Using the case study of the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, India, the authors aim to build upon existing theories surrounding climate change related vulnerabilities and their relation to gender discourses. Applying the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, this papers establishes an understanding on how place-based vulnerabilities influence the livelihoods. The research also highlights the gender differentiated impacts that arise due to existing social norms and practices evident in the study sites. The study further identifies an emerging narrative of socio-cultural norms determining access to resources and influencing an individual’s vulnerability. Moreover, existing social norms differentially impact women by limiting their access to land ownership, decision making powers, amongst others, and subsequently negatively influencing their adaptive capacities.