The gewog lies entirely within Jigme Dorji National Park and contains several of Bhutan's glaciers.
As well as the national language, Dzongkha, many locals speak Layakha.
The closure of the Tibetan border following the Chinese invasion of Tibet brought several changes to the area.
Local people were no longer compelled to work as porters for Tibetan and Bhutanese officials, nobles, or religious figures from Gasa Dzong.
Refugees from Tibet arrived with their yaks, which they sold off at low prices.