Tharlo

Ponytail Tharlo, a modest sheep herder, sets off to town on a mission to fulfill a requirement from police chief Dorje for an ID card photograph. This venture is significant as it marks the beginning of his journey into a world unfamiliar and vibrant, contrasting starkly with his simple life in the mountains.

While in town, Tharlo encounters Yangtso, a lively hairdresser embodying modernity with her short hair and spirited attitude. Her flirtatious nature and suggestion to journey together spark excitement in Tharlo, who is unaccustomed to such interactions.

Tharlo and Yangtso spend a night at a karaoke bar, filled with festivities and laughter. This night becomes a pivotal moment for Tharlo, as he is enveloped by Yangtso's carefree charm, introducing a taste of modern life that he has never experienced before.

After the exhilarating night, Tharlo retreats back to the tranquility of the mountains. However, the thrill of the unfamiliar quickly pulls at his heartstrings, leading him to contemplate returning to town once more.

In a drunken misadventure, wolves attack Tharlo's flock, causing significant losses. This misfortune leads to a harsh reprimand from the sheep owner, highlighting the gravity of his actions and the consequences that follow when he strays from his responsibilities.

Determined to make amends, Tharlo ventures back to town to sell his remaining sheep, earning a decent sum. He offers this money to Yangtso for safekeeping, hoping it would pave the way for a brighter future with her.

Yangtso proposes to shave off Tharlo's cherished ponytail, which symbolizes his simple past. This significant moment marks a turning point in their relationship, raising the stakes for Tharlo as he contemplates significant changes in his life.

The following morning, Tharlo wakes up to find that Yangtso has vanished without a trace. This sudden disappearance shatters his dreams of a new life with her, leaving him heartbroken and confused about his next steps.

Heartbroken and longing to reunite with Yangtso, Tharlo seeks solace at chief Dorje's station. He wishes to find her and escape his sorrow, but finds himself at a loss without any sense of direction or purpose.

In a surprising twist, chief Dorje instructs Tharlo to return to town for another ID card photograph due to his changed appearance after the haircut. This decision further compounds his feelings of bewilderment and hopelessness as he is pushed back into a situation he is struggling to understand.

Tharlo, still in a daze, wanders back into the mountains, feeling more isolated than ever. Each step deeper into the wilderness symbolizes his internal struggle and longing for connection, even as he tries to escape his current reality.

As Tharlo rides along, he realizes that the fuel in his motorbike has completely run out. This moment of helplessness leads him to another round of self-indulgence in drinking, as he grapples with the emptiness left by Yangtso's absence.

In a desperate moment of frustration and disillusionment, Tharlo ignites a firecracker, symbolizing his turbulent emotions. The screen fades to black just before the explosion, leaving his fate and future open to interpretation and uncertainty.