The Night the Mountain Answered - By Karma Dorji

Written By: Karma Dorji

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Join us in exploring the evocative world of Karma Dorji's short story "The Night the Mountain Answered" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This captivating narrative, set in a mystical village beneath a majestic table mountain, invites readers into a realm where tradition meets the supernatural. Karma Dorji, with a keen eye for detail, weaves a tale rich in cultural elements and enigmatic encounters, drawing the reader into a night filled with wonder and unexpected turns.

About the Work

Karma Dorji's short story artfully blends elements of folklore and the mystique of the natural world. The work captures the essence of mountain life, following the journey of Lemzin and Dodo as they navigate a world where currency and tradition collide. The narrative is infused with vivid imagery and symbolic undertones, offering a poignant reflection on the power of belief and the unforeseen magic that can arise from the simplest of exchanges.

The night the mountain answered

Original Submission by Karma Dorji

The Night the Mountain Answered

To every child with a curious mind, and every parent who nurtures it.

The Night the Mountain Answered

Zhompang village is located at the base of a table mountain, below Lake Jatsho, at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level. Surrounded by rhododendrons, quiet streams, and wild bushes, the village has a small wooden house facing north.

Lemzin, 65 years old woman with soft, wrinkled skin and thick grey hair, lived with her husband, Dodo. They had been living together for nearly 45 years and had raised yaks for milk, Tibetan mastiffs for protection, and horses for transport, trading goods for a living.

One night, under the light of the full moon, Lemzin rested after her daily tasks. Her skin, dry and cracked as usual, was applied with butter. She drank warm milk from a horn cup and stared at the glowing moonlight. The wind blew loudly, and the clouds slowly moved across the sky. Suddenly, Lemzin heard strange footsteps outside, slowly approaching her.

She pulled her yak's woollen blanket tighter and hid in the corner; her heartbeat raced with fear.

“Creaaak!” The door opens, and the wind blows dust on the wall. Rats bit softly at the grain sacks.

"Achoo,” suddenly, there was a sneeze.

Lemzin's tears rolled down her cheeks in fear, turned off her lamp and tried to stay still and breathe quietly. The footsteps and hoofbeats grew louder and closer. Her clay pot fell over and broke. Too sacred, Lemzin tried to shrink under a wool blanket and wrapped her husband’s clothes around her.

The door closed again. Rain began to fall, thunder boomed, and lightning lit up the sky. The wind rushed loudly, and the clouds covered the moon.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door.

A rough, old voice kept saying, banging on the door, "Open the door."

Out of fear, Lemzin took her dragon-faced walking stick and a sickle. A tall man was standing next to a horse.

“Dodo!” Lemzin shouted, tears rolling down her face. "I didn’t think you’d come back so fast!"

Dodo last went two months ago to trade in Pani Khola near the southern border. Usually, he comes back after a month with salt, rice, and clothes. This time, Dodo returned with just a basket and something wrapped in a red scarf.

Lemzin asked, "What is this?” as she reached into the basket and pulled out some silver coins.

“These are Ma-trum coins-pure silver. A new way to trade that's simpler than bartering. It's quicker, safer, and fairer.” Dodo replied as he took a sip of buttered tea.

Lemzin replied sharply, “We have no salt, tea, or clothes. Only a little rice left!”

Dodo ignored her anger and kept drinking, saying good things about the new currency. Lemzin counted the coins again, still not convinced.

The next morning, the sky was wet and blue. Birds chirped, cows mooed, and bees buzzed around the flowers. Dodo burned incense, made offerings, and thanked Lake Jatsho before leaving for Shompangkha, a town forty miles south with Lemzin and their horse, Zamba.

At the market, Dodo gave a silver coin to a shopkeeper and asked for rice.

Sorry,” she said, laughing, her mouth stained from betelnut. "We don’t accept this.”

Dodo explained, "I got this coin from a businessman at Leptakha while returning from Pani Khola, and I traded my goods for it." A crowd gathered and mocked him. Some spat on the coin. The shopkeeper laughed and said, “It is useless!”

Others also mocked and spat at the coin. After moving from shop to shop, Lemzin and Dodo found no one wanted the coins. Tired, confused, and heartbroken, they started their journey home with only coins.

As they went along the path through a pine forest, Zamba stopped, snorted, and refused to go further.

“What happened, Dodo?” Lemzin asked, taking a deep breath and looking worried.

Dodo looked ahead. The trees fell and broke in half. There was a bad smell. White, rough hair was on the trees.

A wide line of footprints led into the bushes.

“Yeti,” Dodo whispered-the snow ghost.

A sudden growl rolled through the forest, low and heavy.

Lemzin grabbed Dodo’s arm. “We should turn back.”

Dodo didn’t move. “No… we’ve come too far.”

A large figure appeared from the fog-a tall, messy white and grey fur that mixed with the mist. Its glowing amber eyes looked at them calmly, not with anger, but with quiet understanding.

Dodo slowly reached into his pouch and offered a silver coin. “Take this… and spare us.”

Yeti looked at the coin, then turned back to them. It growled softly, almost sadly. Then it turned and disappeared into the mist.

When the Yeti left, everything felt quiet and safe. The path opened again.

They walked home in silence, unable to forget what had happened.

That night, Lemzin sat by the fire and turned the silver coin in her hand as the wind blew through the trees. There was a soft thud outside.

Dodo stood up and opened the door. On the doorstep was a heavy sack filled with rice, tea leaves, cloth, and salt.

No one was nearby. A trail of large footprints led back into the forest. The coin in Lemzin’s hand gave off a faint, silver glow. She smiled softly.

'Perhaps some trades,” she said, smiling. “Some trades involve magic.”

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary creativity, inviting participants from around the world to share their unique voices and stories. This prestigious platform encourages writers to explore diverse themes and styles, fostering a global community of creative expression. The competition showcases a rich tapestry of talent, providing a space for both emerging and established writers to shine.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Karma Dorji for sharing "The Night the Mountain Answered" with us. This enchanting tale, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the magic inherent in storytelling. Thank you, Karma, for enriching our world with your creativity and imagination.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.