Himalaya

At the film's outset, Lhakpa, the heir to the chieftainship, dies in a botched attempt to navigate a shortcut. His death unsettles the tribe and opens a struggle for who will lead the caravan. The community realizes that the annual salt trade is at stake as winter approaches.

The caravan carries rock salt from the high plateau down to the lowlands in exchange for grain. The elders enforce the tradition that keeps the villagers fed through the winter. The success of this journey hinges on capable leadership and trust among the tribe.

Tension grows between the aging chief Tinle and the young herdsman Karma, who is both a friend and a rival to Tinle’s family. The issue is who should lead the caravan in Lhakpa's absence. The elders sense a test of strength and wisdom between generations.

The elders decide that Karma should take the lead in the absence of Lhakpa, underscoring a shift in authority. Tinle objects, arguing that leadership should be earned or chosen by tradition. The dispute sets the stage for a dramatic race to leadership across the mountains.

Karma departs a few days before the scheduled departure, taking a shortcut and leaving behind only the youngest and oldest members. His relatives plead with him not to go, warning that the departure would be seen as deceitful. The act foreshadows the challenges ahead on the treacherous route.

With the rest of the salt still available, Tinle decides to lead the caravan on the original departure day. He recruits his monastic son, Norbou, to join the effort, solidifying his claim to lead. The caravan begins its trek while Karma starts his own course ahead.

Tinle's caravan catches up to Karma's earlier improvised route, illustrating a clash of plans and leadership styles. Karma had left days earlier via a shortcut, yet Tinle pushes to keep pace and assert control. The two leaders’ approaches test the unity of the group.

Karma acts as a role model for Tinle's grandson, Tserin, demonstrating courage and skill in the mountains. The younger generation learns leadership through Karma’s example. The moment hints at reconciliation between rival lines of authority.

Tinle predicts an oncoming snowstorm and orders the caravan to depart immediately. Karma counters that the sky is clear, arguing for patience. The disagreement highlights the split between experience and caution.

Karma chooses to stay behind rather than hold up the caravan, acknowledging his misjudgment. The caravan departs under Tinle's leadership with Norbou and the rest of the group. Karma’s sacrifice underscores the bond between rival factions.

As the storm bears down, Tinle grows weary and collapses in the snow. Karma arrives having realized his earlier mistake and carries Tinle to the front of the caravan. Together the caravan endures the blizzard and presses onward.

The caravan reaches a landmark and survives the snowstorm, but Tinle collapses again and asks to be left to die in the mountains. The leaders honor the ancient code of the mountains and allow him to pass away there. The moment marks a quiet acceptance of the harsh life the mountains demand.

The caravan leaders choose to honour Tinle's wish to die in the mountains rather than be carried to the flatlands, accepting the traditional mercy of the mountains. The decision reflects the tribe’s deep respect for the cycle of life and the land. Karma’s earlier actions become a bridge between generations.

Norbou, Tinle’s monastic son, honors his father by painting a monastery wall with the caravan’s adventures. The mural preserves the memory of the journey and the leadership struggle. The film closes on a note of reverence for the mountains and their people.