" The ancient Kirantis of Nepal, a very powerful people in the neighborhood of the tribes on the northern
frontier of the Himalayas are said to to have held dominion down to the delta of the Ganges.
They were both short and tall in structure having well-formed face, fair complexion, small, as well as
large oval eyes, scantly beards, short nose, etc.

Hodgson has placed the complex pronominalize language of Nepal under the head of Kiranti, which is
connected with the Tibeto-Burman group.
The most powerful section of the Kirantis who settled down in the Valley of Nepal in ancient times, probably
in the pre-Christian era, are identified with the present days Kiratas, i.e Kulung, Thulung and Yellung.

The Newaris who are happen to be one of the oldest inhabitants of Nepal Valley are also identified with
the Kiratas. They are supposed to have lived  between Gandaki and Sunkosi.

In support of this identification,
it has been noted Newari names of Patan Yellai is a changed form
of Yellung Kiratas.
By no stretch of imagination, the Newaris, Guruungs, Magars and Lepchas can be identified with
the Kiratas.
The Thadus or Tharus occupying the Tarai region from Nepal and eastern Rohilkhanda along the
frontiers of Oudh to Gorakhpur are supposed to be identical with the Kiratas. The great bulk of them are
now subjects of Nepal Government." by G.P Singh (The Kiratas in Ancient India), 1990

With reference to history of Kiratas, i have summarized some in the thread call "I Love Past Kings"
http://sajha.com/sajha/html/OpenThread.cfm?forum=2&ThreadID=69641