Gurung Ghale in Nepal

The Gurung Ghale have only been reported in Nepal
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian *
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Gurung Ghale people are part of the South Asian Buddhist people cluster within the South Asian Peoples affinity bloc. They are primarily located in Nepal. The Gurung are known for their historical ties to the Himalayan region. Their traditions reflect a blend of indigenous practices and Buddhist influence, forming a unique cultural identity.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gurung Ghale people typically live in rural and mountainous regions of Nepal. Many are engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and local trade. Their communities are often close-knit, with strong family ties and communal support systems. Traditional customs, festivals, and rituals play a significant role in daily life. While some Gurung have migrated to urban areas or abroad for work, many still maintain their ancestral ways of life.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gurung Ghale people primarily practice folk Buddhism, a syncretistic blend of traditional Buddhist practices with elements of magic, superstition, and animism. Their spiritual worldview includes reverence for ancestral spirits, nature deities, and ritual ceremonies. Although Bible translations, the Jesus Film, and gospel recordings are available in Nepali, radio broadcasts in their language are not currently available.


What Are Their Needs?

They need culturally relevant evangelism and discipleship, tailored to their spiritual worldview and traditions.
They need access to Christian radio broadcasts in Nepali to reach remote communities with the gospel.
They need trained local leaders and church planters who can minister effectively within their cultural context.
They need holistic development initiatives, including education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, to improve quality of life and support spiritual growth.


Prayer Items

Pray for the Gurung Ghale people to encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ in ways that resonate with their cultural identity.
Ask God to raise local believers and leaders who can share the gospel with wisdom and compassion.
Pray for the effective use of existing Christian resources—Bible translations, the JESUS Film, and gospel recordings.
Pray for the development of Christian radio broadcasts and other media outreach to reach isolated Gurung communities.
Pray for spiritual openness and transformation among Gurung families and villages.


Scripture Prayers for the Gurung Ghale in Nepal.


References

AI generated by Copilot


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Gurung Ghale
People Name in Country Gurung Ghale
Alternate Names गुरुंग घाले
Population this Country 24,000
Population all Countries 24,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 20743
ROP3 Code 103163
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 12
Largest States
Bagmati
13,000
Gandaki
6,800
Narayani
2,600
Kosi
800
Sagarmatha
500
Lumbini
300
Janakpur
80
Mechi
70
Bheri
40
Dhaulagiri
20
Seti
20
Karnali
10
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 12
  Bagmati 13,000
  Gandaki 6,800
  Narayani 2,600
  Kosi 800
  Sagarmatha 500
  Lumbini 300
  Janakpur 80
  Mechi 70
  Bheri 40
  Dhaulagiri 20
  Seti 20
  Karnali 10
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Estimated Percent *
Buddhism
89.26 %
Christianity
6.48 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
2.81 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.60 %
Unknown
0.85 %
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Ghale, Southern (8,700 speakers)
Language Code ghe   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
Nepali
7,400
Gurung
5,700
Nyeshangte
400
Tibetan, Central
300
Sherpa
200
Lepcha
200
Chepang
20
Primary Language Ghale, Southern (8,700 speakers)
Language Code ghe   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
  Nepali 7,400
  Gurung 5,700
  Nyeshangte 400
  Tibetan, Central 300
  Sherpa 200
  Lepcha 200
  Chepang 20
People Groups Speaking Ghale, Southern

Primary Language:  Ghale, Southern

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1977)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1992-2011)
Bible-Complete No
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Ghale, Southern YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Ghale, Southern YouVersion Bibles
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.