tharu Tamang Bajjika Avadhi Nepal Bhasha (Newar) Magar Dhut Doteli Urdu Yakthung/Limbu Gurung Magahi Baitadeli Rai Achhami Bantawa Rajbanshi Sherpa Khash Bajhangi Hindi Magar Kham Chamling Ranatharu Chepang Bajureli Santali Danuwar Darchuleli Uranw/Urau Kulung Angika Majhi Sunuwar Thami Ganagai Thulung Bangla Ghale Sampang Marwadi Dadeldhuri Dhimal Tajpuriya Kumal Khaling Musalman Wambule Bahing/Bayung Yakkha Sanskrit Bhujel Bhote Darai Yamphu/Yamphe Nachhiring Hyolmo/Yholmo Dumi Jumli Bote Mewahang Puma Pahari Athpahariya Dungmali Jirel Tibetan Dailekhi Chum/Nubri Chhantyal Raji Thakali Meche Koyee Lohorung Kewarat Dolpali Done Mugali Jero/Jerung Karmarong Chhintang Lhopa Lapcha Munda/Mudiyari Manange Chhiling Dura Tilung Sign Language Byansi Balkura/Baram Baragunwa Sadri Raute Sonaha Walung Sam Lhomi Kaike Nar-Phu Lingkhim Kusunda Belhare Phangduwali Tsum Surel Gyasumdo Kagate Tichhurong Poike Kurmali Lowa Koche Sindhi Punjabi Oriya Chinese English Mizo Kuki Asami Nagamese

Endangered Spoken Languages

  • Kusunda
  • Baram
  • Dumi
  • Raute
  • Vayu (Hayu)
  • Surel
  • Kagate
  • Kaike
  • Tilung
  • Dura
  • Nar Phu
  • Sām
  • Limirong Tibetan
  • Koyee (Kou)
  • Mewahang
  • Lohorung
  • Nachhiring
  • Gyasumdo
  • Tsum
  • Nubri
  • Chintang
  • Lingkhim

13 Newly Identified Languages

  1. Bhote
  2. Lowa
  3. Chum (Syar)
  4. Nubri (Larke)
  5. Baragunwa
  6. Nar-Phu
  7. Ranatharu
  8. Karmarong
  9. Mugali
  10. Tichhurong Poike
  11. Sadri
  12. Done
  13. Munda/Mudiyari (sometimes listed with Kewarat)
Quick Facts
  • 📍
    Total Languages:
    124
  • 🏔️
    Official Language:
    Nepali
  • 📉
    Endangered:
    37+
  • 🆕
    Newly Identified:
    13