Contemporary livelihood studies focus on people’s activity and

capabilities in making a living under complex circumstances. Gaddis

of Indian Himalaya and their livelihood strategies will be examined in

the context of socio-economical changes by following a people-centric

approach, Sustainable Livelihoods (SL) Framework, and using semistructured

interviews as primary material. The early settlers of Bharmour,

Gaddis, adopted subsistence agriculture and transhumant pastoralism.

Today many are also working in the tertiary sector as tour guides, shop

keepers, and teachers, among others. Thus there is a growing trend of

horticulture in Bharmour. The study reveals differences and similarities

between Bharmour and Dharamsala in terms of livelihood strategies,

as well as Gaddis’ perception on their own well-being and options

for making a living. Gaddis have diversified their livelihoods and are

strongly attached to their villages; hence many appreciate tourism and

other livelihood sectors rather than the traditional ones. Further research

is needed to examine actual power relations and the state of Gaddi culture

in relation of livelihood sustainability and well-being.