He attempts to break out several times in vain, but finally does succeed along with Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis), and they end up in the holy city of Lhasa - a place banned to foreigners. Then WWII breaks out, they are arrested and lodged in Dehra Dun's P.O.W. An egoist and a loner, he does not get along with others on his team - but must bend to their wishes after bad weather threatens them. After the death of 11 climbers, Austrian Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) decides to add glory to his country and to the Austrian pride by climbing Nanga Parbat in British India, and leaves his expectant wife behind.
