Dersu amazes Arsenyev with his deep knowledge of the taiga, his ability to read the forest like an open book, and his unique respect for nature.

As they journey through the wilderness, the group encounters various challenges: Dersu wards off a tiger using only persuasion, navigates treacherous swamps, and confronts poachers, confiscating their illegally obtained goods and expelling them from the Ussuri region.

During this trek, Arsenyev falls ill and becomes trapped in a forest fire, only to be rescued by Dersu.

Borrowing a boat from local villagers, the team journeys along a freezing river but suffers a shipwreck, losing all their supplies, including warm clothing, ammunition, and food.

The group reaches the shore, where Arsenyev and the others bid a heartfelt farewell to Dersu before departing aboard their waiting ship.