Two Amputees Set World Record on Bhutan’s Most Dangerous Trek

By Community Correspondent

Forget kids’ movies — Bhutan’s 230-mile Snowman Trek is the kind of breathtaking, high-stakes adventure fit for a Hollywood blockbuster.

With a backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, knife-edge mountain passes, and sub-zero nights, it’s one of the toughest treks on Earth — so perilous that fewer than ten people completed it last year, compared to over 800 who reached the summit of Everest. 

It was exactly this challenge that drew two former military men and below-knee amputees, Rich Potter and Rich ‘Dickie’ Davies, to the trail.

Driven by determination, resilience, and a mission to raise funds for Blesma and the Royal British Legion, the pair embarked on the 28-day journey to not only test their limits but to redefine what’s possible for those living with disability. 

The Snowman Trek is only accessible during a narrow weather window each autumn, and even then, conditions can be brutal. In 2023, several teams were airlifted to safety after extreme weather set in. For Dickie and Rich, their journey was marked by relentless terrain, constant pain, and severe gastrointestinal illness. 

Dickie was forced to pull out halfway through after swelling made it impossible to wear his prosthetic. 

“I was distraught that I couldn’t finish the trek but it would have been too dangerous to continue,” said Dickie, who became the first amputee to complete the Half Snowman Trek alongside Rich. “Getting to be the first amputee to make the Half Snowman Trek with Rich was something special though.” 

Rich continued solo, becoming the first and only amputee to complete the full Snowman Trek, adding to the duo’s world record. 

“Dickie was the best teammate I could have had… I was crushed when he had to leave,” said Rich, who lost his leg to sepsis after an Army football injury in 2015. “On a personal note, it is awesome to be the first – and only – amputee to complete the Snowman Trek, but that record is only a piece of paper. Our bigger goal was to empower others and help create change.” 

The expedition, supported by a team of local guides, a cook, and 12 horses, required the pair to jettison kilos of gear—including spare prosthetic legs—just to start the journey.

From lush valleys to barren scree slopes, they braved temperatures as low as -27°C, relying on calorie-dense meals and sheer mental grit. 

“Taking part was a privilege and we count ourselves very lucky to have experienced it,” added Dickie. “The trekking was intense… but when we were able to look up, we were surrounded by clear blue skies and absolute silence. Bhutan is a magical place.” 

Now back home, Dickie is training in archery with hopes of reaching the Paralympics in 2028 or 2032, while Rich is focusing on family and advocacy.

Their feat serves as more than just a record—it’s a message. 

“We wanted to show what disabled people can do,” said Rich. “For many people, their challenge will be much less arduous, but it is so important for people to feel that they can push themselves and go a bit further.”