International male model and heroin addict Ivanov Vasiliev journeys on the trans-Mongolian express from his home in London to the heart of the Gobi Desert enroute for a high-fashion modelling shoot for a luxury jewellery company. On the train, he meets his doppelganger, Nikolas Martin—a younger, less tattooed, less jaded version of himself. Mutual attraction is undeniable.

As they arrive at the gates of Khara Khoto (‘The Black City’), said to be haunted by the spirits of the thousands who died there after the Hun army took the city from the Mongols in the 13^thcentury, they realise they are not welcome.