Travelers and Magicians

In a picturesque yet remote village, a young government official named Dondup dreams of a life in the United States. His aspirations are vividly reflected in his choice of attire, as he wears a denim gho, symbolizing his longing for adventure and a different life.

Dondup's journey takes a turn when he misses the only bus to Thimphu, leaving him stranded in his village. This unexpected setback forces him to seek alternative means of travel, igniting his adventurous spirit.

Determined to reach Thimphu, Dondup begins his journey by hitchhiking and walking along the scenic Lateral Road. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters that color his experience, including an apple seller and a drunken traveler.

During their trek, Dondup and his companions meet a Buddhist monk who shares the captivating story of Tashi, a restless farm boy. The monk's animated storytelling reveals Tashi's deep desire to escape his mundane village life.

In the monk's story, Tashi rides a horse into a mysterious forest but soon becomes lost among the remote mountains. His adventure takes a darker turn as he encounters a wise old woodcutter and his beautiful young wife.

Tashi becomes infatuated with the woodcutter's wife, leading to a tangled web of lust and jealousy. As his feelings intensify, he grows increasingly fearful of the wrath of the woodcutter, who wields a powerful axe.

In a moment of desperation driven by jealousy, Tashi plots to kill the woodcutter with the aid of the wife, who is secretly pregnant with his child. This treacherous plan sets off a chain of events that spiral into tragedy.

After Tashi's brutal act, he flees, leaving the woodcutter gravely wounded. In a heartbreaking turn, the woodcutter's wife, Deki, chases after Tashi but meets her tragic end in a violent mountain river.

Ultimately, Tashi's wild escapades are revealed to be mere hallucinations induced by chhaang, a traditional homemade liquor. This twist raises questions about the nature of reality versus desires as Tashi's adventures unfold.

As Dondup grapples with his ambition for adventure, he finds himself emotionally connected to Sonam, the rice paper maker's daughter. Their developing relationship adds depth to his journey and reflects his internal conflicts.

After a long and colorful journey, Dondup finally manages to catch a ride toward Thimphu. This moment signifies the culmination of his adventure so far and heightens the anticipation of what lies ahead.

The film concludes with Dondup's visa interview looming, leaving audiences in suspense about his future. Will he successfully depart for the United States, or will he ultimately choose the familiarity of his home and village?

As Dondup reflects on his experiences, viewers are left pondering his evolving perspective on life in the village and the possibility of change. The decision he faces encapsulates the broader theme of balancing dreams with reality.