The Western Himalaya: Culturally, the Himalayan region of Kashmir is a zone of convergence and diffusion of mainly three religio-cultural streams - the Muslims, Buddhists (Tibeto-Mongoloids) and Hindus. These culture groups still maintain their regional expression in three distinct parts of the region: the Gilgit, Baltistan and Poonch region is overwhelmingly Muslim; Ladakh is predominantly Buddhist; while Jammu is mainly Hindu. The semi-arid highland zone of Himachal Himalaya, trans-Himalayan tracts of Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur have a low population and are mainly inhabited by Buddhists (Tibetan), while the other parts of Himachal Pradesh are mainly inhabited by Hindus.

The Central Himalaya: The Central Himalayan region has its own distinctiveness, reflecting the sublime blend of Indian cultural traits associated with the Badrinath-Gangotri complex, which has absorbed Mongoloid cults into Hindu moulds. Culturally Uttarakhand Himalaya is largely dominated by the local Pahari (Kumauni and Garhwali) culture in the middle and low altitudes, while in the northern high-altitude valleys, the Bhotia cultural system predominates. The population is predominantly Hindu.

The Eastern Himalaya: The Eastern Himalayan region comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal have been populated by hardy Indo-Mongoloid, Tibetan, and Nepalese people who have adapted themselves to the rugged terrain and the rigorous climate. Mongoloid tribes from Tibet, Indo-Aryan people from north India, and the Lepchas from Assam and upper Burma have settled in the Himalayan valleys and developed distinct cultural patterns. The Buddhist and Lamaistic religion and culture are found throughout the region with the exception of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, which comprises people of various races and religions.

The Purvanchal: In the Purvanchal Himalaya the majority of tribes follow their animistic religious traditions, while some tribes like Naga, Khasi, Mizo, a section of Bodo and few others have embraced Christianity. The process of Hinduisation is also operative among some groups of Bodo, Hajong, Garo, and Rabha etc. Buddhism retains its hold on some tribes like Monpa, Sherdukpen, Khampti and Singpho. The Naga population and culture is predominant in Nagaland, while to the south there is a distinct socio-cultural pattern, characterised as Manipuri culture. The hill region of Manipur is inhabited by Nagas and Kukis while those inhabiting the valleys are known as the Meities. In the south of Manipur the longitudinal ridges and valleys of Mizo hills are occupied mainly by the Lushalis or Mizos, impart a distinct regional character to it. The Tripura and Cachar hills are inhabited by tribals while the plains are densely settled by Bengali and other non-tribal population.