A group of European aristocrats ventures into the New Mexico desert on a hunting expedition, hiring a guide unfamiliar with the territory. They soon find themselves lost and in grave danger after wandering into Apache land. The situation worsens when they come under attack from the Apaches, leading to several disastrous skirmishes. The group's only hope lies in a lone, rugged ex-Cavalry officer, Shalako, who stumbles upon them. Determined to get them to safety, he takes charge and begins to lead them out of hostile territory, battling against time and the relentless Apache warriors.

As Shalako guides the group through treacherous terrain, internal tensions rise. Some of the aristocrats question his leadership, and there's friction among the party members themselves. Amid the chaos, Shalako finds an unexpected ally in Countess Irina Lazaar, a spirited member of the group who proves herself both resourceful and brave. Together, they fend off continuous threats while struggling to keep the increasingly divided group moving forward. As their journey progresses, they face not only external perils but the limits of their own endurance and trust in each other, cementing an intense struggle for survival.