The Bhutias are people of Tibetan origin, who migrated to Sikkim, India after the 15th century through Bhutan, where they are also known as Ngalop and constitute half of the country's population. In Northern Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The language spoken by the Bhutias is Sikkimese. Most of the Bhutias practice Tibetan Buddhism, although a small number have converted to Christianity. The Bhutia clan are spread out over Nepal, Bhutan and in the northern West Bengal towns of Kalimpong and Darjeeling.

The Lachenpas and Lachungpas have their own traditional legal system called the “Dzumsa” which means the meeting place of the people The Dzumsa is headed by the village headman known as the Pipon. Dzumsas of North Sikkim have been given full protection by the state government by deeming a status of Panchayat ward and the Pipon, a status of Panchayat head. The Bhutia aristocrats were called Kazis and were an integral part of Chogyal monarchy prior to 1975, when Sikkim was an independent monarchy.

The Bhutia traditional dress called Bakhu which is a loose cloak type garment that is fastened at the neck on one side and near the waist with a cotton belt. Male members array the Bakhu with a loose trouser. The womenfolk don the Bakhu with a silken full sleeve blouse called Honju; a loose gown type garment fastened near the waist, tight with a belt. In the front portion a loose sheet of multi-coloured woollen cloth with exotic geometric designs is tied. This is called 'known as the Pangdi and is a symbol of a wedded woman. The women folk are also particularly fond of jewellery especially gold trinkets. Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas. A Bhutia house called a "Khin", is usually rectangular in shape.

Bhutias are mostly employed in agriculture, piggery, poultry and animal husbandry. In the town of Kalimpong, Bhutias are mostly employed in government offices and many are traders. Bhutias usually are rice eaters with animal fat fried vegetables or meat. The other foods are momo and the Thukpa. The Losar and Loosong are two festivals celebrated by the Bhutia community. The chyang is the favourite drink of the Bhutias served in a bamboo container called the Tongba. The most famous export of the Bhutia clan is the Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia who hails from South Sikkim.