[3] The film is a narrative on both the traditions and the impermanent nature of human struggle to retain and express power in the face of the gods.

The film depicts not only the life style of the upper Dolpo people of the mid western uphills of Nepal but also their traditional customs, for example celestial burial.

At the beginning of the film, Lhakpa, the heir to the chieftainship of the tribe, is revealed to have died in a botched attempt to navigate a shortcut.

Karma, seeking to prove himself as a worthy leader, departs a few days before the scheduled departure of the caravan, leaving behind only the youngest and oldest members of the tribe.

Tinle decides to lead the remainder of the community in a caravan with the remaining salt, recruiting his monastic son, Norbou, to join his endeavors, on the original set day of departure.

Tinle predicts an oncoming snowstorm and immediately commands the caravan to depart, which Karma refutes as the sky is clear.

Himalaya was shot in widescreen over nine months on location in a region that can only be reached on foot, with all but two characters played by real chiefs, lamas and local villagers.