Gurung and Magar are the indigenous hill tribes of the mid and Western Himalayas, of the same breed Tibeto-Burman race. Almost similar looks and features due to their ancient origin, but separated by their own traditional cultures.
The Gurung are settled more around the southern hills and valleys of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. As well around the mid-hills of Gorkha and Dhading districts very few around Eastern Nepal. The Gurung are interwoven with Tibetan Buddhism religion and cultures, as well as practice the ancient sect of Bon cult (pre-Buddhism).
The Gurung although Buddhist and a Bon, worship natural spirits, mountains, rivers, and forests. Some tribes of Gurung also known as Ghale people come from the family called as Tamu group of family.
The Gurung also follows Shamanism, a practitioner (shaman) wading and healing people with the ancient practice of wading evil spirits.
The Magar although similar to its neighbor native Gurung follows their ancestral worship. One of the most populated hill tribes of Nepal spread out across the country, but mostly around Western Nepal.
The Magar is originally interwoven with Buddhism, but due to their close relation with the Hindu Brahmin and Chettries. At present follows both Hindu and Buddhism religions along with their ancient tribal religion and culture.
The best-known Magar tribes are Poon and Ale, inhabitants of Ghorepani and Poon Hill or Parbhat and Mygdi district. The Magar tribes extend as far as Dhaulagiri and beyond to Far Western Nepal. The Magar culture and dress almost resemble their neighboring Gurung but celebrate more Hindu festivals.
Very few Magar tribes are still connected with Buddhism religion.
The Magar and Gurung are well known as Gorkha, most menfolk are recruited in the British, Indian, and Nepal Army. As well as Singapore policemen and Bodyguards or Security personnel for the Sultan of Brunei.