Gaddis are

The Gaddis are a prominent semi-pastoral tribal community primarily inhabiting the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh, particularly the Bharmour sub-division of Chamba district and the Dhauladhar range in Kangra [1]. They are traditionally recognized as shepherds who practice transhumance, a seasonal migration pattern where they move their flocks of sheep and goats between summer and winter pastures [3]. While they maintain permanent homes and engage in agriculture, making them agro-pastoralists, their identity is deeply rooted in their role as shepherds of the Western Himalayas. The community is linguistically distinct, speaking the Gaddiali dialect, and is culturally characterized by their traditional woolen attire and Pahari caps [1]. Historically, they are classified as a Scheduled Tribe in Himachal Pradesh, with their ancestral home often referred to as 'Gaderan' [1].

Sources

1. [1] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context > Case Study – Integrated Tribal Development Project in Bharmaur* Region > p. 68
2. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaddis