Every household is a member of this traditional administrative system, which is in charge of governing and organizing village activities.

The Lachen monastery and the women's handicraft centre to view the weaving of traditional blankets and carpets reveal the local way of life.

Gurudongmar Lake at 17,800 ft elevation is encircled by snowy massifs.Thangu offers accommodations 30 km from Lachen.

Seasons unfold timelessly in this high altitude habitat: gaily painted with myriad flowers in the spring and monsoon, bathed in spectacular weather in autumn and snow clad fairy-tale winters.

To the north, there is the old town of Thangu where the daytime temperature varies from 4 to 12 degrees Celsius (40 to 55 °F), even in the months of June and July.