Some of the Mandiali speakers are fluent in the Hindi language as well. Altogether, there may be as many as 17 million Pahari speakers, but the Pahari Mandeali number only about 11,000. The Pahari live on the outer fringes of the Himalayan Mountains. The mountains of the area are sharp and jagged, and the valleys are small and narrow. Landslides are frequent, and erosion is severe.
Winters are cold, with light snow or rain.
Heavy rainfall occurs during the late summer monsoons, resulting in a rich, bountiful harvest each year. Like nearly all other Hindus of India , the Pahari Mandeali are divided into many hereditary social groups called castes . Members of a particular caste usually share the same occupation, and the castes are ranked according to the prestige of the occupation. Members of more prestigious castes avoid contact with lower castes in order to avoid the ritual pollution brought about by associating with them. Pahari economy is based on farming, with most households growing only enough food to feed themselves.