In 1939 Austria, Nazi SS Officer, Heinrich Harrer, in order to add to the German pride, leaves his country to climb Nanga Parbat in British India. After inclement weather and an injury compels them to pause, they are arrested and taken to Dehra Dun’s POW camp after declaration of WWII. He attempts to break out in vain several times, but does succeed eventually, and he, along with, Peter, ends up in the holy city of Lhasa - where foreigners are forbidden. Unable to hide for long, they are provided food and shelter, and he eventually is summoned by Dalai Lama himself. He then befriends the child, and tutors him about the world, while learning about the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha (9th incarnation of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu), but nothing will prepare them for the devastation that will follow after the Chinese decide to attack this peace-loving nation.