Botes are one of the indigenous minority nationalities of Nepal settled along the riverbanks of Tanahu, Lamjung, Gorkha, Syangja, Palpa, Gulmi, Chitwan and Nawalparasi. Their total population, according to the census of 2001, is 7,969. These people are gradually scattering into the interiors of the countryside leaving the riverbanks of rivers like Myagdi, Marsyangdi, Seti, Kaligandaki, Narayani and Rapti. Botes are divided into two large groups: Paani Bote and Paakha Bote. Those who row boats, do fishing and wash gold are called Paani Bote and and those who are engaged in farming on the dry lands are called Paakha Bote (Kaini, BS2051-052) Likewise, Botes are divided into thars or clans like Masahar Bote, Kusar Bote, Pipal Bote, Sundhuwa Bote, Maumi Bote, Kacchare Bote, Chautare Bote, Gairau Bote, Handiphore Bote, Mukhiyathare Bote (Gautam and Thapa Magar, 1994:51).

Botes have their own language that belongs to the Indo-European family of languages. This language is in a state of being endangered. Botes have their own culture that to a great extent is similar to that of Majhi, Darai and Danuwar. Nephew or son-in-law is invited as the priest in the naming ceremony and father's sister gives a name to the child. Maternal uncle performs the first haircut of the child. Marriage is conducted either by arrangement or by mutual consent between the boy and the girl in question. Marriage is possible between the son of father's sister and the daughter of maternal uncle but marriagedbetween the son of a maternal uncle and the daughter of father's sister (niece) is not possible. Jaand (homemade beer), rakshi (wine/spirit), meat and bread are required in abundance during the marriage. The dead are burried on the banks of rivers. While undergoing mourning, sons and daughters performing rites do not speak to other people other than those of their own ethnicity. They sit inside fishing nets during the mourning days. They cleanse themselves on the thirteenth day by washing themselves up in rivers. It is customary to break mourning on the Ghatasthapana day of Dashain.

Botes worship nature. They establish gods and goddesses in trees, stones, caves, riverbanks and worship them and sacrifice animals and birds. Most of the Botes are landless. Not even 20 per cent of them are able to afford subsistence on their own (Kaini, BS2056). They are traditionally engaged in rowing boats, fishing, washing gold on riverbanks (sifting gold from sand). In addition, some of them also work as agriculturists. A few of them do bamboo work to produce and sell nanglo (winnowing tray), basket, chalno (sieve), etc. Their main traditional occupation is in crisis today and they are earning their livelihood by resorting to labour work. Women are well-respected in Bote society and they are free to choose their jobs. They are encouraged to own pewapat (private property) and to do independent businesses. However, they are not entitled to a share in inherited property.