Through thin air, icy slopes, and a treacherous descent, Norbu Dorje, a talented Sherpa, guides his American client safely down a Himalayan peak. However, confused responsibilities between Norbu and a rival Sherpa guide, Lhakpa, result in the death of Norbu's boss. Lhakpa, who resents Norbu and rebels against supervision, blames Norbu for the tragedy. The story spreads throughout the mountaineering community, and Norbu does not dispute it. But is he really to blame?

Wracked by guilt, Norbu abandons mountaineering, retreats to his small village, and sinks into depression. Alarmed and concerned, his kind and grounded wife spurs him to build a trekking lodge in their tiny village. Ten years after building the inn, Norbu's life is filled with interesting relationships: a spirited and headstrong daughter, a true yet simpleminded friend, a not-so-pure communist revolutionary, and a deep but seemingly misplaced monastery abbot.

Seeking purification, Norbu makes a pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet. A rude old woman belittles his devotional efforts, yet coaxes him into assisting her on her own pilgrimage. But who is she? And what does their strange last interaction mean?

After his return, Norbu tries to make sense of his Tibetan journey. Then on a rainy night, a stranger knocks at the door, asking for assistance in the rescue of a desperate trekking party. The operation brings Norbu face-to-face with his old nemesis, Lhakpa. Now his rival needs saving. How much is Norbu willing to risk for the life of an enemy?