Himalaya

An aging tribal chief who guards tradition and the caravan's ancient routes. He weighs experience against ambition and remains a steady, authoritative presence even as fatigue tests his resolve. His leadership is marked by resilience in the mountains and a quiet insistence on honor, even when he is challenged by younger ambitions. He inspires loyalty and respect through years of guiding his people through peril.

A bold young herdsman determined to prove himself worthy of leadership. He chooses a shortcut and leaves early to test his limits, risking trust and unity. His actions drive the central rivalry with Tinle and reveal a capacity for courage that earns him mixed admiration. He becomes a role model for Tinle’s grandson, embodying initiative and risk-taking.

Tinle’s monastic son, a measured voice who carries spiritual and practical duties. He joins the caravan and acts as a bridge between ritual obligation and real-world problem solving. He respects tradition while supporting his father and Karma’s efforts, and he honors the caravan's legacy with quiet leadership. At the end, he honors Tinle by painting a monastery wall with the journey’s memories.

The tribe’s heir to chieftainship who dies early in the journey after a botched shortcut attempt. His death triggers a leadership scramble and forces the caravan to adapt without a clear successor. His absence underscores the fragility of traditional succession and the need for communal agreement. His memory continues to influence decisions and the caravan’s cohesion.

Tinle’s grandson who witnesses the caravan’s struggles and learns from Karma’s courage and Tinle’s restraint. He represents the next generation watching the mountains test maturity. The events shape his understanding of duty, loyalty, and the costs of leadership.