An aging chiefs last stand, lessons for the new, and the education of a young chief-to-be played against harsh Nature in Nepals Dolpo. When his son dies returning from Tibets salt lakes, Tinle blames Karma, his sons friend, refuses to give Karma his blessing as the new chief, and organizes a rival caravan to take the salt to lower Nepal to trade for grain. He, a few old men, his sons widow, his grandson, and his second son, a monk, set out on the arduous journey. Fearing storms, Karma has led his caravan out of the village before the auspicious day ordained by the lamas. Tinles group catches Karmas before the final pass; the two stubborn men lock wills with Tinles grandson watching.