Although both are generically called 'Drukpas', the world knows of Bhutan through the pastoral/peasant Ngalung society of western Bhutan rather than the forest dwelling Sarchops of the east. While there is a grey zone in the central districts of Bumthang and Tongsa, where the two mountain cultures meet, the Sarchops form a distinct community further east in the districts of Tashigang, Mongar, Pemagatsel and Lhuntshi.
While the Ngalungs trace their origins to central Tibet, the Sarchops, like the people of adjacent Arunachal Pradesh, are said to be descendants of migrants from Kham in eastern Tibet. Members of Thimphu's elite emphasise that the Sarchops and Ngalungs have practically identical cultures, while Lhotshampa refugee leaders tend to emphasise the differences.
The 'Indo-Mongoloid' Sarchops have distinct dialects, local customs, dress and food habits. They are Nyingmapas whereas the Ngalungs are of the Drukpa Kagyu order. Despite their distinctiveness, however, due to historical discrimination (their region traditionally came under the rule of the Ngalung Penlop of Tongsa) and lack of educational exposure, Sarchops do not, as yet, pose a political threat to the Ngalungs.
The Sarchops' is easily the largest of the three major communities of Bhutan, but they do not have clout commensurate with numerical strength. While marriage linkages and economic opportunities have brought a few Sarchops close to the inner circle of Drukpa society, they remain outsiders. According Bhim Subba, a senior Thimphu official in exile, "In terms of combined wealth, the Nepalis are best off. In terms of individual wealth, the Ngalungs are doing better. The Sarchops have neither advantage." There is one Lhostampa lynpo (minister), for example, but no Sarchop.