Most of the gaddi population is concentrated in Chamba and Bharmaur where they have homes. The snow-bound gadhern (where many of them live) at an altitude ranging between 4000 and 8000 ft, remain cut off from the rest of the world due to heavy snow and avalanches.

Gaddis are believed to have migrated to Bharmaur following the partition of the country. The violence that had erupted in the aftermath of the Partition forced them to flee and seek asylum in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. Wandering in the wilderness, they came upon a place called Bharmaur, also called Brahmpura, and chose it as a peaceful, permanent abode. A popular saying "Ujariya Lahore, basya Bharmaur" (forced to leave Lahore, they settled at Bharmaur) sums up the story of these sturdy nomads.

Gaddi women in their traditional dress.

As winter approaches these hardy highlanders embark upon their migratory journey towards the foothills of the Shivaliks in search of food, fodder and greener pastures, along with herds of sheep and goats. After a couple of months’ gruelling journey through the awe-inspiring hills, these gaddis trudge into Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, Palampur and Dharamsala, where winter is less severe. They keep wandering in search of pastures for their cattle.

A gaddi family is considered incomplete without a pair of mules it rears to transport luggage, during its migratory journey and sniffer dogs which dutifully guard their herds and unmanned belonging at night and during day when they are away grazing their herds. The gaddi dog is strong enough to repel an attack by a lion or a leopard. They are also sharp-witted. If a goat or sheep strays into another flock, the dog escorts the animal back into its pen.

Gaddis are enterprising people. They spend six months a year when the harvesting season begins at gadhern. While the women look after the home, hearth and herds, the men remain busy with the harvesting.

Gaddans are excellent weavers and craftswomen. Their hand-woven woollen shawls and scarfs with elaborate folk designs are a testimony to this talent. The oval-shaped woollen cap, too, speaks volumes for their innate talent.

Gaddis are simple down-to-earth people and lead an austere life. They are known for their sterling qualities of head and heart. Their behaviour has earned them a well-deserved sobriquet: bhola mittar (innocent fellow). The gaddans have chiselled features and are known for their perseverance, probity, courage and high moral character. They look beautiful in their traditional apparel and ethnic ornaments. They adorn themselves with laung, baalu, bessar, nathlu, chuck-phullian, chanderhaar, gojru, tokkey, jaimala, chirri and heavy silver necklace which add grace to their beauty.

The gaddis have simple eating habits. They consume abundant goat milk and relish simple food, which includes makki-ki-roti, barley, rice and rice-pudding.

A wedding in a gaddi household is a gala occasion, which is marked by joi-de-vivre, vivacity and merry-making. The gaddans especially look forward to weddings as it gives them an opportunity to dance and sing. Any festive occasion in a gaddi household is considered a lacklustre affair without dance and music. Men and women vie with each other to perform group dances, including natti, a popular gaddi folk dance. The entire valley reverberates with the beat of pulsating folk music. The gaddi natti and dangi dance are very popular dances in Himachal Pradesh.

Even though the gaddis practice monogamy, there are stray cases of polyandry among the Pangalwal and Kinner gaddis.

Fairs and festivals offer a welcome respite to the gaddis from their dull and drab life. These intrepid tribals trudge long distances to participate in these fairs.