In Hong'Ai, where farming incomes remain low, the government has been pouring in funds to build roads, provide stable power and water supplies, and connect the village to the world via the Internet.

Gongpo Tashi, who has visited the Dalai Lama twice in India, says he has not contacted his uncle for a while. "If I call him some day, I will definitely tell him of the changes at home."

Gongpo Tashi is not sure the Dalai Lama will ever see the changes himself.

"Am I waiting for his return? Well, if he is back, all problems will be solved," he says.