Alan Chambers MBE and Billy Perham are currently in Bhutan undertaking the Royal Marines Brotherhood Walk alongside Aldo Kane.
The team is completing the Snowman Trek, a 362 km route across the Eastern Himalayas. The expedition includes 11 high mountain passes and approximately 30 days at altitude.
This is a privately funded trek. Every pound raised goes directly to the RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, with a fundraising target of £100,000.
Alongside fundraising, the walk supports the RMA’s Lifting the Lid campaign, which promotes positive mental health and suicide prevention within the Royal Marines community. The message is simple and direct: speak up, look out for one another and ensure no one faces challenges alone.
Preparation and Purpose
Preparation extended well beyond physical conditioning.
The team worked with Dr Barry McKenna and World Extreme Medicine to refine expedition readiness, including altitude protocols and the use of a Gamow bag in remote scenarios where medical options are limited.
The Brotherhood Walk builds on last year’s Brotherhood Ride, which saw Royal Marines units visited across the UK. The aim remains consistent: strengthen community, encourage conversation and raise meaningful funds for the charity.
Creative support has also played a role. Artist Izy Shaw has produced limited edition prints inspired by the trek, helping increase awareness through her work.
Arrival in Bhutan
The team has now begun acclimatisation in Bhutan.
An early milestone was the climb to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The ascent required patience and steady pacing, offering a timely reminder that progress at altitude depends on discipline rather than speed.
As Billy noted, this journey is about more than mountains. It is about community, challenge and purpose.
Progress on the Snowman Trek
The terrain has already tested the team.
Long climbs, thin air and unpredictable weather conditions are now part of the daily routine. Despite this, morale remains strong.
At the latest update:
• 120 km completed
• 4 of 11 high passes crossed
• 242 km remaining
The team has reached the remote village of Laya, where they are pausing for 36 hours to recover and regroup. Horses are being changed over, supplies replenished and bodies rested before returning to the mountains.
The scale of the route demands resilience and careful management. Progress is steady and measured.
The Brotherhood Virtual Challenge
The Royal Marines Brotherhood Walk extends beyond Bhutan.
A virtual challenge began on 2 May, inviting people to walk, run, swim, row or cycle wherever they are. Participation is free, offering a practical way for the wider community to show support.
The objective is collective effort. Shared movement. Shared purpose.
Supporting the RMA
The Royal Marines Brotherhood Walk is ultimately about supporting the Royal Marines community.
Funds raised go directly to the RMA – The Royal Marines Charity. Just as importantly, the trek supports awareness of the Lifting the Lid campaign and the importance of open conversation around mental health.
If you would like to support the Royal Marines Brotherhood Walk and contribute to the £100,000 fundraising target for the RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, you can donate directly via the official fundraising page.
Every contribution goes straight to the charity and helps fund vital support for the Royal Marines community.
Your support matters.
